Dora Gilreath is the communications assistant at Good Dads. She joined the team in 2024 and has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in creative writing at Missouri State University. She loves reading, writing and anything related to theater.
Mason Biaggi
Before Good Dads, father of three, with one on the way, Mason Biaggi’s life wasn’t looking the brightest. His struggles with addiction led to his place of employment threatening termination if he didn’t get his life back on track. His relationship with his now wife, Lena, was “on its last leg.”
“We were both debating whether or not to continue the relationship,” he admitted. “In the past, we stayed in relationships solely for the kids, which didn’t work for either one of us. Before Good Dads, it was at the point where we were done.”
Mason learned about Good Dads while he was staying at Whosoever House, a Stotts City-based program designed to help people become drug-free and strengthen their faith. One of the requirements of the program is to take Good Dads classes.
He admitted he was hesitant about taking the classes at first. His first impression was that he was going to be told things he already knew. But, he soon discovered, that couldn’t have been further from the truth! The main takeaway Mason got from the six-month New Pathways for Good Dads program were the lessons on communication, from different forms of communication and listening techniques to the power of slowing down and not raising your voice.
Both Good Dads 2.0 and Within My Reach provide valuable lessons on strengthening relationships and communication. While attending classes, Mason was already noticing an improvement.
“Lena and I both struggled with communication,” he admitted. “We didn’t know how to voice how we were feeling or what we expected from each other. When drugs got involved, it spiraled our relationship. (Learning) how to communicate was definitely the lifeline, the savior of the relationship.”
Since joining and completing the New Pathways program, Mason’s support system has flourished. Before, when he was struggling with addiction, he thought the people who sold him drugs and gave him what he wanted were his support. In the end, according to Mason, they only stuck around for their own advantage. As soon as that was gone, they would leave.
Mason said that, for him, seeking support and asking for help was difficult at first.
“I never used to have (a support system),” he admitted. “I used to think everything had to be done by me and that I knew how to do everything, but I don’t. I like to pretend I do sometimes, but I know I don’t.”
Because of Good Dads, Mason now has a larger group of people to call upon who all have different experiences, allowing him to ask for help in different areas of need. For example, if he needs advice on how to help his seven-year-old stepson, he can call a friend with a similar experience and ask them for advice.
“I know I can call at least eight to ten phone numbers,” he said. “I know they’d be there for me, no questions asked, and if they call on me, I’ll be right there for them.”
Not only has Mason’s support group and relationships increased since finishing Good Dads classes, his relationship with Jesus and his faith have increased as well. Even though Good Dads and NPGD is not a faith-based initiative, Mason says being a part of the program has allowed him to increase his trust in God.
“The morals and values the (New Pathways) classes teach you go hand in hand with Biblical morals,” he said. “They made a big difference.”
He was able to form fellowship with other classmates, as well as his NPGD class facilitators Dick and Dwight, through prayer.
“Build a relationship with Jesus, listen more than talk, and trust in the process,” he said.
Faith played a huge role in Mason’s journey—faith in his religion, and faith in himself, too. To fathers who are just starting the program, Mason says you have to want to work on yourself and you have to believe there can be a change in your life.
“Be accountable,” he stressed. “Say what you mean to say. If I say something, I mean it, and if I mean something, I say it.”
Fathers play an integral role in the lives of families. Mason grew up with both parents, and they’re still married to this day, but he knew a lot of people whose didn’t have the same stability. Mason described those households as “pure chaos.”
“Fathers are the example children follow,” he said. “They’re part of the foundation of a family. Fatherhood is about taking responsibility and being there.”
Mason had the honor of participating in the New Pathways graduation ceremony on June 12th in Springfield, MO. He loved wearing a suit, joking that he had to have his ego talked down.
“I haven’t participated in that many ceremonies,” he admitted. “(Good Dads) did a great job; they made sure each and every one of us acknowledged our accomplishments.”
Mason has been drug-free for nearly a year, gaining back his job with Select Brands as a maintenance technician, where he has a copy of his graduation certificate hanging up, right next to his toolbox.
“Apparently I’m a good worker,” he joked.
As far as the future goes, Mason wants to maintain his self-improvement journey by learning more and strengthening his relationship with Christ and his family. With another baby on the way, Mason knows he has many more challenges ahead of him, but he hopes to utilize the lessons he’s learned through the New Pathways program to help him succeed.
“Ultimately, I want to see my family thrive and be happy,” he said.
