Piscataway Man’s Lifelong Mission to Empower Fathers and Rebuild Families Across New Jersey
One Piscataway man has spent his life helping fathers heal family bonds after economic, social, and emotional hardships. For almost a decade, William “Bill” Davis, 77, has been a client services expert at The Father Center of New Jersey, a Trenton charity that helps men be better fathers, partners, and community members.
Davis considers social work a calling, not a job. He helps people with compassion and active listening. Davis often says, “People can sense sincerity.” People can sense you care over the phone.” Trenton, Camden, Burlington, and Westampton-based The Father Center helps 800 fathers annually. His empathy and nonjudgment make him a trusted character.
Davis’s everyday tasks exceed intake assessments. He listens to most clients’ stories and often uncovers concerns in their first appointment. Many men confess addiction or mental trauma after seeking employment help. Davis leads them to anger management, parenting, and rehabilitation programs instead of rejecting them. He helps people restore their life.
Davis claims the center’s programs have benefited over 3,000 fathers in 13 years. Each success story supports his belief that empathy changes. “Many of our clients have been hurt or let down by the system,” Davis says. They know they are not judged when they enter our doors. They sense finally being heard.”
His coworkers and clients admire him. The center’s senior program manager, Yanira Medina, called Davis a unique link. “Even the most reserved clients eventually open up to him,” Medina said. People trust him. Even employees go to him for advice and support.”
Davis was an AT&T computer professional for nearly 30 years before entering social work. After retiring from business, he became community-minded. While working with Love Thy Neighbor, a Monmouth County nonprofit ministry, Davis showed his compassion in the late 1990s. He was encouraged to work full-time in social work by ministry authorities because of his ability to connect with the disadvantaged.
This encouragement inspired Davis to serve, empathize, and change. After years of volunteering and working with many charities, he joined The Father Center of New Jersey in 2012. He said the company’s client focus drew him. “I wanted to be somewhere that truly cared about the people we served,” Davis said. “Exactly what I found here.”
The lives Davis has changed are his reward, not celebrity. He recalls a previous substance abuser who approached him years later, dressed professionally and proud. “He told me he was clean, had a great job, and was reunited with his family,” Davis added. When asked what altered his life, he said, ‘You, Mr. Bill.’
That meeting showed Davis why he works hard. He thought, “You never know how your words or actions can change someone’s life.” “That inspires me daily.”
Through calm compassion and hard work, Bill Davis has become more than a mentor—he’s a symbol of hope for fathers seeking a second shot. His story shows that one person can heal families and alter New Jersey neighborhoods with empathy and patience.
Sources
The Father Center of New Jersey
Interviews and statements from William “Bill” Davis
Comments by Yanira Medina
