Gov. Stitt, DHS Host Fathers Forward Summit

Governor Stitt and DHS host Fathers Forward Summit June 14, 2023(Courtesy Gov Stitt Facebook)

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — On Wednesday, June 14, Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Department of Human Services hosted the Father’s Forward Summit at the Governor’s Mansion, to celebrate, strategize, and promote fatherhood initiatives within the state.

“As a father, husband, and as governor, I firmly believe that fatherhood is an important and often overlooked piece of the puzzle in our society today,” said Governor Stitt. “We’re aiming to be the most pro-family state in the nation; my vision is to collaborate with the public and private sector to implement fatherhood-specific services across the state and create a culture where every member of the family is respected, loved, and included.”

With more than 100 attendees, including local fathers, the mission of Fathers Forward is to launch a framework to champion the important role fathers play in the lives of their children, families, and communities.

“The most important role and the greatest joy in my life has been being a father,” said Secretary of Human Services Justin Brown. “As fathers, we do everything in our power to help our children thrive into their futures and to give them opportunities and experiences we didn’t have in our own childhoods. To that end, we must offer the tools and resources fathers need to create social, emotional and economic health for their children, families and communities. Our investments into fathers now can create pathways to well-being and prosperity for generations to come.”

The summit comes in advance of Father’s Day and aims to provide attendees with an opportunity to hear about the important investments Oklahoma is making to build a culture of support for engaging fathers.

“Children need to be in families and have a deep desire to know and understand where they come from,” said Dr. Shropshire. “Fathers bring unique and important perspectives and help children understand not only where they come from, but also live as role models for what they can become. The partnerships developed through the Fathers Forward strategy empower dads with the skills, services and tangible support they need to maintain active involvement with their children and increase personal opportunities for their futures.”

Expanding on its investments earlier this year, Oklahoma Human Services also announced at the Fatherhood Summit additional opportunities in the near future to fund ten more organizations that are implementing fatherhood-specific services across the state.

“We are proud of the incredible work of organizations across the state whose services deepen men’s involvement into their family life,” said Deb Smith, Oklahoma Human Services Director of Adult and Family Services. “These services are critical to helping fathers not only meet their financial obligations to their children, which reduce the risk for poverty, but also remove barriers to the positive relationships and support systems men need to flourish in their own lives. We call on all communities to step forward in support of dads and father figures as they help shape the children who will create a prosperous future for all of Oklahoma.”