Good Dads Chillicothe

A mural in Chillicothe with big letters: "Home of Sliced Bread"
Image via Wikimedia Commons

About
Good Dads
Chillicothe

With a population of just over 9,000, Chillicothe, Missouri, offers the warmth of small-town living combined with a forward-thinking approach to community development. Its rich history, strong family values, and active community spirit make it an ideal location for Good Dads Chillicothe—a chapter committed to supporting and empowering fathers in their roles at home and in the broader community.

However, like many rural towns, Chillicothe faces significant challenges. Over 16% of the population lives below the poverty line, with single-parent households experiencing poverty rates as high as 22.6%. In the local school district, 34.1% of students are classified as economically disadvantaged, and 12.3% of children in the city live in poverty. These figures reflect a broader need for community-based interventions that strengthen family structures and promote child well-being.

In addition, recent incidents, such as multiple arrests in connection with child abuse investigations, highlight ongoing concerns about child welfare and underscore the urgent need for support systems that address both physical and emotional needs within families.

In this context, Good Dads Chillicothe stands as a vital resource. By providing mentorship, education and community-building opportunities for fathers, the chapter helps reduce risk factors associated with poverty and family instability. Through intentional outreach and support, it plays a crucial role in building stronger, more resilient families—offering hope and direction to those who need it most.

Meet Our Team

Good Dads Chillicothe leader and facilitator JB Togun stands at the front of a classroom to lead a Good Dads class
Good Dads Chillicothe leader and facilitator Cameron Schmitz stands at the front of a classroom to lead a Good Dads class

This chapter is led by Brian (J.B.) Togun, a devoted husband and father who also serves on staff at Abba House Restoration Ministry—a Christ-centered recovery program for men that is “Putting Hope Within Reach.” Abba House serves as a vital hub for supporting men from all walks of life, helping them heal, grow, and reconnect with their families.

Working alongside Brian is his good friend Cameron Schmitz, whose passion for service spans many roles. Cameron has been active in Christian radio, is the owner of Lighthouse Marketplace thrift store, and currently teaches pre-K at Green Hills Head Start. Together with his wife, he is raising a recently adopted 3-year-old and a newborn daughter. His life mission is to walk alongside families of all kinds, offering support for both their physical and spiritual needs.

Together, Brian and Cameron are helping build a stronger community by creating spaces where dads can find support, encouragement, and hope—for themselves, their families, and their future.

Good Dads Chillicothe Advisory Board

Ricky Baker
Crow Miller Baker Agency
Karie Black​
Retired Educator 
Jim Bonderer
Edward Jones Financial
Joe Burkholder
Freedom City Ministries, Inc.
Rodney Keller
MO Probation and Parole
Emmalee Oliver

Livingston County Juvenile Office

Cathy Ripley
Livingston CO Health Center
Cameron Schmitz

Light House Market Place

Lynda Snuffer
The Salvation Army
Mary Taylor

Livingston CO Health Center

J. B. Togun
Abba House
Dustin Woelfle

Livingston County Sheriff’s Office

Katie Zang
MO Department of Social Services

Class
Locations

Within My Reach | Class meets Monday evenings, 5:30–7:30