Bringing Awareness to Responsible Fatherhood in June
In 2022, the Florida State Legislature formally designated the month of June as Responsible Fatherhood Month. For the first time in June of 2024, nonprofits, state agencies and leaders, fueled by the Father First media campaign, were active in bringing awareness across Florida for what it means to be a father. The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative’s […]
Florida Hosts First of its Kind Training for Non-Profit Grantees of Father First, the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative
As part of the Father First initiative, 28 non-profit community organizations gathered in Orlando for the inaugural “Tomorrow’s Ties” training conference focused on non-profit sustainability and networking. In 2023, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) established a statewide network of community organizations through the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to provide services to empower fathers […]
Operation New Hope: Helping Incarcerated Fathers Focus on their Future and not their Past
Founded to break the cycle of generational incarceration, Operation New Hope has been a beacon of light for the Northeast Florida community since its inception. United by the belief that we all have the power to change our lives for the better, the organization emerged from a deep understanding of individuals’ challenges in reentering society […]
Empowering Boys to Become Successful Young Men: The Impact of No Longer Fatherless
In the heart of Volusia and Flagler counties, No Longer Fatherless shines bright for boys growing up without father figures. The nonprofit stands as a pillar of support, by recruiting, training and matching mentors with young men aged six to 19. Through one-on-one mentorship, No Longer Fatherless offers a safe space for participating boys to […]
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Statewide Network Established to Support Florida’s Fatherhood Initiative
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the launch of a statewide community network and the Father First website as part of Florida’s fatherhood initiative. The Father First initiative includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. “As a father of three, I am proud of our state for supporting measures that […]
DCF Highlights Responsible Fatherhood Month with Roundtable
TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris hosted a roundtable in Tampa regarding the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative as part of Responsible Fatherhood Month. Secretary Harris was joined by Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Secretary Eric Hall, Director of All Pro Dads Jason Hood, Pastor Lyn Masslieno with Northwest Florida […]
DCF Announces $21.2 Million in Available Funding to Support Responsible Fatherhood in Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Children and Families announced the availability of $21.2 million through the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis joined by the Legislature, national, and community leaders signed HB 7065 which created the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative and highlights the important and critical role that fathers have in their […]
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Groundbreaking Legislation to Support Involved Fatherhood in Florida
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 7065, which includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. The bill is tied to nearly $70 million in funding to provide a wide spectrum of family and youth support through the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and […]
