15 Years and Counting...
Since our founding in 1994, we've been hard at work educating, equipping, and engaging our nation and its fathers. See what we've accomplished with the help of our supporters:
1) Created Award Winning Moments
With the help of the Ad Council, we've created some of the most popular Public Service Campaigns in history, including the "Moments Campaign."
Check out "Dance," one of our most popular ads, and see how the smallest moments can have the biggest impact.
2) Printed the Facts: Father Facts
To date, we've released five editions of Father Facts™, the largest compilation of research detailing the effects of father absence and father presence. Did you know...
- When Dad isn't involved, kids are more likely to experiment with drugs
- Almost half of U.S. inmates grew up without their father
- Children living without their fathers are twice as likely to drop out of school
3) Equipped Over 6,000 Facilitators
Through our interactive trainings, we've equipped over 6,000 facilitators from almost 3,000 organizations to deliver fatherhood programs in their communities.
"The... materials we received... have opened up many doors and opportunities for me to share the message that fathers are essential and irreplaceable in the lives of our children."
Brett Lund, Fatherhood Specialist
Davis School District Family Enrichment Center
"Because of your resources, more fathers are trying to be better fathers by spending family time together, showing affection to their children and they realize that a father's job is never done."
Sharon Merritt, Fatherhood Coordinator
STOP Organization, Head Start (Norfolk, VA)
4) Presented 90 Fatherhood Awards
From celebrities, to athletes, to businessmen, to Fortune 500 companies, we've given Fatherhood Awards to individuals, organizations, and companies that support involved, responsible, and committed fatherhood. Our yearly awards ceremony recognizes the contributions these individuals make and celebrates their dedication to their families.
5) Gained Bi-Partisan Support
Working to rally Congressional support around this issue, we've formed bi-partisan task forces in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These congressmen are briefed on the latest facts and the important role responsible fatherhood plays in forming public policy.
6) Created New Fatherhood Programs
Our three core fatherhood programs - 24/7 Dad™, Doctor Dad™, and InsideOut Dad™ - are being used in organizations throughout the country to educate fathers and strengthen families. Here are what some fathers are saying:
"I'm turning out to be a better father and leader for my kids."
"I feel this has had a very positive effect on my children's upbringing, and I am a more loving, understanding father."
"I have learned to be a role model, forever love my children and to cherish every moment with them."
7) Equipped Almost 1.5 Million Fathers
Through FatherSOURCE, the nation's largest collection of fatherhood resources, we've distributed almost 1.5 million resources to organizations and fathers throughout the country. These resources give men the skills they need to be the fathers their children need.
"I never knew there was so much out there for fathers. The brochures were very helpful. I'm glad more attention is finally being paid to us - we are half the parenting team after all!"
Father (Holland, MI)
8) Developed Ground-Breaking Interactive Resources
NFI has created four, interactive CD-ROMs: Boyz2Dads™, Directions for Dads™, 24/7 Dad™ Interactive, and When Duct Tape Won't Work™. Dads can work through these programs wherever and whenever they have time.
9) Caught Golden Dads
The Golden Dads campaign was launched to recognize the efforts of dads everywhere. From 2003 - 2007, thousands of fathers were awarded in dozens of U.S. cities, plus several celebrity Golden Dads were recognized, including Randy Jackson, Jason Alexander, and Dave and Jeff Koz.
10) Strengthened and Equipped Military Families
Almost 300,000 resources have been distributed to all branches of the U.S. military, preparing families for deployment and helping them to readjust once dad returns home.
Dear Dad, I want you to know how much I miss you and love you and I am so proud you are my dad. I want you to come home soon and never go away again. I love you so very much. Love Cheyanne. P.S. I am taking care of mommy
11) Brought Dads Back Into Our Nation's Schools
By working with Head Starts, PTAs, and school systems throughout the country, we're helping to get dads involved in their children's education, giving our kids, our schools, and our neighborhoods a brighter future.
12) Changed Fathers from the "Inside Out"
Our program for incarcerated fathers, InsideOut Dad™, is now being used in all 50 states and is a state standardized program in 15 states. Said one former inmate:
This program has helped me to stay out of trouble and to show my kids that I made a mistake and I have grown from it. I believe it is important for my children to know that I have changed the direction of my life and I don't know what would have happened to me without this program.
13) Made Several National TV Appearances
NFI staff have been guests on major national television programs and networks, such as The Oprah Show, CNN, Fox and Friends, and C-SPAN. Recently, Roland Warren appeared on The Today Show to chat with Matt Lauer and George Foreman about the important role fathers play.
14) Counted the Costs of Father Absence
In 2008, NFI released a study showing that the federal government spends $100 billion dollars to support father-absent homes. The press, policy makers, and other interested individuals gathered on Capitol Hill to learn more about The One Hundred Billion Dollar Man: The Annual Public Costs of Father Absence.
15) Defined Pop's Culture
NFI conducted Pop's Culture: A National Survey of Dads' Attitudes on Fathering to determine just what dads thought about being a father. Key findings include:
- 91% of fathers think there is a father-absence crisis in America
- Less than ¼ of fathers feel adequately prepared for fatherhood
Help us continue to help fathers and families with 15 more successful years. Give today.