Jeremiah Donier
To all of Eastern Washington and North Idaho child welfare allies:
I just participated in a conference call with the White House staff about a very important issue that can help children and families across our nation: Responsible Fatherhood.
President Obama is asking ANYONE who is interested to go to www.Fatherhood.gov/Initiative and sign a pledge for responsible fatherhood and mentoring. Especially dads!
Many studies have shown that by providing our children with dependable male role models, they are much more likely do better in life, for example, succeed in school. The impact fathers have on our children’s future is great, and we need men who are willing to step up and act as dads.
If you are interested in what is going on right here in Spokane, I encourage you to sign up for the Engaging Fatherhood Conference and Resource Fair at SCC on Friday, June 17. This is a FREE event with workshops for Fathers and Professionals. Email one...@gmail.com or me at jdo...@hotmail.com if you would like some registration forms.
There is so much that we can do to make things better for fathers and their families. I want to work with anyone who is interested in bringing the National Quality Improvement Center’s Father Engagement Project to Spokane. This dynamic 3-1/2 year program located in four cities across the U.S., including Seattle, was very successful in finding non-resident dads and getting them connected with caring for their kiddos. There are some upcoming grants that can help fund this and our other efforts. If we work together it will make a BIG difference in our community and the lives of our children. Partners with Families and Children of Spokane, www.partnerswithfamilies.org, seems to be the leading group organizing and supporting some of this work.
Personally, I am stepping forward and help those dads who are struggling. This means I am looking for employment to be a Fatherhood Specialist, Parent Engagement Coordinator, or whatever role I can, to help parents be safer and healthier. Currently I work full time as a graphic designer, running a print shop for local nonprofit, but I capable of doing much, much more. This is about my passion, not money or recognition, yet I cannot quit my day job unless I have some stable means to support for my own family. So if you know of an opportunity in our region, let me know, because I would like to throw my hat into the ring. In the meantime, I am still willing to volunteer whatever time I have to be a mentor and voice for dads who struggle. If you haven’t read my story of change it’s listed on the American Bar Association website. www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/center_on_children_and_the_law/an_emotional_monster_no_more.authcheckdam.pdf
The work that all of you do on the behalf of children and families is greatly appreciated, you ARE making a difference. Also, to all who have served our country: THANK YOU and have a good Memorial Day.
Jeremiah Donier
"People Change ~ Families Reunite"
Spokane Parent Advocacy Committee
Communications Officer/Veteran Parent
509-475-8404 – jdo...@hotmail.com