711 E 3rd Ave.

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Happy Father and daughter

SpoFI — Who We Are and What We Believe

The vision and mission of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative is to restore the value of fatherhood so that every child has a present, loving and nurturing father.

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Daughter and father sitting together

Kids thrive when dad is involved in their lives

Children who feel a closeness and warmth with their father are twice as likely to enter college, 75 percent less likely to have a child in their teen years, 80 percent less likely to be incarcerated and half as likely to show signs of depression1.

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1. “THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A FATHER’S INFLUENCE,” Focus on the Family, accessed April 10, 2023, URL.

SpoFI Alumni at related event

Our graduation rate is 93%. Why do men keep coming back to our classes?

To graduate, students must attend 11 of 12 classes or sit for a makeup class. Despite this high requirement, SpoFI has a 93% graduation rate from its fatherhood classes. This is one of the highest rates in the nation. Here’s why:

Testimonials
SpoFI family together at Spokane Indians Night 2022

Character change and growth happens here

Our fatherhood training program helps dads identify their weaknesses and gives them the tools they need to grow. If you’ve stumbled in the past or just need some help to be better than you are today, sign up for 24-7 Dad® training!

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SpoFI Alumni at another related event

SpoFI Alumni Fellowship

Our Alumni organize regular group activities to remain connected forging lasting bonds, and promoting the benefits of Spokane Fatherhood Initiative’s mission to other families.

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What is the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative?

Spokane Fatherhood Initiative (SpoFI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded on the principle that fatherlessness is the primary cause of nearly all of our nation’s social problems.

In 2016 and 2017, SpoFI’s founders convened a series of community conversations about fatherlessness. The outcome of those discussions was that Spokane, the birthplace of Father’s Day, lacked an organization that provided training, support and encouragement for fathers.

The vision and mission of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative is to restore the value of fatherhood so that every child has a present, loving and nurturing father.

SpoFI fulfills its vision and mission by offering

  • Relationship Training classes for dads and moms
  • Direct Services for Families
  • Community Education Events

We also offer Family Law self-help services in addition to a host of other family strengthening, community-building activities.

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Latest News & Events

  • Because of you…A mother’s heart is encouraged and finds peace

    Because of you…A mother’s heart is encouraged and finds peace

    Discover Lane’s journey from solitude to support with the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative (SpoFI). Facing homelessness and the turmoil of separation, Lane found solace in fatherhood classes, transforming his life through learning and connection. Your donations empower this change. Every contribution offers scholarships to fathers like Lane, ensuring they receive this life-altering education at no cost.

    Ron Hauenstein
  • Join SpoFI Dad2Dad’s & Alumni for Spokane Chiefs vs. Seattle

    Join SpoFI Dad2Dad’s & Alumni for Spokane Chiefs vs. Seattle

    December 13 2023 — Puck Drop: 7:05 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Spokane Chiefs SpoFI Is looking forward to our first Chiefs game! Join current Dad2Dads and…

    Lawrence Jay Long
  • Dr. Watson Canfield: 12 Reasons Why I’m Thankful For GirlDads

    Dr. Watson Canfield: 12 Reasons Why I’m Thankful For GirlDads

    We are pleased to share an insightful and inspiring article by Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, a valued member of our advisory board. Dr. Watson Canfield’s piece, titled “12 Reasons Why I’m Thankful For GirlDads: The Thanksgiving Edition,” beautifully aligns with our mission at SpoFI and underscores the profound role fathers play in their daughters’ lives.

    Lawrence Jay Long
  • Gratitude and Momentum: A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Community

    Gratitude and Momentum: A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Community

    Dear Friends and Champions of SpoFI: You’ve truly outdone yourselves! In a remarkable display of generosity at our Dessert Fundraiser on November 17th, you joined forces to surpass our expectations, amassing over $31,000. This incredible feat unlocked an additional $20,000 from a gracious anonymous benefactor, propelling us to a stellar beginning in our year-end campaign with a collective $51,000.

    Ron Hauenstein
  • SpoFI Sponsors Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas This 2023

    SpoFI Sponsors Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas This 2023

    Incarcerated parents nominate their children for a Christmas gift during the summer to Prison Fellowship. Prison Fellowship vets the applications and assigns them to churches and organizations near the children. Recipients of Angel Tree gifts are then eligible for a scholarship to attend a Christian summer camp, available annually until they turn 18 or their parent is released.

    Fred Dent
  • Join the Legacy: Alumni Support for Spokane Fathers

    Join the Legacy: Alumni Support for Spokane Fathers

    Make Your Mark as a SpoFI Alumnus! We’re calling on our esteemed SpoFI alumni to fortify the bonds of our community through giving. Your generosity can create a ripple effect of positive change, directly supporting other fathers and their families in ways only the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative can.

    Lawrence Jay Long

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) When do the next series of classes start?

For upcoming classes and registration info, hit up the Classes section

Current Schedule

Q) How much does it cost to enroll?

Our fee schedule is available. However, scholarships and state support usually cover 100% of class costs.

Register Now

Q) Does SpoFI offer Family Law help?

Yes, we do! We offer free self-help services, coached by legal professionals at our Family Law Self-help Center.

Family Law help for anyone currently not represented by an attorney regardless of income or gender

Family Law Help

Testimonials

What do Our Students think?

“This program is absolutely amazing and highly recommend both the AM [Basic] and PM [Advanced] classes to every father…”

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Christopher  Matthews

24:7 Dad® Graduate

Basic, Advanced

“Thank you! This program has forever changed both mine and my daughter’s lives for the better. God Bless SpoFi. :)”

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Logan Decoursey

24:7 Dad® Graduate

Basic, Advanced

“I’m so glad that I took this class. I really liked it, and tell others about this class.”

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Roy Arnette

24:7 Dad® Graduate

Basic, Advanced

“I want to be in my kids’ lives because my dad was not in mine. I no longer see myself as a failure but as a work in progress. It means the world to me to be just one step closer to getting my kids back.”

Josiah Robinson

Josiah Robinson

24:7 Dad® Graduate

Basic, Advanced, Dad2Dad

“Dad, I always knew you’d come back,” said James’ 10 year old son about his dad’s reunification.

James Tidwell

James Tidwell

24:7 Dad® Graduate

Basic, Advanced, Dad2Dad, 2022 Father of the Year

“It was a constant message growing up that I was a bad kid. I was always told…to be good. I was never told that I was good. Spofi gives us the space where we can speak about our concerns. We can speak about our doubts and we can get validated and encouraged to do better. It is with your [SpoFI Donor] support. My daughter has her father very present in her life. I can’t express my gratitude enough for you.”

Morpheus Oneiroi

Morpheus Oneiroi

24:7 Dad Graduate

Basic, Advanced

Spokane Fatherhood Initiative helps reunite dads & their kids

James Tidwell was separated from his children for seven years, but regained access in October of 2021. James gives credit to God and the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative for reuniting him with his kids. SpoFI chose him as non-custodial 2022 Father of the Year because of his passionate pursuit of becoming a better dad.

Google® Reviews

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Chidobe UgwuChidobe Ugwu

03:10 09 Jun 23
I joined the program not knowing what I wanted out of it, thinking that I already know what it meant to be a good father to my kids. As I took the classes, I began to realize that I knew very little. 24/7 Dad A.M program gave me deeper insights and perspectives to improve my parenting style and gain more skills in the art. I appreciate Fred K. Dent, the facilitator and the sponsors of this unique initiative.

Yvonne BoydYvonne Boyd

01:03 15 May 23
Extremely beneficial community service offering a variety of classes specifically for the Father’s in our area. Additionally, they provide outreach programs and events.

dlsnow1dlsnow1

16:13 03 May 23
Thank you so much for your generous gift of your time and resources to lead the fatherhood classes I’ve had the privilege to attend. It has resulted in really positive impact on myself, family and kids. This is meaningful work and you and your team are making a difference in the lives of fathers and the children that need them.

James TidwellJames Tidwell

23:19 02 May 23
I 110% recommend Spokane Fatherhood Initiative to any and every dad. Doesn’t matter if you have no idea what you’re doing and you’re just winging it, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a great dad, he has been my undeniable experience that a good dad always wants to be a better dad. As a matter of fact it doesn’t even matter if you’re not yet a dad or if your kids are grown. I can honestly say this program changed mine and my family’s lives for the best. It has done so much good in my life that I am determined to take advantage of everything they have to offer. With that being said I’m going to share and recommend it to everybody I come across. If we can dad to go home and stay home. this country will change for the better. If we get this country back there’s a possibility that we get the world back as well.

Logan DecourseyLogan Decoursey

21:55 02 May 23
This org has forever changed both mine and my daughter’s lives for the better. I’m proud to call myself a 24/7 Dad Graduate. God Bless SpoFi!

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Fatherhood Training and Parenting Classes

We help moms & dads adopt tools, skills & behavioral changes needed to become better spouses, parents & partners.

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Fathering in 15™

These one-on-one classes meet at mutually convenient times for the student and Facilitator, usually on Zoom

Statewide Classes via Zoom
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Understanding Dad™

These classes are taught in-class in Spokane

Scheduling for this class depends on enrollment

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