What does it mean to be an intentional father? 25 simple ideas to be a Good Dad
November 4, 2025
At Good Dads, we talk a lot about the importance of being an intentional father, but what does that actually
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At Good Dads, we talk a lot about the importance of being an intentional father, but what does that actually mean? As it turns out, it means a lot of things! Being “intentional” means taking an active role as a parent. It means deciding, not sliding. And from what we’ve learned on the podcast, being […]
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All of us at Good Dads are feeling an abundance of gratitude for the outpour of support we witnessed at our celebration on Thursday, Oct. 16. Father-focused individuals from across the state joined us to support Good Dads as our nonprofit spreads like wildfire. A million thanks to the wonderful community leaders who celebrated 10 […]
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Growing up in the country, Halloween wasn’t spooky season. It was gas-up-the-van-and-hope-you-hit-five-houses season. My brothers and I would pile in, dressed in whatever costume plastic and imagination could cobble together, and hit a handful of homes—each one separated by long stretches several minutes in the car. Mama was our Halloween MVP. Daddy was usually still […]
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Good Dads learned Tuesday morning that it is among 109 organizations in 38 states to receive grant funding via U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Administration for Children and Families. The ACF said in a press release on Tuesday that more than $100 million was slated for initiatives related to Healthy […]
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In the nonprofit field, we always have our eyes set on the horizon. We’re always concerned with what the future holds. So it should come as no surprise that we’ve been planning for our 10th anniversary fundraising dinner and celebration for months. But this year, things feel a little different. If you’re reading this article, […]
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Brian Mattson has a lot of roles in his life: husband, father of two, lead pastor of the Downtown Church in Springfield, and Strong Schools captain for McGregor Elementary. Brian heard about this new way to get involved in his community from Good Dads’ founder Dr. Jennifer Baker, who attends church where Brian is lead […]
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Have you ever had this thought? You buy a Powerball ticket and discover you won the jackpot! You’ve made it!! You can quit your job, pay off the mortgage, buy the car you’ve always wanted, and retire to some Caribbean island. I’m sure you have – I have. Even though we dream that just doing […]
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What do making paper airplanes, coloring pictures and creating pipe cleaner creatures all have in common? These are great, simple ways for dads to bond with their kids—and beyond that, they’re also all activities featured in Good Dads Strong Schools events! Believe it or not, the simple act of building a paper bridge or playing […]
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Father of three sons Brian Stranghoener didn’t know what he was getting into when his 4th grader, Hudson, brought home an informational flyer on a before-school breakfast program called Good Dads Strong Schools at his school, Bissett Elementary. Curious, Brian wanted to see what it was all about. For Brian, he’s enjoyed watching his sons […]
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In the latest episode of the Good Dads Great Communities podcast, we spoke to experts about father involvement in elementary schools. Hosts welcome Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap and Good Dads Board Member Dr. Mike Dawson for a meaningful discussion about how even a few minutes of paternal presence can positively impact schools, families and communities....
Eric Griffin, Springfield father of two kindergarteners and two fifth graders, knows what being a busy father looks like. He works hard as an accountant to provide for his family, but it’s rare for him to see his children until late into the evening after work. “Most days I get up and I’m at work […]
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Most people would be more than happy to stay retired after serving nearly 40 years in the education sector. Jim Millsap, Good Dads’ Strong Schools Coordinator, isn’t most people. “I was so bad at retirement, I came on board with Good Dads,” he joked. Jim has always enjoyed being involved in education. He previously spent […]
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What does it mean to be an intentional father? 25 simple ideas to be a Good Dad
At Good Dads, we talk a lot about the importance of being an intentional father, but what does that actually
Gallery: Fanning the Flames of Fatherhood at Good Dads’ 10th Anniversary Celebration
All of us at Good Dads are feeling an abundance of gratitude for the outpour of support we witnessed at
The Harvest You Don’t See
Growing up in the country, Halloween wasn’t spooky season. It was gas-up-the-van-and-hope-you-hit-five-houses season. My brothers and I would pile in,
Good Dads Awarded 5-Year Federal ‘Healthy Marriage, Responsible Fatherhood’ Grant
Good Dads learned Tuesday morning that it is among 109 organizations in 38 states to receive grant funding via U.S.
3 Reasons to Support Responsible Fatherhood Today
In the nonprofit field, we always have our eyes set on the horizon. We’re always concerned with what the future
Pastor Brian Mattson on Strong Schools Captain Connections
Brian Mattson has a lot of roles in his life: husband, father of two, lead pastor of the Downtown Church
Practice Makes Perfect
Have you ever had this thought? You buy a Powerball ticket and discover you won the jackpot! You’ve made it!!
Father-daughter duo Rick and Daisy Gideon on learning lessons through Strong Schools
What do making paper airplanes, coloring pictures and creating pipe cleaner creatures all have in common? These are great, simple
Father-son duo Brian and Hudson on bonding opportunities through Strong Schools
Father of three sons Brian Stranghoener didn’t know what he was getting into when his 4th grader, Hudson, brought home
Simple Moments, Big Impact: Dads Making a Difference at School
In the latest episode of the Good Dads Great Communities podcast, we spoke to experts about father involvement in elementary
The Griffin family on learning the value of teamwork through Strong Schools
Eric Griffin, Springfield father of two kindergarteners and two fifth graders, knows what being a busy father looks like. He
Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap on fatherhood engagement efforts in schools
Most people would be more than happy to stay retired after serving nearly 40 years in the education sector. Jim