It Takes a Village: Being a Good Dad, Collaboratively
July 21, 2026
Have you heard of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”? This statement means that children
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I have so many Tom stories, I thought I would share another one. It has always bugged me how Tom could look at something and know it wasn’t level. I’m not talking about when something is obviously crooked—I’m talking about microscopic slants that only a level or a wizard could detect. Tom isn’t a wizard. […]
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This month on the Good Dads Podcast, our lineup explored vital areas of fatherhood: from raising financially responsible kids to building father-focused programs in rural communities. Each conversation offers a powerful reminder that intentional parenting and consistent presence can shape futures!...
School’s out and the kids are in—in your homes, in your refrigerators and in your hair. The newness of the experience has passed, so you have started looking for someone or something to babysit them. You could maybe get the next-door neighbor’s teenager to watch the kiddos, but that would cost money. So, the next […]
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We honored 24 exceptional men on Thursday, June 12, at the Downtown Church in Springfield, MO. This amazing event, with 150+ attendees, celebrated the dedicated fathers who met all the criteria of the New Pathways for Good Dads program. These outstanding individuals have accomplished a great deal: They finished both classes, found stable jobs, and […]
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In Episode 5 of Good Dads’ The Intentional Dad podcast, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with Dyllan Dale to tackle two of the most persistent challenges facing families today: peer pressure and self-esteem. Through honest reflection and hard-earned wisdom, this conversation reminds dads that being intentional isn’t just about showing up—it’s about […]
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Good Dads, Missouri’s leading father-focused non-profit, named three communities, Ava, Rolla and Texas County, as its Great Communities of the Year this week. The contest, the first of its kind, celebrates the outstanding grassroots developments taking place throughout the state to support responsible fatherhood. With 14 community chapters launching Good Dads initiatives, plus additional Good […]
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When my son whispered that he had said “the s-word” at school, I braced myself. But what came out of his mouth wasn’t what I expected. That moment might seem small, but it launched one of the best parenting tools I’ve ever stumbled into. I call it “No Consequence Questions,” and it’s saved us from […]
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Good Dads Inc., a nonprofit headquartered in Springfield, MO, is collaborating again with Flintrock Home Builders to host its second-annual charity golf tournament. Last year’s tournament garnered around $2,500 to benefit the nonprofit. This year’s tournament on Monday, May 19, at Millwood Golf & Racquet Club in Ozark, hopes to bring in even more. Good […]
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Did you catch our four engaging podcast episodes in April? We explored fatherhood in various ways, from handling screen time to fostering workplace culture. Each discussion offered insightful views on being a purposeful and involved dad in the twenty-first century. This week on the Good Dads blog, we’re recapping some of our favorite takeaways and […]
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Wow! More than three dozen father-focused leaders representing 15 Missouri communities joined Good Dads in Springfield, MO, to be trained to facilitate Good Dads 2.0 and Within My Reach, the two classes that serve dad participants in the New Pathways for Good Dads Program. The cohort gathered April 23–25 at classroom space generously offered by […]
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The boys are all grown and have their own lives now, but when I look back at some of the best times I had with my children, one simple activity stands out. How low could I go. When you are a child, everything you do is way above, and you live in a land of […]
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Good Dads was honored to host its latest Chapter Orientation, welcoming community leaders from ten Missouri communities! The event, Friday April 11, in Springfield, was the latest in Good Dads’ ongoing efforts to expand the nonprofit’s mission throughout Southwest MO and beyond. When we bring Good Dads’ services to more dads, it directly translates to […]
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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
Bringing it Home Attendees Joined Good Dads for First-Ever Reunion
We loved seeing Good Dads leaders from across the state Friday, July 18, at our Family Reunion in Springfield, MO.