Building Legacy: Spokane Fatherhood Initiative Annual Fall Fundraiser Dinner

The Impact You’re Supporting

Since 2018, the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative has issued 781 certificates of completion from our evidence-based programs. Many fathers advance through multiple levels of training, demonstrating the depth of engagement and commitment to growth. Research documents that participants achieve an extraordinary 84% improvement in fathering skills, relationship abilities, and personal development.

But the numbers tell only part of the story.

“I thought being a dad was about keeping the lights on,” shares Eric Davis, program completion recipient. “Now I know it’s about being emotionally present and deeply involved in my children’s lives.”

Matthew Mellott reflects on breaking generational patterns: “I’ve been able to discern my parenting from my father’s and how much I was parenting just like him. I don’t want to raise my children the way I was raised.”

Jordan Brown captures the personal growth aspect: “I’ve always been determined to believe in myself, and to try my best…but this program has inspired me to keep working on myself, regardless of any outcome – I work on myself because I’m worth working on.”

This transformation happens because of supporters like you who believe fathers can change, families can heal, and communities can flourish.

Why Spokane Needs This Work

Our community faces unique challenges:

• Child abuse and neglect rates in Spokane County exceed state averages by 53%
• Domestic violence incidents occur at significantly higher rates than Washington State
• Father absence affects nearly one in four children, creating lasting impacts on education, mental health, and economic stability

Yet we’ve documented father-and-child reunification dozens of times, often after years of separation, proving that investment in fathers creates ripple effects throughout families and communities.

Your Evening Experience

A Celebration of Transformation

• Inspiring stories from program graduates and their families
• Delicious full-course dinner prepared with care
• Live updates on community impact and program expansion
• Opportunities to directly support life-changing work

The Chris Brown Endorsement

“The Spokane Fatherhood Initiative is one of the most impressive father-serving efforts in the country.” — Chris Brown, President, National Fatherhood Initiative

Community Recognition

Program participants consistently share profound insights about their transformation. As Matthew Mellott explains:

“I didn’t know fathering skills were a thing. I just assumed being a dad was being a dad, but it’s a very specific set of skills that have to be learned and practiced.”

Ken Tapley describes his progress: “Dealing with my kids more out of love and less out of anger.”

Thomas Connors reflects on his growth: “I am more patient with my kids and their mothers. I’m not alone in the struggle for bettering myself as a father and I can learn the proper skills to be better in every relationship I have.”

Anthony Evans shares his perspective: “Total acceptance of my situation and the strength and clarity gained from it. The camaraderie and shared situations and brotherly support also legal knowledge shared through our ongoing battles to see our children and be a part of their lives.”