Stronger Fathers, Stronger Families: PASS Launches New Responsible Fatherhood Initiative

Every child deserves a strong, supportive relationship with the father figures in their lives. Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) is excited to announce a new Responsible Fatherhood Initiative for Darke County residents, funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth through June 30, 2027.

This initiative is designed to help fathers build parenting skills, strengthen family connections, and create lasting memories with their children. The project will serve 50 fathers and their children through parenting education, fun family activities, and a community-wide campaign celebrating the important role fathers play in children's lives.

Building Parenting Skills and Stronger Relationships

At the heart of the initiative is The Nurturing Father's Program, a 13-week, evidence-based parenting curriculum designed to help fathers develop positive parenting skills and strengthen their relationships with their children.

Four class sessions will be offered, with both daytime and evening options available during the late fall and spring. Meals will be provided at every meeting to make participation a little easier for busy families.

Fathers who meet the program's attendance guidelines will also be eligible for incentives, including Amazon gift cards, bus passes or gas cards for each qualifying attendance, and a family pool pass for summer 2027.

Making Memories Together: Father & Child Activities

Being a father is about more than providing for a family. It's also about showing up, spending time together, learning new things, and creating memories that last. That's why the initiative includes five larger-scale activities designed to bring fathers and children together.

Families can look forward to:

• Holiday Celebration: A special event for fathers and children participating in the fall classes.

• Spring Family Event: Another opportunity for spring class participants to celebrate their progress and enjoy time together.

• Cooking with Dad: Hands-on cooking classes with OSU Extension, followed by a shopping excursion where fathers and children can gather ingredients to recreate their meal at home.

• Family Fishing Derby: An opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together, with an Ohio fishing license for each dad and fishing poles and tackle boxes for family members.

• Celebrate Responsible Fatherhood Month: A June 2027 gathering for participants and their children at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve & Nature Center.

  
  

From cooking and fishing to celebrating together, these activities will give families opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun beyond the classroom.

Who Can Participate?

The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative is available to Darke County residents who are fathers or father figures serving children ages 18 and younger, as well as expectant fathers.

Eligible participants may include biological, custodial, legal, adoptive, and expectant fathers; grandparents; stepparents; and other adult family members or kin serving in a father role.

Registration will begin in November 2026, with classes expected to start in December. Additional information about registration, class locations, and schedules will be announced soon.

For questions or more information, contact:

Donna Dickman

Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS)

Email: ddickman@passaah.org

Phone: 419-549-8530, extension 101

At PASS, we believe that supporting fathers means supporting children, families, and the future of our communities. Through education, encouragement, and opportunities to connect, the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative aims to help fathers build the skills and relationships that make a difference for years to come.

Stronger fathers. Stronger families. Healthier communities.