Ohio Commission on Fatherhood

The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood is housed within @OhioJFS . Our mission is to enhance the well-being of Ohio's children by providing opportunities for fathers to become better parents, partners and providers. Visit our website, fatherhood.ohio.gov/, to learn more.

Fathers are important, and the OCF wants to share why. Our resource “The Strengths of Father Presence” shares all the ways poor childhood outcomes are improved by a dad involved. Read more on the OCF website.

Passages, serving Lake and Lorain counties, is a SEE Fathers program funded by OCF providing trainings related to workforce and fatherhood enrichment. Learn more at passages-oh.org

The Early Childhood Resource Center serves Columbiana, Stark, and Summit Counties. It is a SEE Fathers program supported by the OCF. It works to promote healthy child development by strengthening families and improving educational resources. Learn more at ecresourcecenter.org

Grandparents make family stories richer and childhood sweeter. Happy National Grandparents Day!

On 9/11, we remember the lives lost, honor the heroes, and reflect on the strength and unity that carried us forward.

Action for Children is an OCF supported SEE Fathers program. Serving counties in Central Ohio, they work to transform the lives of children by supporting adults. Visit actionforchildren.org for more info.

Happy Labor Day! Today we honor the hard work, dedication, and impact of workers everywhere. Thank you for all you do.

SEE Fathers Programs, supported by the OCF, help fathers with parenting, co-parenting, and economic stability. Every week we will be sharing one of our SEE father’s programs.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. A check-in, kind word, or a listening ear can make a difference. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988.

It’s National Just Because Day! Sometimes the best dad moments happen for no big reason at all. A random hug, a silly joke, or a surprise “let’s go get ice cream” can turn an ordinary day into a memory your kids won’t forget. Just because is reason enough.

Finding out you’re about to become a father can feel exciting and overwhelming. The OCF offers 10 ways fathers-to-be can help support mom and baby from the start, from attending appointments to creating a safe, healthy home. Learn more on the OCF website.

It’s back-to-school season and dads, now’s the time to help set the tone! Check backpacks, stick to routines, and cheer them on every step of the way. A little support from dad can go a long way in helping kids feel confident, prepared, and ready to learn.

Strong fathers help build strong families. The OCF offers facts sheets and brochures with practical guidance for dads who want to learn more about being an active, supportive parent. Find out more on the OCF website.

Randi M. Thomas, ASPIRE Vice President, and Randall W. Leite, retired Dean of Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions, have been reappointed to the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood for a term beginning August 7, 2026, and ending July 30, 2028. Congratulations!

Back-to-school season can bring big feelings. Ohio families can find mental health resources from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to help students start the year supported, prepared, and ready to learn.

Happy National Sons and Daughters Day! Today is a great reminder to celebrate the kids who bring so much joy and meaning to our lives. A little time, a kind word, or a big hug can go a long way.

Myth: dads don’t matter as much. Fact: engaged fathers help build stronger, healthier families and better outcomes for children. Fatherhood is about presence, love, and everyday involvement.

The Four-Seven held its Fatherhood Event at the Warren Correctional Institution. It was a chance for incarcerated fathers and sons to reconnect and strengthen bonds. The event was featured by WCPO: 'Gives them hope' | Even in prison, fatherhood is this Fairfield man's No. 1 job

On June 20 and 21, Families enjoyed the Village Legacy father child experience at the Juneteenth Festival, featuring the Legacy Walk and Soul of the Barbershop storytelling. A great weekend of connection, culture, and celebrating fathers in our community.