Who We Are
About No Father Left Behind
No Father Left Behind was born out of a simple promise and a moment that changed everything.
While working as a GED teacher at a county jail, our founder, Shaquille Armstrong, met an inmate who was determined to pass his exam. Shaquille promised him that if he succeeded, he would ask the Sheriff for a small gift or token to celebrate his achievement. The inmate worked hard, and when he finally passed, Shaquille kept his word and asked him what gift he wanted.
But instead of asking for something for himself, the father said, “I want my gift to go to my daughter. Christmas is coming, and I want her to know I’m thinking of her. She’s the reason I worked so hard to pass.”
That moment stopped Shaquille in his tracks. It revealed something powerful: even behind bars, many fathers carry deep love, responsibility, and the desire to provide for and connect with their children. Yet, too often, systemic barriers and stigma stand in the way of those relationships.
Out of this experience came a vision to create a space where fathers are not forgotten, where their efforts to grow and provide for their children are recognized, and where families can begin to heal.
That vision became No Father Left Behind, Inc.
Because when fathers are present, supported, and empowered, children and communities are stronger.
No Father Left Behind is more than an organization. It’s a promise one made years ago in a county jail, and one we continue to keep today: that no father striving to be better will ever be left behind.
While working as a GED teacher at a county jail, our founder, Shaquille Armstrong, met an inmate who was determined to pass his exam. Shaquille promised him that if he succeeded, he would ask the Sheriff for a small gift or token to celebrate his achievement. The inmate worked hard, and when he finally passed, Shaquille kept his word and asked him what gift he wanted.
But instead of asking for something for himself, the father said, “I want my gift to go to my daughter. Christmas is coming, and I want her to know I’m thinking of her. She’s the reason I worked so hard to pass.”
That moment stopped Shaquille in his tracks. It revealed something powerful: even behind bars, many fathers carry deep love, responsibility, and the desire to provide for and connect with their children. Yet, too often, systemic barriers and stigma stand in the way of those relationships.
Out of this experience came a vision to create a space where fathers are not forgotten, where their efforts to grow and provide for their children are recognized, and where families can begin to heal.
That vision became No Father Left Behind, Inc.
Because when fathers are present, supported, and empowered, children and communities are stronger.
No Father Left Behind is more than an organization. It’s a promise one made years ago in a county jail, and one we continue to keep today: that no father striving to be better will ever be left behind.