MAD DADS Committed to Safer Streets in Pittsburgh

By Layla Joseph

Men Against Destruction-Defending Against Drugs and Social-Disorder (MAD DADS) is an organization that was founded in Nebraska in 1989.

This national organization started after a group of angry parents grew tired of gang violence and drug use in their community, according to MAD DADS’ National website.

MAD DADs of Greater Pittsburgh has made it their mission to protect communities by developing neighborhood patrols and community-based programs.

Street Patrols that are implemented by the greater Pittsburgh organization in an effort to be responsible citizens and show their commitment to keeping the streets safe.

With the MAD DADS’ uniforms consisting of black, green and white, along with their orange vests, there is no confusing them with police officers, which the organization does purposefully.

“Under no circumstances will we undertake the responsibility of police,” the organization noted online. “Our goal is not to intimidate nor provoke anyone, but to be firm in our commitment to protect our community.”

While they do not have the same power as police, the organization still does their best to protect and serve and sometimes work hand-in-hand with police officials.

MAD DADS of Greater Pittsburgh are willing to be present at community events at community members’ request.

Members of the organization assist victimized people in the community, including protected classes, children or elderly people, and expose known drug activity to proper authorities.

Not only do the MAD DADS devote their time to make a difference through their commitment to the community’s safety; the organization performs community outreach activities to connect with local youth through programs like Surrogate Dads.

According to the Children’s Bureau of Southern California, youth who have a strong and loving father figure are more likely to succeed emotionally, academically, socially and behaviorally; children with father figures are also 80% less likely to spend time in jail.

By allowing youth to have positive role models, they hope to influence kids into becoming well-off adults.

“We must impress upon (the kids) that we love and care about their feelings, failures and frustrations,” the website reads. “We make direct eye contact when we say, ‘I love you.’ This may be one of the few times some of these young people have ever heard those words uttered with any kind of sincerity.”

The Moms Division of the greater Pittsburgh organization shares the same goal of bettering the community and fostering wellness in Pittsburgh youth.

Women involved in the organization take a holistic approach by helping our city’s youth establish social skills, boost self-awareness and self-esteem while encouraging healthy development.