SC Center for Fathers and Families receives Nord Family Foundation funding to amplify importance of fatherhood

Friday, March 18, 2022

Tags: South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families , Outreach

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The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families has received a $30,000 grant from the Nord Family Foundation to amplify the importance and impact of fatherhood and increase organizational capacity to sustain the statewide fatherhood initiative. The grant will be used to help the center reverse the tide of attitudes dismissive of fatherhood and finger-pointing at absent fathers by underscoring the value of fathers and demonstrating the unwarranted barriers that society has created for divorced and unwed fathers in particular.

Research on family policy suggests that fathers’ presence and involvement with their children significantly influences their growth, development and futures. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, and exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior. Yet many popular stereotypes cast a long, negative shadow on fathers without acknowledging how father absence is eroding society and families.

“We are so grateful to the Nord Family Foundation for believing that fathers matter,” said Pat Littlejohn, president of the center. “Their investment will help us elevate fathers’ voices and ensure that resources exist to help fathers become great dads.”

The Nord Family Foundation, in the tradition of its founders, Walter and Virginia Nord, endeavors to build community through the support of projects that bring opportunity to the under-resourced, strengthen the bond of families, and improve the quality of people's lives.

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