BY Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer
The Lucas County Fatherhood Coalition is launching an aggressive campaign during the month of June, which is aimed at assisting area fathers in bettering their overall situations with their children. During a press conference on Wednesday, June 1, the coalition, which is composed of six area organizations, held the conference at the Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services, 3737 West Sylvania Avenue.
Dubbed as, “Lights a Fatherhood Flame in Toledo, Ohio,” the coalition spoke to the obstacles area fathers face, and how the coalition plans on removing those obstacles for the fathers.
“If we want to decrease the rates of school dropouts, substance abuse amongst young people, and reduce human trafficking amongst young people, statistics show that when fathers are involved in the lives of children, all of those problems we face as a society are greatly reduced,” said Keith Robinson. “You strengthen the family, you strengthen the community.”
Jay Black, president and CEO of Pathway Inc. said, “Poverty rates amongst young people drastically drop when fathers are involved in their children’s lives.”
“This is not about mothers versus fathers, or fathers versus mothers, it’s about giving fathers the necessary support they need,” explained Avis Files, director of Brothers United. “We all have an obligation at helping eliminate the social ills of the community, and making sure fathers are involved in their children’s lives. This is tangible work that will help better the overall community.”
Ms. Files then spoke about a series of events that will take place during the week leading up to Father’s Day, that had her declare the month of June as Fatherhood Month. Those activities are: “Child Support Conversation with Lucas County Child Support,” took place on ZOOM on Monday, June 13 at 7 p.m.; “Fatherhood Baby Shower,” took place in the Greenbelt Apts in downtown Toledo on Tuesday, June 14 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and was hosted by Brothers United; “Dads Matter,” will take place at the Dorr St. Plaza on Wednesday, June 15 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will be hosted by the Lucas County Children Services; “Fatherhood Fire; Igniting the Change,” will take place on Thursday, June 16 at Mott Branch Library, 1010 Dorr St and is hosted be the Lucas County Fatherhood Coalition; “Dadz at Play,” will take place on Friday, June 17 at the Wayman D. Palmer YMCA, 2043 N. 14th Street from noon until 3 p.m. and is hosted by the Lucas County Family and Children First Council; “Fathers and Families Day,” will be held on Saturday, June 18 at Smith Park, 12-4 pm., corner of Lawrence and Fernwood, and will be hosted by Pathway Inc. and Brothers United.
The Lucas County Fatherhood Coalition is composed of Pathway Inc. and Brothers United, Lucas County Family & Children First Council, Zepf Center Fatherhood Connections, Lucas County Job & Family Services, and Lucas County Children Services.
For further information about the events or coalition, contact Avis Files at 419.279.0798, or email afiles@pathwaytoledo.org.
