In a heartwarming celebration at the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative (SpoFI) headquarters, eleven dedicated fathers marked the completion of their transformative journey through the prestigious Dad2Dad program. The December 16 graduation ceremony brought together families, children, and community supporters to honor these fathers’ commitment to becoming better parents and partners.
What is SpoFI’s Dad2Dad program?
The Dad2Dad program at SpoFI is designed specifically for fathers looking to deepen their connections with their families and grow personally and professionally. Over a six-month period, participants engage in a structured process that focuses on improving their roles as fathers, partners, and community members.
The graduates, who received both diplomas and commemorative letterman’s jackets, represented diverse paths to fatherhood excellence. Each father’s achievement marked the culmination of an intensive six-month process group, led by licensed counselors Bill Frye and Ian Redfield since June.
“Graduating from Dad2Dad represents the peak of SpoFI achievement,” shared Ron Hauenstein, SpoFI Executive Director. “These fathers have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to becoming the best possible parents for their children.”
Distinguished attorney and SpoFI supporter Geoff Swindler delivered a powerful keynote address, sharing his personal journey from being raised by a single mother to navigating single fatherhood after losing his wife to cancer. His message reinforced the crucial importance of engaged, present fathers in children’s lives.
The 2024 Dad2Dad graduating class includes:
- Earl Amland
- Robbie Barni
- Sherman Birdtail
- Tyler Brischle
- Charles Ferguson
- Courtney Garnett
- Johnathan Mitchell
- Benjamin Perez
- Kyle Spencer
- Richard Weber
- Chris Wright
The Dad2Dad program represents the highest level of achievement in SpoFI’s comprehensive fatherhood training pathway. Participants must first complete both the 24-7 Dad AM (basic) and PM (advanced) courses before earning admission to this elite program. Some graduates began their SpoFI journey over four years ago, demonstrating remarkable persistence in their pursuit of better parenting skills.
The celebration concluded with a nostalgic touch – root beer floats made with Dad’s Root Beer, perfectly capturing the spirit of fatherhood and family celebration.
For fathers interested in beginning their own journey of growth and transformation through SpoFI’s programs, visit our classes section or contact us to learn more about upcoming 24-7 Dad AM classes.
Continuing the legacy: New Dad2Dad cohort beginning January 2025
As one group of fathers celebrates their achievement, SpoFI prepares to welcome its next cohort of dedicated dads. The new Dad2Dad session begins January 6th, 2025, exclusively for men who have completed both the Basic (AM) and Advanced (PM) 24-7 Dad® classes. This intensive program offers fathers the opportunity to continue their journey of healing, growth, and development under professional guidance.
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