Fathers and Families Center

Leadership is part of the Strong Fathers journey.

Each Strong Fathers class has the opportunity to nominate and elect a Class Leader, Principal Leader and Sergeant-at-Arms. Those elected to these roles help keep the class engaged, focused and locked in as the men move through the program together.

Sometimes leadership looks like speaking up. Sometimes it looks like listening. Sometimes it looks like helping the next man stay committed when the work gets hard.

Class #265 is continuing to build that foundation, and we’re proud to see these fathers showing up for themselves, their families and one another.

Three weeks. Two credentials. A major step forward.

On May 22, we celebrated our 25th cohort of Construction Training graduates, and we could not be prouder of what these men accomplished.

In just three weeks, they earned their NCCER and OSHA 10 credentials. That means three weeks of showing up, learning new skills, staying focused, and preparing for what comes next.

Construction training is about learning the trade, but it is also about building confidence. It is about understanding safety, developing discipline, learning how to work as part of a team, and gaining credentials that can help open the door to real career opportunities.

These men put in the work. They showed up for themselves, their families, and their futures.

Congratulations to our Construction Training graduates. You earned this, and we are proud to celebrate you.

Strong Fathers Class #265 is underway at Fathers and Families Center.

This week, the men heard from Andre, a graduate of Class #263, who came back to encourage them as they begin their own Strong Fathers journey.

His message was simple:

“Stay in this. This is going to change your life. Better yourself as a man, and as a father. And the best thing is, they’re always here for you.”

That is what this work is about. Fathers showing up. Fathers doing the work. Fathers encouraging the next man to keep going.

We’re proud to welcome Class #265 and grateful for graduates like Andre who come back to pour into the men behind them.

Know a father who is ready to take the next step? Learn more at https://www.ffcindiana.org/

Fatherhood has the power to shape families, strengthen communities, and change the future for children.

That is why Fathers and Families Center is proud to celebrate the 2026 Heart of the Father honorees: Amar Patel of Thriving Families Initiative, Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. of Eastern Star Church, and Rev. Jay Height of Shepherd Community Center.

Each of these men reflects the heart of fatherhood through involvement, consistency, awareness and nurturing. Their examples remind us that when fathers are engaged, supported, and committed, families grow stronger. And when families grow stronger, our whole community benefits.

Join us as we honor them at the 20th Annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon on June 19, 2026, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.

Learn more and reserve your seat: https://www.ffcindiana.org/2026-faces-of-fatherhood-luncheon

Catch us on Indy Now tomorrow at 10 AM!

We’ll be sharing more about Fathers and Families Center and our mission to equip fathers, strengthen families, and help children thrive across Central Indiana.

Tune in and help us spread the word. 💙

Still reflecting on a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend.

On Saturday, Fathers and Families Center had the opportunity to attend CareSource of Indiana's Bumps & Babies event and connect with mothers, moms-to-be, families, and community partners who are helping parents feel supported from the very beginning.

Motherhood carries so much love, strength, patience, sacrifice, and care. Today, and every day, we honor the mothers and mother figures who nurture families, build stability, and help children thrive.

To every mother, grandmother, caregiver, and mom-to-be:
You are seen. You are valued. You are appreciated.

Thank you for all that you do.

Many fathers carry quiet stories of sacrifice, growth, responsibility, and love.

At Fathers and Families Center, we see those stories every day.

This year, we’re gathering for the 20th Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon to honor the men who keep showing up, for their children, their families, and their communities.

For two decades, this luncheon has created space to celebrate fatherhood with the dignity, visibility, and respect it deserves.

Friday, June 19, 2026
12:00–1:30 PM
JW Marriott

Tickets and table sponsorships are available now.

Reserve your seat or sponsor a table: https://fathersandfamiliescenter.networkforgood.com/events/92338-2026-faces-of-fatherhood

Class 264, The Wolves, celebrated commencement on Thursday. 🐺

We call it commencement because this moment is not the finish line. It is the start of what comes next.

For three weeks, these fathers came through our doors each day ready to learn, reflect, and do the work. They stayed the course for themselves, for their children, and for the families counting on them.

One father shared that he had never completed anything in his life.

Last night, he heard his name called and walked across the stage. In that moment, his dedication was witnessed. His hard work was honored. His family had the chance to see him stand tall in something he finished.

That matters deeply.

For many of the men we serve, commencement is not just about receiving a certificate. It is about proving to themselves that they can keep going, complete something meaningful, and take another step toward the fathers and men they are working to become.

To Class 264, we are proud of you. To the families who filled the room with love and support, thank you for standing beside these fathers as they begin this next chapter.

Class 264 completed mock interviews yesterday.

They showed up prepared, took it seriously, and were ready for the moment.

Big thank you to our volunteers who stepped in, asked strong questions, and gave honest feedback. That’s what makes this experience meaningful.

These fathers are ready for what’s next.