Good Dads will be on the national stage this summer as its executive director will present at this year’s National Fatherhood Summit hosted by the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse. The convening’s 2024 theme is “From Foundations to the Future.”
The summit, taking place August 13–15 in Atlanta, GA, boasts the attendance of “key stakeholders from across the nation who are committed to strengthening programs and policies to support fathers,” according to the event post on fatherhood.gov.
Founder and executive director, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker, is looking forward to spreading the word about the Good Dads’ new community development model. The nonprofit has increased its focus on equipping small and mid-sized communities with the resources and tools they need to start their own father-focused initiatives.
Dr. Baker, a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist of more than 30 years, launched Good Dads in 2015. She observed that, while fathers are critical for healthy and happy families, few resources existed to inspire, resource and encourage dads.
“At Good Dads, we know three key ingredients for a great place to live are strong schools, safe neighborhoods and a robust economy,” Dr. Baker said. “But a community without engaged fathers can’t hope to have any of these things.”
Serving hundreds of dads in southwest Missouri is one thing, but Dr. Baker’s helming a new strategy to replicate Good Dads’ success throughout the state and beyond.
Given most support dollars for fatherhood engagement programs are disseminated primarily to high-density city populations, Good Dads recognized that many smaller communities risked being left behind.
“That’s why we believe in our new community development model,” Dr. Baker said. “It’s a unique avenue for leaders in communities of any size to come together, assess what is or isn’t being done for fathers in their area, and implement meaningful strategies to reach and serve dads.”
At August’s conference, attendees will hear about Good Dads successes and discover the important connection between engaged fatherhood and great communities. They will learn how the nonprofit’s existing and upcoming community chapters make Good Dads services their own.
The event is open to the public, and there is no cost to register. Find out more about Good Dads Great Communities at Good Dads’ website.
