About

Father’s Helping Fathers (FHF) is a national not-for-profit corporation based in Palatine, Illinois.
FHF is a frontrunner in the struggle to raise awareness about the positive influence fathers have on child development and on family structure itself. Furthermore, FHF is a strong proponent of changing legislation to give fathers more rights, responsibility and accountability in cases of child custody. We are strongly committed to growing public awareness of the negative stereotype given to fathers. FHF helps un-wed and divorced fathers needing legal advice in regards to gaining more parenting time, visitation and custody of their children.

FHF provide information on parenting classes to help fathers by giving them the most up-to-date information regarding child development and rearing. We encourage fathers to continually educate themselves in all aspects of child rearing. To facilitate this, FHF works with various community organizations to provide beneficial parenting development events, support groups and round-table discussions. Our support groups provide a non-judgmental forum where dads can discuss and solve common issues and problems.

One of the most important issues that relates to the struggle of committed fathers is that of parenting time. FHF’s goal is to ensure that children continue to have meaningful relationships with both parents, regardless of marital status. We advocate on behalf of all non-custodial parents to ensure they get equitable treatment in court and continued access to their children. In addition, we work to promote gender equality in Divorce and Custody issues.

FHF recognizes the value of fatherhood and supports the concept of true joint custody, where parents work together for the best interests of their children. When joint custody is not possible or workable, we often advocate for fathers as custodial parents. Statistics show that custodial fathers are the most likely to encourage a positive relationship between their children and the other parent and to raise happy, healthy children.

For fathers truly committed to the well-being of their children, FHF is here for you. You are not alone and together we can contribute to the success and happiness of our children. Our ultimate goal is to be the best parents we can be for our children, and with education and support we will succeed!

Aaron Del Mar
Aaron was born as an only child to Vic & Betty Del Mar and was raised in Palatine, Illinois. A product of District 15 & 211 schools (Sanborn & Sundling), he graduated from Palatine High School in 1996. During his high school career, Aaron was on the varsity wrestling team, earning All-State honors and setting several school records. Aaron earned a scholarship to Indiana University-Bloomington and graduated with a degree in Public Management from their nationally-ranked school of Public and Environmental Affairs. During his time at Indiana, Aaron was a varsity letter winner in wrestling, a three-time Judo All-American and a member of the 2000 University World Judo Team.

An entrepreneur, Aaron now owns several companies. They include Adrenaline Sports Management, which produces running races and endurance events across the country and Articulate Promotions, a marketing firm that specializes in party planning, sports management and corporate marketing and promotions.

Aaron founded FHF in 2006 after a 3 year struggle to get time with his son, Konnor. Information about where and when his sons birth took place were withheld from him, and subsequent attempts at contact and visitation were repeatedly thwarted. He traveled the country in the hopes of gaining access and time with Konnor. After considerable emotional and legal efforts, the courts awarded him primary custody.

Contact Aaron at [email protected]

Mike Smolka
Mike was born in the suburbs of Chicago and split his childhood between the ever changing temperatures of the midwest and the sun of Ft. Lauderdale. Mike earned his undergraduate degree from Chicago State University where he played baseball and was an all-conference and all-region infielder and three time captain. He went on to graduate with his MBA from Roosevelt University with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications. After running the marketing departments at multiple companies, he was blessed with the announcement that he would soon be a dad. While the time should have been a blessing, it turned into a chaotic nightmare.

While rarely getting a chance to see his son grow in the womb, he struggled with the prospect of wanting to be there for his son when he arrived, but not knowing if he would be able to. From the first hours of his young sons life, the opportunity to bond and form a relationship was not made available to him by his son’s mother. Within days of his birth, Mike knew that he would have to fight to be a part of his son’s life. After a long battle to ensure that he would be there to teach, guide, nurture, and support his son, that at times would include going months without seeing him, Mike was granted sole custody.

After being party to and witnessing the struggles that father’s went through just to be a part of their children’s lives, Mike returned to school to pursue his law degree. He is currently attending The John Marshall Law School with plans to practice in the area of Family Law upon graduation.

Contact Mike at [email protected]