This is part one of a three-part series celebrating the 115th anniversary of Father's Day – which began right here in Spokane.
It was one of the most painful yet most rewarding classes I have ever taught at SpoFI.
For nearly two hours, I had listened to 13 men in our 24-7 Dad Advanced class share their stories. Most involved serious conflict with the mother of their children. Several of the men were victims of domestic assault. Many are working to gain more parenting time with their children.
The rewarding message came near the end of the class.
Two fathers chose the harder path
Two men who had suffered some of the strongest, most painful abuse said this (I’m paraphrasing):
“This class has taught me that one of the most important things I can do for my children is have a positive relationship with their mother.”
Let that sink in.
These are two men who have every right to be angry and bitter. Men who could justify holding onto resentment for the rest of their lives. But they’re willing to set aside their justified feelings and do what is in the best interest of their children.
This is fatherhood. This is manhood – a willingness to rise above circumstances and take the honorable path.
The waiting list that breaks my heart
Stories like these happen every day at SpoFI. Fathers choosing their children over their pain. Men breaking generational cycles. Lives being transformed.
But not enough of them.
Right now, fathers are waiting for weeks to get into our programs. Our classrooms are at capacity. Men ready to change – men like those two fathers who chose forgiveness – are stuck on waitlists.
Think about that. A father finally finds the courage to ask for help. He’s ready to learn, grow, and become the dad his children need. And we have to tell him to wait.
Those weeks can make the difference between transformation and giving up.
Why Father’s Day 2025 is different
That’s why we’ve launched SpoFI 2.0 – an ambitious vision to double the number of fathers we serve over the next three years. No more waitlists. No more “sorry, we’re full.” Just help when fathers need it most.
Our Father’s Day goal is $115,000 to honor 115 years of Father’s Day. (Yes, Father’s Day started right here in Spokane 115 years ago – I’ll share that incredible story tomorrow!)
Through your generous support:
The choice that changes everything
Those two fathers in my class? They graduate this week. They’ll leave our program with tools, support, and most importantly, a new perspective on what it means to be a dad.
But for every father who graduates, another is waiting to begin.
This Father’s Day, you have a choice too
You can help a father choose his children over his anger. You can be the reason a dad learns to forgive instead of fight. You can transform a family’s future.
Tomorrow, I’ll share the remarkable story of how a Spokane woman’s love for her father created a worldwide holiday. It’s a story that captures why our work matters so deeply – and why Spokane has always been a place where fathers are valued.
But today, I’m asking you to be part of a different story. The story of how our community came together to ensure no father has to wait for help.
Will you help transform a father’s life today?
Connect with Our Executive Director
SpoFI Founder and Executive Director Ron Hauenstein would enjoy the opportunity to share the SpoFI story with you. To arrange a meeting to learn more about how SpoFI helps dads become better fathers and employees, contact Ron using the button below.
Ron Hauenstein is Executive Director of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. This is part one of a three-part series celebrating Father's Day's 115th anniversary and SpoFI's campaign to double our impact.
Support SpoFI 2.0 Today | Learn More About Our Programs | Read Tomorrow: How Spokane Created Father’s Day
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