breaking barriers through family empowerment
What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a city-wide movement driven by data, grounded in mentorship, and proven through outcomes. We pair education with research-backed solutions that move fathers, families, and systems forward. As we look ahead, we’re evolving with intention—tracking what works, pushing for change where it’s needed most, and staying relentlessly focused on the needs of the communities we serve.
We believe the positive impact parents have on their children can shape future generations.
OUR HistoryOur impact through the years
The Dovetail Project was born in 2009 from one young father's hope to change the story for others like him. Founded by Sheldon Smith at just 21, he understood the weight of fatherhood and the barriers that often stood in the way. Determined to create something different, he gathered fewer than ten young men in a small borrowed space. What began as honest conversations soon grew into a movement—one rooted in love, responsibility, and the belief that every father deserves the chance to thrive and lead his family forward.
Those first years were built on grit and heart. With no staff and limited resources, Sheldon created a welcoming home at Jackson Park Fieldhouse, where fathers could learn, grow, and support one another. In 2016, the world took notice—Sheldon's recognition as a CNN Hero shone a global light on The Dovetail Project. That same year, a transformative $1 million investment from Chicago Beyond propelled the organization into a new era of growth and impact. Cohorts tripled, programming expanded citywide, and partnerships flourished. By its 10th anniversary, more than 500 young men had graduated. Each father carried more than a certificate; they carried confidence, tools, and hope—strengthening their families and reshaping the futures of their children.
When the world changed in 2020, The Dovetail Project refused to step back—it stepped up. In the first year of launching the Fatherhood Relief Fund, more than 4,000 families received food, essentials, and critical support during the pandemic. To date, that impact has grown to reach over 14,000 families. This response reflected the same spirit that fueled our earliest days: resilience, innovation, and care. As in-person programs returned, the need for support proved greater than ever. From 2023 to date, we have launched an ambitious plan to expand capacity, strengthen systems, and empower staff and fathers alike. Today, with over 750 alumni and the 30th cohort underway, The Dovetail Project stands as a thriving community—proving that when fathers are supported, families grow stronger, and entire generations are transformed.
The future of fatherhood is bright.
The Dovetail Project envisions a future where fathers are not just present, but powerful forces for change in their families and communities. We believe that when young fathers are equipped with opportunity, support, and a voice, they rewrite the future—not only for their children, but for generations to come. By investing in fathers today, we are shaping a stronger, safer, and more equitable tomorrow for Chicago and beyond.
The Positive effects of fatherhood involvementChildren with active fathers in their lives are
75%
Less likely to become young parents themselves
80%
Less likely to spend time in jail
43%
More likely to earn A’s in school
Our Programs
Fatherhood Program
Fathers Ages 17-24
Teaching young fathers the responsibilities of parenthood, emphasizing their importance in the lives of their children.
Fatherhood Relief Fund
Our Community
Distributing free baby and personal care items, household essentials, and other critical goods to families in need in Chicagoland.
Dovetail Family Health Initiative
All Fathers
Empowering fathers as active partners in family health, and promoting equitable well-being for all.
Meet Our Leaders
Sheldon Smith
Founder
Sheldon L. Smith is a visionary social entrepreneur whose life's work is reshaping what fatherhood means. At just 21, his own journey into fatherhood lit a fire that became The Dovetail Project—a movement giving fathers the tools, knowledge, and community to lead their families forward. What began as a donated room inside the 3rd District Police Station on Chicago’s South Side has grown into one of the nation’s most transformative fatherhood initiatives—raising more than $5 million, empowering thousands of families, and proving that when fathers rise, communities rise with them. Honored as a CNN Hero, Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur, and Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award recipient, Sheldon's story has inspired millions through CNN, The Today Show, People Magazine, Ellen, and beyond.
Vernon Owens
Senior Director of Programs and Community Engagement
Vernon L. Owens is a dynamic leader in fatherhood engagement and urban community transformation. As Senior Director of Program and Community Engagement at The Dovetail Project, he has helped redefine what support for fathers looks like in Chicago and beyond—graduating more than 700 young fathers and providing essential support to over 14,000 families. With more than 13 years of experience in grassroots outreach, program design, and strategic partnerships, Vernon is known for his rare ability to connect with and inspire young men facing systemic barriers. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is driven by his personal story and unwavering belief in the power of family to build stronger fathers, stronger families, and stronger communities.
