About the Center for Fatherless Youth Development (CFFYD)

Jonathan, founder and leader of the Center for Fatherless Youth Development in Africa with orphans

“Can you be our father?”

While traveling in West Africa, Jonathan met two boys, ages nine and eleven, living along the beach after being abandoned by their parents following civil unrest. Despite their circumstances, when asked about their future, both boys said they wanted to become pastors. Moved by their faith, Jonathan shared a meal with them and purchased new clothes and shoes. But before the evening ended, they asked a question that would stay with him:

“Can you be our father?”

He said yes—and meant it. That moment gave new meaning to the biblical call to care for the fatherless and became the inspiration for the Center for Fatherless Youth Development. What began with two boys on a beach grew into a commitment to create structured, sustainable environments where young people receive guidance, opportunity, and consistent support—and are prepared to build stronger families and communities for generations to come.

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Our Mission

We envision communities where no young person is limited by fatherlessness because every child is surrounded by caring relationships, meaningful opportunities, and a community committed to helping them heal, lead, and thrive.

Jonathan and Camarie, founders and leaders of the Center for Fatherless Youth Development

Our Vision

To equip fatherless and opportunity youth with the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to heal, lead, and thrive through a comprehensive continuum of care that builds stronger families and communities.

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78+ Youth Served

157 Clothing Items Distributed

501(c)(3) NONPROFIT

EIN: 41-4146969

$17k Awarded in Scholarships

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

WE’RE DEVOTED TO SERVING FATHERLESS YOUTH

Building Stability for Youth Facing Housing Insecurity

We support young people living in group homes, homeless shelters, and other unstable housing situations with resources that help create a stronger foundation for adulthood.

A young man sitting on the ground, holding his head with both hands, wearing a camouflage jacket, light blue jeans, and checkered slip-on shoes.

Supporting Youth Affected by Military Loss or Disability

We serve young people experiencing fatherlessness due to the loss of a father in combat or the effects of a service-connected disability on the household.

Close-up of three people holding hands. The two on the left and right are wearing camouflage military pants and tan combat boots. The person in the center is wearing a gray jacket with black pockets and blue jeans.

Helping Youth Navigate Unexpected or Medical Loss

We support young people who have lost a father due to an unforeseen circumstance, illness, or medical condition as they move toward greater stability and opportunity.

An adult woman and a young girl sit closely on a beige couch, holding hands and looking at each other.

SUPPORTING THE WHOLE CHILD THROUGH OUR 4-E FRAMEWORK

CFFYD’s integrated 4E Framework addresses the interconnected needs that shape a young person's ability to thrive, combining essential support, education, environmental stewardship, and economic development into one coordinated approach.

Framework in Action
Illustration of three hands, two light-skinned and one dark-skinned, holding a globe with a red heart symbol on it.

ESSENTIAL NEEDS

Building stability through access to foundational resources.

A graphic illustration of the Earth surrounded by green recycling arrows, symbolizing environmental sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Developing responsibility, leadership, and connection to community.

Stack of three books with a yellow light bulb glowing on top.

EDUCATION

Expanding pathways to learning, mentorship, and opportunity.

Graphic of a green upward trending arrow above stacked gold coins with dollar signs, representing financial growth or profit.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Preparing youth for career readiness and long-term independence.

A golden logo featuring a globe with grid lines and a stylized figure with three upward-reaching arms, surrounded by abstract shapes.
An adult man and a teenage boy smiling and embracing each other, both wearing long-sleeve shirts, with the man in a light peach shirt and the boy in a purple shirt. The man has short, dark hair with gray at the temples, and the boy has glasses and a short, textured haircut.

Our Leadership

  • Jonathan Rogers, president and CEO of CFFYD in business attire standing inside a modern office building with glass walls and bright lighting.

    Jonathan Rogers

    PRESIDENT & CEO

  • Camarie Rogers, Chief operating officer of CFFYD wearing a white blazer and colorful blouse, standing indoors with a modern, well-lit background.

    Camarie Rogers

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Learn More

Our Board of Directors

  • Cristhian Andrews

    INITIATIVE EQUITY PARTNERS

  • India Chumney

    SAM MINISTRIES

  • Hansel Johnson

    COMMAND THE ROOM COACHING

  • Dr. Charrita Danley

    ED ADVANCEMENT

  • Keenan Allen

    HERITAGE LEGACY FINANCIAL

Our Advisory Council

  • Felix Robles

    1st SGT, U.S. MARINE CORPS (Retired)

  • Millie Robles

    VA BEACH CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Retired)

Our Core Values

  • We lead by serving first, modeling humility, integrity, and responsibility as we guide youth and communities toward lasting growth.

  • We approach every program and interaction with purpose, designing solutions that thoughtfully address real needs and create measurable impact.

  • We give generously and act compassionately, meeting immediate needs while fostering dignity, hope, and long-term opportunity.

  • We build strong, connected relationships, working alongside families and local leaders to create environments where individuals and communities thrive.

Our Partners

  • Logo for Cherry Willow featuring pink text and a green hand in the center.
  • Logo for Nail Technology Training and Education Center featuring a purple graduation cap, a nail polish brush, a painted nail, and a circular emblem with a hand and tools.
  • OBICi Healthcare Foundation logo with a stylized eye design.
  • A person's foot stepping on a staircase with motivational words carved into the stairs, including 'YOUTH,' 'EMPOWERED,' and 'SOLUTIONS'.
  • Logo of A Dn J Youth & Family Services with a purple abstract human figure and leaf design.
  • A black background with a gold crest featuring the initials 'HF' inside a shield, surrounded by laurel branches and a crown on top, with the words 'Heritage Legacy Financial' written below.
  • Logo for Edgar Cayce's ARE Cayce Reilly School of Massage, featuring a soaring bird with outstretched wings, a circular blue background, and a small golden olive branch
  • A badge featuring the Hampton Police Department, with the American flag, Virginia state flag, eagles, and a gold shield with a city scene and the department's name.
  • StandUp for Kids logo in purple with a stylized figure of a person standing and reaching upwards.
  • Beasley Brands logo with purple and gray text

Help Us Create More Opportunities For Them!

Whether you give, volunteer, mentor, partner, provide professional expertise, or open a door to a new opportunity, there is a place for you in this work.

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