What is Spokane Fatherhood Initiative (SpoFI)?
Spokane Fatherhood Initiative 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.
Fundraising Update: We’re SO Close! Matching Funds Expire Tonight (11-7-2024 8:30 PM)
$78,758 Raised! (99% of goal)
$39,379 donations
$39,379 matching funds
Just $1,242 needed to reach $80k!
🔥 Your gift is DOUBLED right now! Help us finish strong! $37.50 covers 1 full hour of 24-7 Dad instruction 👨🏽🎓.
Every donation impacts Spokane fathers & families.
SpoFI Dessert Fundraiser 2024: A Sweet Success!
We’re pleased to report that our recent Dessert Fundraiser was a resounding success!
Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, supporters, and volunteers, we've taken a significant step forward in our mission to strengthen fathers and families in Spokane.
Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $24,000 during the event. With our $40,000 matching fund, that brings our current total to $48,000! We’re well on our way to our goal of $80,000, but we’re not done yet. The campaign continues until we reach our target or the end of the year, whichever comes first.
Exciting Announcement: SpoFI Endowment Fund is Born
We were honored to announce a major gift from our founders, Ron and Becky Hauenstein. They have donated a property valued at approximately $250,000 to establish the SpoFI Endowment Fund through the Innovia Foundation. This endowment will provide an estimated $10,000 annually to support our ongoing work.
Key points
Fundraising Progress
- Raised at event: $24,000
- Matching fund: $40,000
- Current total: $48,000
- Goal: $80,000
New Endowment Fund
- Value: ~$250,000 property
- Annual yield: ~$10,000
- Donors: Ron and Becky Hauenstein (founders)
- Managed by: Innovia Foundation
Ongoing Efforts
- Campaign continues until goal met or year-end
- Matching funds still available for new donations
- Seeking volunteers and social media support
What our dad’s have to say about SpoFI
SpoFI helps Fathers & Mothers
Follow us on social
Latest SpoFI News & Events
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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SpoFI salutes Dad2Dad’s winter graduates: Eleven fathers complete transformative journey
Eleven dedicated fathers graduate from SpoFI’s transformative Dad2Dad program, marking completion of intensive fatherhood training. New cohort begins January 2025. Learn about this life-changing journey.
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SpoFI Sponsors Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas 2024
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.
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SpoFI Christmas Party 2024: A Special Day for Dads and Kids
Join the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative’s annual Christmas party on December 21, 2024. Free photos with Santa, crafts, treats, and special activities for dads and kids. RSVP required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do the next series of classes start?
For upcoming classes and registration info, hit up the Classes section
Q: How much does it cost to enroll?
Our fee schedule is available. However, scholarships and state support usually cover 100% of class costs.
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
What do Our Students think?
Testimonials
“Dad, I always knew you’d come back,” said James’ 10 year old son about his dad’s reunification.
James Tidwell
24:7 Dad® Graduate
“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
24:7 Dad Graduate
Spokane Fatherhood Initiative Reviews
We help moms & dads adopt tools, skills & behavioral changes needed to become better spouses, parents & partners.
Fatherhood Training and Parenting Classes
24-7 Dad® Classes Forming
Registration now open for March 5th classes
- Classes meet on Tues. and Thurs. for 6 Weeks at SpoFI offices
Statewide Classes via Zoom
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
Anger Free Dad
Embark on a journey towards better anger management with the Anger Free Dad course. Master techniques to manage expectations, reflect on past incidents, and lead your family with calmness, enhancing relationships with your wife, children, and colleagues.