April 18 , 2024 The Beacon • 35

The Coshocton County Fatherhood Initiative is a local subcommittee of the Coshocton County Family and Children First Council , and it supports positive interaction and engagement of father figures in the lives of children . This subcommittee is comprised of volunteers and agency employees who work in their community , individuals who have benefited from local fatherhood programming , and citizens who strive to enhance youth success and opportunities in Coshocton County .

The following information suggests the importance of fathers and father figures remaining involved in their children ’ s lives .

According to the U . S . Census Bureau , nearly 1-in-4 or approximately 17.8 million children are raised in a father-absent home . The National Fatherhood Initiative — Father Facts : Ninth Edition also reports children raised in a father-absent home are affected in the following ways : greater risk of poverty , more likely to have behavior problems , more likely to go to prison , more likely to commit a crime , more likely to become pregnant as a teen , more likely to face abuse and neglect , more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol , more likely to suffer obesity , and more likely to drop out of school .

Did you know research by the National Fatherhood Initiative — Father Facts : Ninth Edition also shows when men become dads and are involved in their children ’ s lives , they transform in many ways : happier , better physical and mental health , live Longer , less depression ,

Submitted

CCFI volunteers served pancakes at Coshocton Elementary Pancakes with Dad on Jan . 25 .

increased self-esteem , and more active in their community .

In addition to the above benefits , involved dads are moved to a healthier model of masculinity , reduced alcohol and substance use , more stable and secure jobs , better money management , and strengthened family ties .

Opportunities to involve fathers and father figures with children in Coshocton County have included over the past few years : Pancakes with Dad at local school systems , Bowling with Dad , Movies with Dad , swim nights , Easter egg hunts , Halloween events , Party in the Park , Christmas events , and essay and coloring contests .

Upcoming events include additional Pancakes

with Dad at remaining school districts , a recognition banquet for student essay winners and community supporters , and a summer baseball trip to the Columbus Clippers .

Support and resources from many groups and individuals have allowed these events to occur at little to no cost , with past and ongoing support from The Coshocton Foundation , Saba Trust , Schooler Foundation , Montgomery Foundation , Frontier Power Community Grant ,

Papa John ’ s Foundation , United Way of Coshocton County , Grand Pythian Sisters , Warsaw Lions Club , McWane Foundation , National Fatherhood Initiative , and many other public and private donors , businesses , and individuals .

If you would like to become involved in the Coshocton County Fatherhood Initiative as a volunteer , donor or ongoing member , call co-chairs Adam Parks at 740-295- 7387 or Noah Gallagher at 740-575-6993 .

Writers are allowed one letter every 30 days , and letters should include name and address ( address not published ) and be 500 words or less .

Letters to the Editor are accepted by email at jsellers @ alonovus . com AloNovus Corp . reserves the right not to publish and to edit for clarification purposes .

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