SpoFI News

Stay informed with the latest updates and stories from SpoFI. Explore impactful articles, success stories, and key insights into fatherhood and family life in Spokane. Visit our newsroom for inspiration and community highlights.

Building Legacy: Spokane Fatherhood Initiative Annual Fall Fundraiser Dinner

Join us for an evening celebrating the remarkable transformation happening in our community. Every seat filled brings us closer to reaching more fathers who need tools, training, and encouragement to build stronger families. Individual Tickets: $80 | Table of 8: $560 (Includes one complimentary seat)

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Bringing fatherhood support to Hillyard: Why location matters

This September, Northeast Spokane fathers get convenient access to proven parenting support right in their neighborhood. SpoFI’s 24-7 Dad® program returns to Hillyard’s Northeast Community Center with free classes, dinner provided, and evening scheduling that works for busy dads. Registration closes August 26th.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Aug 15
What makes a great father? Lessons from our latest graduates

Discover what 18 Spokane fathers learned in our 24-7 Dad program. Real transformation stories, proven skills, free classes. Fall sessions start Sept 2nd – register by Aug 26th.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Aug 15
18 Spokane fathers graduate from 24-7 Dad® program: Another milestone in strengthening Spokane families

Our 87th and 88th graduation ceremonies brought 18 more fathers into our community of 771 graduates. These men invested 24 hours learning to be emotionally present, intentional parents. Fall classes start September 2nd—including our new Hillyard location.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Aug 6
Faithful Fatherhood: Leading your family with biblical wisdom

Faithful fatherhood means leading your family with biblical wisdom and spiritual purpose. It’s about being intentional with your role as a spiritual guide—not perfect, just willing to point your children toward lasting values and faith. You’ll learn practical ways to integrate biblical principles into everyday parenting situations.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Jul 7
Community connection strengthens Spokane families at Father’s Day celebration

Spokane fathers unite at Riverfront Park for Father’s Day celebration featuring Gabriel’s Challenge, SpoFI’s 2025 Fathers of the Year, and community healing through connection.

Jennifer Loree Byrd
Jennifer L. Byrd, a valued contributor to SpoFI. Jennifer is a mother, donor, volunteer, and veteran educator who brings her unique perspective and dedication to our organization. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jen for her multifaceted contributions to SpoFI, which have a profound impact on our community.

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Jun 18
SpoFI Honors Outstanding Fathers at Annual Father’s Day Celebration

Two exemplary fathers recognized for dedication to family and community service The Spokane Fatherhood Initiative (SpoFI) celebrated exceptional fatherhood and community commitment at their annual…

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Jun 15
Celebrating fathers across our community this Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the diverse fathers strengthening families across Spokane. From program graduates to dedicated dads, honoring engaged fatherhood in our community.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Jun 15
From Spokane to the world: Father’s Day’s incredible global journey

Discover how Father’s Day grew from Spokane’s 1910 celebration to a global holiday in 112 countries. The incredible 62-year journey of persistence and recognition.

Ron Hauenstein
Ron is a semi-retired life insurance agent. He was raised in Reardan, WA and began his life insurance career in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife Becky have two grown children. Ron and Becky attend Victory Faith Fellowship in the Spokane Valley and have lived in Spokane since 1993.

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Jun 15
From tragedy to triumph: How one Spokane daughter created Father’s Day

In 1898, William Smart chose to raise six children alone. Eleven years later, his daughter Sonora created Father’s Day to honor his sacrifice.

Ron Hauenstein
Ron is a semi-retired life insurance agent. He was raised in Reardan, WA and began his life insurance career in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife Becky have two grown children. Ron and Becky attend Victory Faith Fellowship in the Spokane Valley and have lived in Spokane since 1993.

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Jun 15
When forgiveness matters more than justice: A Father’s Day reflection

Two fathers in Spokane chose their children over justified anger. Their story reveals why Father’s Day matters more than ever – and how you can help transform a father’s life today.

Ron Hauenstein
Ron is a semi-retired life insurance agent. He was raised in Reardan, WA and began his life insurance career in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife Becky have two grown children. Ron and Becky attend Victory Faith Fellowship in the Spokane Valley and have lived in Spokane since 1993.

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Jun 14
Father’s Day 2025: Celebrating 115 years in Spokane

Join us June 15 at Liberty Park for SpoFI’s Father’s Day celebration in the city that created the holiday 115 years ago. We’re honoring our 725+ program graduates, launching SpoFI 2.0, and celebrating the fathers who prove transformation is possible. Free family event from 12-3 PM with food, games, and recognition ceremony.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Jun 11
SpoFI Service Saturdays: Fathers Leading Community Change

Every Saturday from May 17th until Father’s Day, SpoFI dads are stepping up to serve our Spokane community. These Service Saturdays are our response to Gabriel’s Challenge – a city-wide initiative addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting Spokane families.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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May 29
SpoFI Fathers of the Year Nominations 2025

Recognize exceptional fathers in our community! SpoFI’s Father of the Year Awards honor graduates of our 24-7 Dad® program who demonstrate outstanding commitment to fatherhood. Two categories available: Custodial and Non-Custodial. Nominations open through May 26, 2025. Submit your nomination today!

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Apr 28
Second Chance Month: Unlocking Potential for Returning Citizens

Join SpoFI in celebrating Second Chance Month! Learn how you can support Returning Citizens in Spokane and help create a more inclusive community.

Fred Dent

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Apr 1
Creating Hope: A Father’s Workshop on Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention

This April, we’re bringing together fathers from across our SpoFI community for an important conversation about mental wellness, resilience, and how we can support one another through difficult times.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Mar 27
Breaking records and changing lives: Our largest 24/7 Dad® class yet

SpoFI celebrates its largest fatherhood class with 25 graduates. New spring classes starting March 4th in Hillyard and downtown Spokane. Free enrollment available through DCYF funding and generous supporters.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Discover your purpose: New Biblical manhood course coming to SpoFI

Join SpoFI’s new 11-week Betterman course starting March 10. Learn practical biblical manhood principles to strengthen your marriage, work life, and relationships with your children. Free for program graduates.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Feb 16
Hillyard Parenting Classes: A Fatherhood Journey with SpoFI

We’re launching fall classes September 2nd with an exciting development – we’re returning to the Hillyard area at Northeast Community Center. This means fathers in Northeast Spokane now have access to father training right in their neighborhood.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Aug 13
Changed dads change everything: SpoFI’s vision for transforming families and communities

SpoFI Executive Director Ron Hauenstein shares powerful stories of father transformation, community impact, and the vital role of fatherhood training in strengthening families across Spokane. Learn how our 93% program completion rate is changing lives.

Lawrence Jay Long
Proud father of two awesome boys, nature enthusiast, tech enthusiast, tinkerer, runner, and friend. I am dedicated to empowering men to realize their potential and lead meaningful lives. I share SpoFI’s practices and work diligently, striving to encourage and model the lessons taught here.

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Jan 24
Birthday reflections: SpoFI celebrates 9 years of transforming fathers and families in Spokane

On this historic day, as we honor MLK and witness the inauguration, we’re celebrating our own milestone – 9 years of helping fathers become the dads their children need. Read how 100 Christian leaders united around the challenge of fatherlessness, and how SpoFI has equipped 675 dads to transform their families.

Ron Hauenstein
Ron is a semi-retired life insurance agent. He was raised in Reardan, WA and began his life insurance career in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife Becky have two grown children. Ron and Becky attend Victory Faith Fellowship in the Spokane Valley and have lived in Spokane since 1993.

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Jan 20