KENOSHA, Wis. — Men from Kenosha and Racine counties, particularly non-custodial fathers, will have an opportunity this summer to attend a free two-day conference focused on strengthening families, improving employment opportunities, and helping fathers become more engaged in their children’s lives.
The Racine Kenosha ELEV8 Men’s Conference is scheduled for Aug. 7-8 at Carthage College. Organizers say the event will combine practical workshops, mentorship, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and access to community resources designed to promote long-term success for participants.
The conference is geared toward men in general but places a special emphasis on non-custodial fathers—parents who do not have primary physical custody of their children but often maintain visitation schedules and continue to have financial responsibilities, including court-ordered child support obligations.
According to organizers, the event is an extension of the ELEVATE program, which stands for Empowering Lives through Education, Vocational Assessment, Training and Employment. The initiative works to help parents overcome barriers involving employment, child support, co-parenting, and legal issues with the goal of improving family stability and self-sufficiency.
Waleed Ahmad, coordinator of Racine County Workforce Solutions’ ELEVATE program, said the conference is designed to provide practical tools that participants can immediately apply to their daily lives.
“Non-custodial fathers often face unique hurdles as they work to stay engaged, responsible, and present in their children’s lives. This conference is about ensuring they don’t face those challenges alone,” Ahmad said. “We’re creating a space where men can build practical skills, strengthen family connections, and access the support they need to move toward stability and long-term success. When non-custodial fathers thrive, their children, families, and communities thrive with them.”
The conference agenda will feature sessions covering identity, purpose and integrity, financial stewardship, health and wellness, emotional resilience, parenting, and leadership. Organizers have also planned lunch-and-learn presentations highlighting careers in the building trades and entrepreneurship.
A resource fair will operate throughout both days, giving attendees the opportunity to meet with employers and organizations that provide employment assistance, education, and family support services.
Racine County Executive Ralph Malicki said the ELEVATE program represents a different approach to helping families.
“The ELEVATE program is transforming how we support families in our community. Instead of relying on traditional, punitive enforcement, we are partnering with parents to help them overcome barriers to employment, access to training and build stability,” Malicki said.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman also voiced support for the initiative.
“Helping parents to overcome obstacles and build strong families is at the heart of what we do in county government, and ELEVATE is a shining example of this mission in action,” Kerkman said. “There are many resources available to help parents advance their careers and lift up their families, and I encourage our residents to seek them out.”
The conference is free to attend, but advance registration is required by July 24. Organizers are also seeking sponsors to help offset programming and logistical costs. Additional information, registration details, and information about the ELEVATE program are available through the conference organizers.
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