Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families hosts an online event Saturday, April 18 to hear from fathers across Ohio about fathering in the COVID-19 pandemic, and to offer resources to those in need.
Being a Dad can be hard enough in normal times. How are fathers coping with the “stay-at-home” order where they are now 7/24 dads? OPNFF will convene hundreds of fathers from across the state of Ohio in a virtual gathering to share their challenges, strategies for coping and solutions for staying on track as a Dad during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual Gathering of Ohio Dads will provide resources for Dads in the areas of emotions, parenting, childcare, food, education, parenting access, unemployment and entertainment for the family. Father peer-to-peer engagement is a best practice in helping men achieve their fathering goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting and challenging life for all families in Ohio. All fathers are being affected. Low-income fathers and fathers living in poverty are more likely to suffer economically and in staying connected to their children. Due to the stay-at-home order, thousands of fathers across Ohio lost access to services and supports from the many father-serving programs across our state. This gathering provides a safe space for fathers to lean on and learn from each other. Fathers – biological, step, foster, adoptive, other caring male adults – play a unique role in the development of healthy children and families. In this unprecedented health crisis, they need support more than ever.
“Families across our state are struggling to cope with the new reality the COVID-10 virus has presented. I encourage all fathers to model resiliency for their children. This is a time to strengthen bonds with our children, listen to their fears and watch for signs of distress. This event gives fathers a chance to do the same for themselves in the company of other fathers”, states Calvin Williams, Job and Family Services Fatherhood Coordinator and convener for the Fatherhood Collaborative of Hamilton County. Mr. Williams is also a founding and current member of the Board of Directors for OPNFF.
For over seventeen years, the mission of OPNFF is to enhance the outcomes of children, families and communities by providing information, training and encouragement to father and family-serving practitioners.
To register, go to www.OPNFF.net.
