A Framework for Fatherhood

Through a new collaboration with The Loving Father Initiative (TLFi), Catholic Charities is excited to launch a new parenting group. And this one is for Dads!

We’re all aware of the importance of a father in a child’s life. Numerous studies indicate that the presence of an engaged, loving father has positive impacts from the very beginning, supporting a baby’s early development and even improving weight gain in premature infants. As the child grows, Dad’s active presence becomes even more important. Mothers and fathers often have different playing and communication styles, and both are needed in development. Data also shows that a father’s active and healthy involvement with his child contributes to greater success in school—both academically and socially. As young adults, children with involved fathers are more likely to pursue secondary education, and are less likely to go to jail.

These are just a few of the reasons that Early Childhood Education programs at Catholic Charities are eager to begin supporting fathers in a meaningful way. “Fathers need to be recognized, supported, and valued for taking an active, loving role in parenting. It’s not easy, and the challenges that dads may face being the kind of fathers they want to be are often overlooked. This group will provide fathers a place to learn and socialize, as well as to share parental concerns and ask questions,” explains Catherine Dennis, Catholic Charities Director of Early Learning.

Early Learning programs, including Parents as Teachers, ECEAP and Early ECEAP, Child Care Nutrition, Child Care, ECLIPSE, Child Care Aware and Early Achievers are excited to begin this partnership with Yakima County’s branch of the Fatherhood Initiative, The Loving Father Initiative (TLFi). Launched in 2024, TLFi has been offering projects, classes, and support to enable fathers to live passionately for their families and their children.

Founder of the not-for-profit TLFi, and father to his own seven-year-old son, Rich Hassett, explains. “I attended the Fatherhood Summit in Tacoma last year and really enjoyed myself. Along with about 300 other dads, I learned about the resources available to help all kinds of dads become the fathers they want to be. And then I learned that all these wonderful programs were located on the Westside of the state. There was really nothing to support dads East of the Cascades. I felt I needed to address that, and that’s how the idea for TLFi was born.”

Catholic Charities learned of Rich and TLFi when hosting a Washington Fatherhood Council “Fatherhood Café” in April of 2025. “Along with fathers, there were numerous local agencies and professionals, all there to learn how to better support dads in our community,” says Catherine. “We knew we needed to help get something going to support and enhance the fatherhood journey in our community.”

The kick off meeting—a barbeque dinner with a presentation by Rich Hassett, and a chance for dads to share what is personally challenging—is slated for September, 2025 at Catholic Charities. “We want the fathers to be really involved with what this group will look like,” says Catherine. “We’re hoping to find out what they want and need, and to bring it to them. They are even going to name the group!”

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in being a part of this new parenting group, please plan to attend! Married, single, biological, step… Whether you are a father looking to refine your skills, are in a custody dispute and needing support, struggling with your marital or parental relationships, or any other parenting issues, Catholic Charities wants to help and support you in this most important endeavor! Please contact Catherine Dennis, 509.965.7100, ext. 1171, or email her at cdennis@catholiccharitiescw.org for more information.