Forging Fathers
& Families
The amazing work happening at Good Dads is forging a new path for fathers and families in Missouri. See how the ways that we are forging ahead at our small but mighty nonprofit.
From the Director
As a former history teacher, I’ve always been fascinated by the strategic decisions leaders make that can change the course of history. At Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1863, a series of such decisions came together under the direction of President Abraham Lincoln and the leadership of Ulysses S. Grant—decisions that helped initiate the beginning of the end of the Civil War.
Simply put, Vicksburg was the key to the Confederacy’s supply line along the Mississippi River. Lincoln recognized that the Union could not win the war without gaining control of Vicksburg. In his words, “The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.”
"The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket."
America continues to fight wars against challenges that plague our nation. In 1964, for example, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty,” launching programs such as Head Start, Job Corps, and VISTA. Yet more than 60 years later, we continue to struggle with many of the same challenges.
Today, an increasing number of experts and community leaders are recognizing that fatherhood may be one of the keys to addressing many of these persistent challenges. When fathers are engaged and equipped to succeed, families are stronger, children are more likely to thrive, and communities are better positioned to prosper.
We need to get that key in our pocket.
Jennifer L. Baker, PsyD
Good Dads Founder & Director
Forging Ahead
The humble forge is an apt illustration for fatherhood. A skilled blacksmith, stained with soot and carbon from years mastering his craft, has a dangerous job. Sweating above the furnace, he heats up his materials to just the right temperature, expertly molding the ore between his hammer and his anvil. Sparks fly, and his forge feels alive.
Likewise, a father has the monumental job of molding the future generation. He forges ahead—despite the challenges and hardships he faces—because he cares about his children. He knows just how much he matters to his kids’ wellbeing, and he is willing to put in the work that it takes. Just like blacksmiths, dads are master craftsmen.
That’s why we chose this theme this year. A forge is a place of energy. People talk about “forging” a path when they describe trailblazers who make great discoveries that further humanity. We think the amazing work happening at Good Dads is forging a new path for fathers and families across Missouri.
In this trailblazing spirit, we named our latest program Good Dads FORGE, for the grant of the same name. The grant, which stands for Family, Opportunity, Resilience, Grit, Engagement, is Good Dads’ primary focus for this year: a perfect analogy for the forward momentum we bring to dads and their loved ones.
"As long as you're there, that's the most important thing. Don't fold."
Leonard
"It's okay to fall. What matters is that your kids see you get back up.
Ryan
No dad is perfect. You learn from your mistakes, and you don't have to be afraid to admit that to your kids.
Taelor
It's easier to build strong kids than to repair broken adults. That's why dads matter.
Nate
My girls are my reason for being here. Every night I tell them they're my reason for living.
Jeramy
Good Dads
Strong Schools
At A Glance
- Good Dads Strong Schools makes it fun and easy to get all kinds of dads in the same room. By expressly targeting fathers, we send the clear message that father involvement is imperative to a child’s success in school.
- Low-tech, highly interactive lessons (like building popsicle-stick structures and folding paper airplanes) are the conduit for character-driven conversations on teamwork, honesty, listening, etc.
The Keys in Our Pocket
- 745 dads are welcomed into their student’s school each month—in just Greene County schools alone (avg.)
- 1000 Greene County students impacted each month (avg.)
- 50+ participating schools in Missouri
Our families enjoy getting together, and parents leave with ideas for how to continue to engage with their children in healthy and positive ways. Students leave the Good Dads Breakfast with pride, knowing that their dads took time out of their busy morning to enjoy breakfast and play with them. Our campus benefits from opening the doors to dads and families. It’s a win-win event!
Rebekah Johnson, McGregor Elementary Principal (Springfield, MO)
Forging Ahead...
- Research is underway for a new resource that meets the needs of dads and their preschoolers.
- In the 2026–2027 school year, we hope to expand our existing base of dedicated volunteers and Captains.
- Your generous gift to Good Dads Strong Schools will allow us to bring the program to more schools and donate more activity supplies to schools in low-income neighborhoods.
Programs for Solo Dads
At A Glance
- New Pathways for Good Dads launched in 2018 with a small group of Springfield dads. Now, the NPGD program serves fathers throughout Southwest MO.
- The latest program from Good Dads, FORGE, allows us to serve any father or father-figure—regardless of his income—in 87 MO counties.
The Keys in Our Pocket
- Between July 2025–June 2026…
- 506 Missouri fathers started a Good Dads class
- 34 fatherhood classes and 13 relationship classes started
- 6 facilitator training events hosted
- 45 facilitators led a Good Dads class
- Program participants between March 2025 and March 2026 contributed $1,048,053 to their child support cases. Dads have paid nearly $5 million throughout the life of the program.
Good Dads opened my eyes to a lot of things … They taught me how to have a relationship and be intentional with my kids. (Good Dads) is there to help you be better fathers and give you the tools to break generational curses.
Bobby, 2020 Good Dads Graduate
Forging Ahead...
- In Year 2 of the FORGE program, we will focus on more extensive data collection in addition to offering classes. This will allow us to do continuous quality improvement and showcase our outcomes more effectively.
- Building new collaboration opportunities with trusted economic stability resources in our community means dads can access the highest quality education—improving outcomes and confidence for family budgets.
Programs for Couples
At A Glance
- “Now that I’ve graduated from Good Dads, what’s next?” This is the question we’ve received from countless fathers. Our new program, Good Dads +Us, is our answer to that question.
- This father-focused program also includes a partner or coparent. Participants attend workshops that develop skills in three key areas:
- Parenting and co-parenting
- Healthy, secure relationships
- Financial literacy and economic stability
The Keys in Our Pocket
- Between April and September 2026…
- 8 couples attended our inagural workshops at the Springfield Dream Center
- 22 hours of instruction per participant in +Us classes
Steve and Rachel are two enthusiastic participants in our first cohort. They are already practicing the skills they learned in the +Us program. They have done a great job implementing a new family budget plan. They like using the drive home to discuss their workshop takeaways without interruptions.
2026 Good Dads +Us Participants
Forging Ahead...
- Good Dads +Us is in its infancy, but this program has enormous potential to increase couples’ ability to work together for themselves and their children.
- Our newly revised and updated course, Fundamentals for Good Dads, is the first of its kind.
- Your support will help Good Dads fuel more classes for coparents and couples. We are excited about expanding the program to more locations in Springfield and beyond.
Good Dads Great Communities
At A Glance
- Good Dads Great Communities helps communities — from tiny towns to large metros — replicate the success of Good Dads. The program enables father-focused individuals to create their own momentum for father engagement, with the support of our HQ.
- Community-building efforts are only sustainable when they have the enthusiastic participation of varied industries and disciplines, which is the motivation behind our unique “Six Sector” model.
The Keys in Our Pocket
- 15 chapters statewide
- 200 advisory board members
- 230 estimated father-friendly events (classes, schools, etc.)
We are so excited to be bringing Good Dads to Dent County. We have many community leaders who want to invest their time and efforts in this program … We as a new chapter realize how important dads are, and we want to be a resource that improves their lives.
JoAnn Wells, Good Dads Dent County Council Member
Forging Ahead...
- In 2027, we will encourage each community to become a “Chapter of Excellence” by maintaining a robust advisory board and hosting their own fundraising efforts.
- Your generous gift to Good Dads will help us forge ahead by offering the Great Communities program to more regions, especially outside state borders.
Good Dads
Where all fathers are inspired, resourced and encouraged to be more involved in the lives of their children.
Dads get to to be the heroes of their own stories
When fathers attend our workshops, they forge ahead with…
Healthy Relationships Skills
Parenting Skills
Camaraderie and Mutual Support
Mentors and Advocates
Communication Skills
Money Management Education
Thank you to our supporters
We could not continue the important work of supporting responsible fatherhood without the generous donors who believe in our mission. Thank you!
Executive Board
- Dr. Jennifer L. Baker
- Founder & Executive Director, Good Dads
- Dr. Benjamin Lampert
- Retired Anesthesiologist, Mercy
- Ms. Crystal Reynolds-Roberts
- Partner, Pinnacle Consulting CPAs
- Ms. Angela Smith
- Founder, ADsmith Marketing & Advertising
- Mr. Jim Towery
- Board of Directors Immediate Past President
- Mr. Joshua Wemple
- Board of Directors President
Board of Directors
- Mr. Will Cox
- Mr. Chris Harville
- Mr. Robert Hawkins
- Mr. Tyler Head
- Ms. Sally Herman
- Dr. Kyle John
- Mr. Dillon Low
- Dr. Kevin Rice
- Mr. Josh Shavers
- Mr. Michael Vaughn
- Mr. Matthew Williams
The Good Dads 2026 fundraising season is presented by
