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.

Community connection strengthens Spokane families at Father’s Day celebration

On Father’s Day 2025, Spokane families gathered at Riverfront Park to celebrate fatherhood, honor Gabriel’s memory, and strengthen the bonds that make our community whole.…

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 17
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

Transform your parenting journey with SpoFI’s nationally-recognized 24/7 Dad® program in Hillyard. Starting March 4th, join other fathers for evidence-based training that builds lasting parenting skills and stronger family bonds. Evening sessions include dinner and focus on practical skills like child development, co-parenting, and stress-reduction. Over 675 Spokane fathers have completed our program since 2018, with a 93% graduation rate.

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 8
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
Looking ahead: A new year of transforming fathers’ lives

As we reflect on 2024, the stories of transformation at the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative fill us with hope and gratitude. Through our evidence-based programs and dedicated community support, we’ve witnessed remarkable journeys of fathers reconnecting with their children, rebuilding trust, and creating stronger 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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Help more fathers find their way home in 2025: A year of transformations at SpoFI

Through your generous partnership, 125 fathers discovered new paths to meaningful connections with their children this year. Each success story represents not just one life changed, but entire families transformed:

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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Dec 26
Joy and connection: SpoFI’s first family Christmas celebration brings fathers and children together

Experience the magic of SpoFI’s inaugural Family Christmas Celebration, where fathers and children created lasting memories through storytelling, Santa visits, and festive activities. See how our fatherhood programs build stronger 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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Dec 23
A night of joy and transformation: celebrating our latest 24-7 Dad graduates

Experience the powerful moments from SpoFI’s December graduation ceremony, where fathers and families celebrated life-changing transformations. Learn how you can support father-child relationships or begin your own fatherhood journey.

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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Dec 23
Three words that changed a father’s life at SpoFI

Simple words. Life-changing impact. Last week in our advanced fatherhood class, a moment reminded us why we do what we do at the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. A father in our program – let’s call him James – had texted me apologizing for needing a ride to class. Without thinking twice, I responded: “You’re worth it.”

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 13