South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families releases 2019 impact report

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Tags: South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families , Outreach

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The mission of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families is to provide the means for fathers to become great dads. Learn more about how the center is changing the lives of fathers and families across the state in its The State of Fatherhood 2019 Impact Report.

The report highlights the impact the center had in 2019, how it continues to adapt since its founding in 2002, how it amplifies the voices of fathers across the state and beyond, one father and son's story, and a service area map.

Below is the text of a letter from President Pat Littlejohn and board member Tim Arnold that appears in the report from. Access the full report here.

A Home for Fatherhood

Building a statewide fatherhood initiative is akin to building a house, creating a home for our mission to better the lives of fathers and families. In 1998, The Sisters of Charity Foundation drafted the blueprint and provided firm ground on which to build. Our six regional fatherhood organizations, responsible for direct services, are our pillars.

Our long-standing partner, SC Department of Social Services, fortifies our walls and new partners enhance this structure with windows providing unique perspectives and doorways opening to new opportunities. The policies and practices of our government can be likened to a roof, defining and protecting the things we deem most valuable in our society.

In 2019, we reinforced our framework by leveraging our expertise locally and across the nation. We hosted community breakfasts to acknowledge the support of city, county and state elected leaders. We convened at the State House with government agencies who share a stake in strengthening services for fathers. A grant from the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network allowed us to explore mutually beneficial partnerships with 15 new organizations and we represented the voice of fatherhood at the Domestic Policy Council round table meeting at the White House.

Our statewide fatherhood initiative is expanding well beyond its original blueprint. 2020 begins the decade for strengthening services, linking resources, and crafting father-friendly policies to help families and communities prosper. The Center is poised to help build bridges between agencies, facilitate conversations, and bring the importance of fathers to the forefront.

We are deeply grateful for our tried and true partners and excited to embrace new ones. Together we can make South Carolina a welcoming home where families can dwell, thrive and belong.

The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.