June Message from Carol Jackson, Executive Director
Posted June 13, 2023
Hello and Happy Father’s Day – Dad
Malachi 4: 6(a) states, “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,” a verse I have heard for years from the pulpits of different churches. It mattered not the denomination nor the deliverer of the message. The message was always the same – fathers are needed in the life of their children, and children need their fathers’ love, protection, security, and life’s provisions.
I am told statistics don’t lie: fathers matter. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, “18.4 million children, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Research shows that a father’s absence affects children in numerous unfortunate ways, while a father’s presence makes a positive difference in the lives of both children and mothers.”
I invite you to visit www.fatherhood.org, the National Fatherhood Initiative website, and download the statistics on The Father Absence Crisis in America, The Strengths of Father Presence, and the article on Why Involved Dads are Good for Moms.
What happened to our society today? Where have all the fathers gone?
With Father’s Day swiftly approaching, I must say Happy Father’s Day to those fathers who have gone the distance. Many fathers worked hard, did without things they desired, and made sure their children had food, shelter, and clothing. You were there when the child needed you and shared with mom in good times and not-so-good times. You love your children and your family, and, for that, I say THANK YOU AND HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
This topic is near and dear to my heart because I was raised in a family where my adopted dad died when I was seven. My uncle and a favorite cousin stepped up and became the father figures in my life. They loved, mentored, and cared for me while ensuring they respected my mother and me. As I grew older, I realized how blessed I was because I had the best of both worlds with those gentlemen stepping up to become positive male role models. I had a cousin who understood growing up in a small town and an uncle who cared for my mom and me as if we were his immediate family.
Families Matter is intentional in its representation of boys, men, and fathers to help them understand their God-given privilege to honor, care for, protect, and provide for their families. Our program AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really
Happy Father’s Day, Dads, because you are critical to the health and well-being of your sons and daughters.
Carol Jackson
Executive Director