Head Start men made a difference throughout the school year.

At monthly meetings, fathers and father figures – and more than a few mothers – discuss important topics and share insights from their experiences.

“They discussed how important the father role is in child development and how to find concreate supports to navigate that role,” said Diana Riffe, Family Service Assistant Supervisor and one of the group’s facilitators. “The year ended with each participant receiving an achievement award for being a part of making a difference in the lives of the children in our community.”

For the 2024-2025 school year, all meeting were held at the Griswold Head Start center. Riffe and colleagues Dana Daniels and Terrance Helm Morris hope to expand the group and hold meetings in both Elyria and Lorain next year.

Influential men from the community spoke to the group about their own experiences and struggles with fatherhood. Speakers included Chase Farris, former NFL player, Elyria Catholic High School football coach and Head Start graduate.

“A lot of the dads here grew up with him,” Daniels said. “When they saw Chase Farris on the agenda, the place was packed.”

“I feel like once we discover our gifts, we have an obligation to share them with those around us,” Farris told the group.

Daniels added that the group enjoyed seeing Farris’ Super Bowl ring.

Other topics included how to co-parent with children’s mothers, what emotional growth in children looks like and how to be a strong force in their child’s life.

The year culminated with a few fathers attending Cleveland’s Ninth Annual Fatherhood Summit in mid-June along with Riffe, Daniels and Morris. The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative is designed to strengthen families by supporting fathers.