To educate fathers and communities on responsible fatherhood practices, healthy relationships
and economic stability among families.
“And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”
-Malachi 4:6
Fathers are central to the emotional well-being of their children. Research confirms that if a child's father is affectionate, supportive, and involved, he contributes greatly to the child's healthy development, academic achievement, sense of self-worth and other critical elements associated with positive life outcomes. Healthy fathers and families are essential to the overall health of our cities and neighborhoods.
The Fatherhood Initiative primarily delivers education on responsible parenting and healthy relationships with small groups of dads. Multiple 12-week classes are offered at the Woodhill Community Center, throughout the city in neighborhood-based sites and to fathers incarcerated in Fayette County Detention Center and Blackburn Correctional Complex throughout the year.
The Fatherhood Initiative currently impacts more than 250 fathers and equips them to have nurturing, healthy relationships with their children and families. The recent addition of the Center for Fathers and Families is dedicated to fatherhood programming that will allow them to deepen their level of engagement through discipleship and enhanced program offerings.
Director David Cozart’s “Add To The Light” speech can be viewed beginning at the 8:30 mark.
Center for Fathers and Families
The Center for Fathers and Families is a 3,700 square foot facility dedicated to “returning the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6). The Fatherhood Initiative has operated (offices and programming) out of the Woodhill Community Center since May 2018. However, given the importance of fathers’ role in the family and community, the dream to establish a center specifically for dads has been a dream of LLF and its Fatherhood Initiative program. This dream became a reality on May 7, 2021, when the Center for Fathers and Families officially opened in partnership with The MAP Foundation.
The Center for Fathers and Families provides
Office space for staff and key volunteers or partners
Training center for fatherhood classes, resume prep, etc.
Room for fathers to meet privately with LLF staff, counselors, etc.
Multi-purpose space for fathers and children to engage
Tech center for fathers to search for jobs and/or receive education
