JFCS honors dads at 4th Annual Healthy Fathers Reunion

Photos: 1) Fernando Rivera (center standing), director of the JFCS Healthy Fathers Program, assists one of children in making a Father’s Day card for his dad. 2) Family members gather together to make their paper airplane in preparation for the two-person father/child team competition. (Photos courtesy of JFCS)

More than 40 fathers and their families recently gathered together for the JFCS of the Suncoast’s 4thAnnual Father’s Day Reunion on June 16, 2018. The annual event, made possible through a grant from the Baracik Foundation, honored and recognized dads who have completed the JFCS “Healthy Fathers” program, a free 13-week program open to any male adult 15 years or older, which is part of the JFCS Families services area.

Held at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, the free event was open to Healthy Fathers’ graduates and their families. Guests enjoyed a special barbeque lunch, crafts table for making cards, face painting, family photo sessions and a paper airplane contest that teamed up a dad and child to compete against other two-person family teams.

JFCS Healthy Fathers Program

Helping fathers embrace the responsibilities of fatherhood and their important role in the development of their children is an integral part of JFCS of the Suncoast’s mission. The Healthy Fathers Program, part of the JFCS Families services area, is funded by grants from the Baracik Foundation and Sarasota Community Foundation’s Charlotte Graver Fund. Through this program, hundreds of fathers have come to learn and better understand their important role in the development of their children and their responsibility in developing communication skills to improve their interpersonal relationships. The annual reunion is designed to honor and recognize each father’s commitment to becoming a better communicator and partner in the lives of their children and family. For more information, visit www.jfcs-cares.org or call 941.366.2224.