Participants are strict about attendance, not wanting to miss any of the life-changing sessions that are offered. One father, Itzik, told the newcomers that the Afikim program had changed his life. As a single father working two jobs, Itzik rarely has time to spend with his children and yet he wants them to have a wholesome life. He doesn’t want his children dropping out of school and wandering the streets, like he did. He wants them to have more, and that means a better education, positive attention and good role models. Afikim has not only enabled him to provide his children with academic enrichment but it has helped him turn his time with his kids into quality time. Itzik says he has not only become more patient and understanding but he feels that by attending Afikim's classes for parents he is leading the way to a better future for his kids. And that, he says, is what being a father is all about.

Another mother also welcomed the newcomers and told them how Afikim has changed her life. Her weekly meetings have forced her to take control of her life. She looks forward to going out in the evenings, having intelligent discussion and meeting other adults with similar issues. Afikim has helped her gain a new perspective on life and realize that even when things are really difficult, they are not impossible.

In its third year, the Afikim Parental Empowerment Centers across the country offer scores of parents of children at-risk an opportunity to meet once a week and enrich themselves. The long-term program focuses on restoring self confidence and hope to parents, by offering workshops in financial planning, job hunting, etc… designed to help parents gain control over their lives and their families. The program not only introduces the participants to experts in a variety of fields it also encourages shared discussion and problem solving. Participants express their emotions, build relationships with others, and together they master difficult situations.