While replaying the conversation in his mind, Michael Johnson becomes anxious, and his body begins to ache. His mind is cluttered with feelings of regret and delight.

At 20, Johnson's girlfriend told him she was pregnant. He knew he was not ready, financially or mentally, to become a father. Nevertheless, he wanted the child.

"I wanted the child because that was something I wanted to experience. It is amazing to see something you helped create," said Johnson.

Recently, Y-Press interviewed Johnson, 23, and Robert Williams, 26, who also became a father at a young age. Johnson has a 3-year-old son, Marcellis, and a 3-month-old daughter, Chante. Williams has a 7-year-old daughter, Jasmine, and a 3-year-old son, Robert. Williams was 19 when his girlfriend became pregnant. He, like Johnson, said he was not ready to become a father but knew he had no choice.

"I thought, 'There is nothing I can do now.' I don't think I was ready. {lbra}But{rbra} I wanted one. I wanted to see what it felt like to be a father," said Williams.

After his girlfriend had their second child, Johnson decided to join the Father Resource Program based at Wishard Health Services. Williams also joined the program after his second child was born.

"I joined at the beginning of the year. My girlfriend told me about it on the last day (to sign up), and I was accepted into the program," Johnson said.

The Father Resource Program has served more than 500 young fathers in the past five years, according to its five-year report.

The program's primary objective is to enhance the capability of young fathers to become responsible parents.

To that end, it assists both fathers and mothers with developing skills necessary to find employment and to cooperate in the care of their children.

The program is funded by several local foundations and is partnered with a variety of local programs, including the Marion County Prosecutor's Office of Child Support Enforcement.

Even though attending sessions for the five-week Father Resource Program meant giving up a portion of his free time, Johnson was willing to participate.

"We are in the classroom from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Within that time, they fill our heads with so much information on being a good father, on {lbra}figuring{rbra} out our plans," Johnson said.

During sessions, fathers receive information on a variety of topics. Depending on their goals, fathers can receive help with job placement, GED preparation, college and technical education guidance or legal education assistance.

"My goal is to become an entrepreneur and change the way people around my community think and live," said Johnson, who is in the process of starting his own entertainment company. "They reassured me that I really am somebody and I really can achieve something."

Being involved in the program has not only changed Williams' life, but his perspective on life as well.

"I wanted to become a professional football player, but a child came along. {lbra}She{rbra} really didn't get in the way, but in a way {lbra}she{rbra} did. I still could've done it but . . . " Williams said. "Now I feel like I've got another person to look after besides myself. So it made me realize life is more than about just myself."

Williams credits the program with helping him become a better parent.

"There is more than just taking care of a child. It ain't just buying them stuff. It is more like spending time with them, taking them places, not breaking your promises, because kids remember," Williams said.

Johnson feels the program has benefited him, too.

"It has just enlightened me on a whole bunch of things that I was not aware of. One thing that really sticks out is that they teach a lot about black history. I was taught, you know, you go to work, you get a job, you do this, you make a good living and then you die. But it shows me that I can be more. I can really enjoy life instead of being part of life," he said.

Since becoming parents, both men have had to make adjustments in their lives.

"{lbra}Life{rbra} has changed quite a bit. I don't go out as much. I don't party as much. I don't hang out with my homeboys as much. I'm not as self-centered as I was before," said Johnson.

Although fatherhood came early for them, neither man regrets being a father.

"I feel like stuff happens for a reason. The child came for a reason. Maybe {lbra}the child{rbra} came for me just to change my life around. I do regret that {lbra}my child's mother and I{rbra} didn't work things out," said Williams, who has visitation rights.

If changing his circumstances were possible, Williams would make only one alteration.

"I would have two kids by one person instead of two different people. I wish I could have changed that," he said.

While life may not be easy, Johnson screens the negative aspects of being a young father by focusing on the benefits.

"(The best part) is knowing that you were part of the process of creating something that looks just like you, that has the same features as you, the same gestures as you, and then just having a son or daughter that calls you daddy every day," he said.

Johnson is hopeful for another reason. "Me and my girlfriend are still together. Everything is going great. We are planning to get married sometime this year or early next year," said Johnson. "I mean, it is still a struggle right now, but it is going to be worth it in due time."

Johnson and Williams recommend that fathers between the ages of 16 and 28 participate in the Father Resource Program. "There are a lot of good people in it. Anybody who is looking for support, to better themselves, needs to make that step and take a five-week course because it is very helpful," said Johnson.

For more information, contact the Father Resource Program at 630-2486.

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Lauren Rochester, 15; Dana Campbell, 15.

REPORTERS: Zachary Bell, 11; Gabrielle Bibeau, 12; Brittany Chubb, 12; Evan Daniluck, 13; Justin Riley, 13.