TL;DR: Our 87th and 88th graduation ceremonies brought 18 more fathers into our community of 771 graduates. These men invested 24 hours learning to be emotionally present, intentional parents. Fall classes start September 2nd—including our new Hillyard location.
This week felt different at the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. Watching 18 fathers walk across that stage—some with their children cheering them on—reminded us why this work matters.
These men didn’t just show up. They invested 24 hours over 12 weeks learning what it really means to be present for their families. They learned to communicate with intention, lead with patience, and understand that fatherhood is about so much more than keeping the lights on.
What transformation looks like
Graduate Eric Davis captured the shift perfectly in his remarks:
“Before coming to SpoFI, I thought being a dad was mostly about showing up, working hard, and keeping the lights on. But through the 24-7 Dad curriculum, I’ve learned that fatherhood is about so much more. It’s about being emotionally present, consistent, and deeply involved in the lives of your children.”
Eric continued,
“One of the most powerful lessons I’ve taken from this program is understanding the different types of fathers—and recognizing where I was falling short. I saw how easy it is to get stuck in one role, like being the ‘disciplinarian’ or ‘the fun one,’ instead of showing up as a complete, balanced parent.”
That’s the transformation we’re after. Men who move from surviving parenthood to thriving in it.
The numbers that matter
With these latest graduates, we’ve now issued 771 certificates of completion since 2018. These ceremonies marked our 87th and 88th graduations—meaning we’re approaching our 100th celebration milestone.
Some fathers complete just our Basic (AM) program, others advance through both Basic and Advanced (PM) levels. Each certificate represents a father’s commitment to growth, whether that’s his first step into intentional parenting or his continued journey toward mastery.
But numbers only tell part of the story. The real impact shows up in homes across Spokane where fathers are more present, families are stronger, and children have engaged dads who know how to show up consistently.
Looking ahead: Fall classes and Hillyard expansion
Our fall semester launches September 2nd with classes at two Spokane locations plus Zoom options. Registration closes August 26th, and spots are filling quickly.
The big news? We’re bringing 24-7 Dad® classes directly to Hillyard at the Northeast Community Center (4001 N Cook St). This expansion means fathers in Northeast Spokane can access evidence-based parenting training right in their neighborhood.
As Eric noted in his graduation speech,
“I’m not a perfect father. But I no longer feel like I’m guessing my way through parenthood. I have a foundation now. I have tools, insight, and the confidence to keep growing.”
That foundation—built through proven curriculum, supportive community, and skilled facilitators like Greg Naker and Fred Dent—transforms not just individual fathers but entire family systems.
Ready to join them?
Fall classes start in four weeks. The investment is 24 hours spread across 12 weeks. The program is free thanks to our donors and DCYF funding.
The question isn’t whether you have time. The question is whether your family deserves you at your best.
Because every child deserves an engaged, intentional father.
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