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Summit to focus on fatherhood

Free event is part of a statewide series emphasizing importance of dads in children’s lives.

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By Samantha Sommer, Staff Writer 7:32 PM Thursday, March 18, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — Mountains of research show children fare better when their dads are committed and involved in their lives.

They often do better in school, tend to be emotionally healthier, and are less likely to be poor or to commit a crime that lands them in jail, said the Rev. Eli Williams of Urban Light Ministries.

Urban Light is hosting a summit to help anyone who works with families to help men be better fathers.

The Advance Fatherhood Ohio! summit is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott downtown.

The summit is part of a series of events statewide and is the first in the Miami Valley region.

To register for the free event, which includes breakfast and lunch, go to urbanlight.org.

Williams said that the ministry needs more sponsors for the program. For more information, contact him at (937) 328-0122.

The Springfield summit speakers include Tracy Robinson, executive director of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood.

The discussions will cover a variety of topics, including public policy updates, the barriers and misconceptions that dads face, fatherhood programs that show promise and training.

The summit is targeted at people who might deal with fathers in any way, from those in social services agencies or churches to child care and health care providers to government workers.

The event gives them a chance to learn how to better engage dads, Williams said, as well as learn from each other, from experts and from fathers themselves.

Williams hopes the participants leave inspired, informed and interested in starting or improving fatherhood programs.

“The overriding goal of fatherhood practitioners is to increase the number of responsible and committed fathers, with the mission of improving outcomes for children,” Williams said.

IF YOU GO

What: Advance Fatherhood Ohio! summit

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8

Where: Courtyard By Marriott

Cost: Free

To register: www.urbanlight.org

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