More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd aspired to
create a holiday to honor fathers. The
daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran was inspired by a Mother’s
Day sermon she heard in church and wondered why there was no holiday to honor
fathers. After securing support from
ministers in Spokane, Washington, her idea came to fruition on June 19, 1910.
On Sunday, June 17, the YMCA of Central Ohio joins the
nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact father and adult
male role models make in children’s lives.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of three children lives in
a home without a biological father. Additionally,
societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance or lack of resources
can affect a father’s ability to adequately provide support for their family
and be more fully engaged in the lives of their children.
Studies show that children with close relationships with
their fathers and other adult male role models have more self-confidence and
exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in
significantly less drug and alcohol use.
The YMCA of Central Ohio believes that family bonds are a
foundation of strong communities, and we work to help all families feel
confident, connected and secure. The Y
offers a variety of resources for fathers to involve themselves in the
well-being and development of their children.
We offer a number of fun, family focused activities such as Family Camp,
Family Nights, and Family Wellness Programs to help build stronger bonds,
achieve greater work/life balance, and become more engaged with their
communities.
There is nothing more special or important than my role as a
father. Being able to spend time with my
family is one of the highlights of my day.
There is no substitute for spending time with my children during family
dinner or attending their sporting events.
As I reflect on this day, I am reminded of the impact my father had on
me.
When I was 14 years old, my father passed away at the age of 60 due
to a preventable illness – heart disease.
As a proud father, there is nothing more important than for me to be in
good health.
In a recent article published by WebMD, the
top five health concerns for men are heart disease, stroke, suicide resulting
from depression, lung cancer and prostate cancer. Many of the top causes for death are
preventable, and can be treated, if detected early.
As you think about Father’s Day gifts, I ask that you
consider the YMCA of Central Ohio in celebrating this day. There is no greater gift than good
health. The Y provides opportunities for
men and fathers to manage and prevent chronic disease to help them live a
balanced, healthy and happy life. I
encourage you to visit our website ymcacolumbus.org
to find out how we are helping men, women, children and families be happy,
healthy and connected.
Happy Father’s Day!
Yours in Y spirit,
Andrew A. Roberts
President
YMCA of Central Ohio
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