TAMPA — Gold Medal Dads is making a difference in communities by providing a safe space for father’s to learn how to become the best dad possible.

“This program really helped me and my wife out,” said Gold Medal Dad Jaycob Strubbe. “When I first got to the states, I had nobody, no friends, no famliy out here. We came from Puerto Rico - just us, me and my wife and 13 bags.”

Shortly after Strubbe said he found Gold Medal Dads. The program was referred to him by the Pinellas County Health Department, as he and his wife were in a pursuit for support in their new home.

“My youngest son Dillon is six now but those first six months I was home with him,” said Strubbe. “My wife made a higher wage working in health care, so it made since for me to stay home.”

Stubbe said he became a stay at home dad, fulltime with the help of Gold Medal Dads.

“The group gave me a sense of community,” he said. “Being a newcomer to the country and dealing with the loneliness of not having family or friends - the program provided an outlet for someone to talk to. My wife was working five days a week, 10 hours a day. I was home with the kids all day.”

 Now, years later - Strubbe not only earned his Gold Medal Dad honor but he’s keeping the mission going. He became a counselor.

“I remember what it was like to have that support in the beginning so I’m glad to do that for other people.”

Strubbe makes trips to the homes of father’s in the group, to give them the latest safety protocols for young kids, feed them - or just be a person to talk to.

“This program is made specifically for father’s and or father figures; If you feel like you need guidance, just let us know and we’ll be here for you," he said.