Fatherhood Summit celebrates importance of fathers, partners who keep Fathers Forward

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Samaiyah Islam, Office of Communications
Phone: (405) 982-3235
Email: Samaiyah.Islam@okdhs.org

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (June 15, 2023) – As part of its Fathers Forward initiative, Oklahoma Human Services recently held a Fatherhood Summit to celebrate and further deepen the agency’s and partner investments into Oklahoma fathers. More than 100 attendees, including local fathers and agencies offering fatherhood services, joined Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Human Services Director Dr. Deborah Shropshire, and a host of expert speakers to launch a framework that champions the important roles fathers play in the lives of their children and families and their overall value in society.

“The most important role and the greatest joy in my life has been being a father,” said Secretary of Human Services Justin Brown. “As fathers, we do everything in our power to help our children thrive into their futures and to give them opportunities and experiences we didn’t have in our own childhoods. To that end, we must offer the tools and resources fathers need to create social, emotional and economic health for their children, families and communities. Our investments into fathers now can create pathways to well-being and prosperity for generations to come.”

In advance of Father’s Day, the Fatherhood Summit provided attendees with an opportunity to hear about the important work and investments Oklahoma is making to build a culture of support and framework for engaging fathers while busting barriers to their success.

“Children need to be in families and have a deep desire to know and understand where they come from,” said Dr. Shropshire. “Fathers bring unique and important perspectives and help children understand not only where they come from, but also live as role models for what they can become. The partnerships developed through the Fathers Forward strategy empower dads with the skills, services and tangible support they need to maintain active involvement with their children and increase personal opportunities for their futures.”

Expanding on its investments earlier this year, Oklahoma Human Services also announced at the Fatherhood Summit additional opportunities in the near future to fund ten more organizations that are implementing fatherhood-specific services across the state. More information on these funding opportunities will be forthcoming.

“We are proud of the incredible work of organizations across the state whose services deepen men’s involvement into their family life,” said Deb Smith, Oklahoma Human Services Director of Adult and Family Services. “These services are critical to helping fathers not only meet their financial obligations to their children, which reduce the risk for poverty, but also remove barriers to the positive relationships and support systems men need to flourish in their own lives. We call on all communities to step forward in support of dads and father figures as they help shape the children who will create a prosperous future for all of Oklahoma.”

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Editor's note: High-resolution photos from the Fatherhood Summit are available upon request.