LEXINGTON, Ky. — A three-day fatherhood summit organized by the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families concluded last weekend, drawing in over 350 fathers and father figures to participate in workshops and forums aimed at improving parenting skills and strengthening family connections.
First-time attendee William Oliver, who is set to graduate from the center’s Kentucky Dad Academy in 2024, expressed gratitude for the enlightening experience. The summit provided practical tools that helped him navigate personal challenges as a parent, particularly during a difficult period of unemployment.
“They helped me realize a lot of the inequities that I was going through,” Oliver stated. “I was stuck as a parent. And the problem with that is most dads don’t know how to get unstuck.”
The summit, hosted by the nonprofit which has been active for 11 years, featured a range of resources including panels, workshops, networking opportunities, and a luncheon. The event aimed to equip fathers with the knowledge and support necessary for effective parenting.
Established by chief visionary officer David Cozart, the center focuses on various aspects of parenthood, including education, health, and family inclusion. Cozart emphasized that fatherhood is a crucial element that influences a wide array of social factors. “Father absence and father inclusion is a part of all of those things,” he explained.
Oliver credited the Kentucky Dad Academy with providing him the confidence to seek help and resources when he found himself struggling. After enrolling in a six-week course, he learned to connect better with his children. “This program helped provide us with the resources and the confidence to reach out and say, I’m not where I want to be and I need help getting to where I need to go,” Oliver noted.
The Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families offers various resources including training courses for aspiring leaders and mini-grants to support local father-figure programs. Cozart remarked on the initiative’s approach of “under-promising and over-delivering,” promoting an environment of collective growth among participants.
As he embarks on a mission to mentor other fathers, Oliver highlighted the importance of understanding one’s children’s interests and desires. “Learn the important things about your children so that you can connect with them,” he advised. His commitment to fostering a positive fatherhood experience reflects the broader goals of the summit and the work being done at the Commonwealth Center.
The fatherhood summit continues to be an important platform in Kentucky, encouraging fathers to embrace their roles, seek support, and build healthier relationships with their families.
