Richland County Youth and Family Council recognizes June as Responsible Fatherhood Awareness Month on Friday, June 13 as the Mansfield Area YMCA hosted an event to help spread awareness.
The event included a Proclamation from Commissioner Tim Wert. In the proclamtion, Wert encouraged parents, emphasizing fathers, to make healthy decisions for the benefit of their children. The proclamation solidified June as Responsible Fatherhood Awareness Month for Richland County.
The event was held on the YMCA’s lawn on 750 Scholl Road. Many resources were available to fathers that focused on developing nurturing relationships between fathers and their children.
Motivational speaker, author and educator Tim Brown spoke as part of the proclamation ceremony. He encouraged fathers to be the best fathers they can be.
“I always have tried this one thing with my kids: under-promise but over-deliver. I don’t make promises I can’t keep, and I deliver the best I can for them when they need,” said Brown. He also shared some advice in an interview after the speech.
“My advice to fathers would be to not give up. Hang in there when times are tough. The key is to be consistent and committed,” he said. Brown also wrote a book called “Boys Won’t Be Boys” in which he explores how to live an uncommon life, and how that can lead fathers to a better relationship with their children. For a copy of his book or to reference a list of Brown’s credentials, visit his website.
Shelby Mayor Marilyn John was also present during the proclamation. She said, “whether you have kids or not, we’re all mentors of some sort. I know for me, my parents were most important to me growing up.”
State Representative Mark Romanchuk agreed with John. “Parenting is so important. We need to never forget that. It may not always be easy, but there are resources available,” said Romanchuk.
Ollie King is the father to 11-year-old Jeremy King. After the speeches he heard on Friday afternoon, he decided to put funds away for his son to go to college.
“I want to save more money for him to go to college. Kids have such an issue these days with paying for everything on their own. I want to be responsible. Hearing Tim Brown talk about under-promising but over-doing things really gave me a boost of energy. You need that every once and a while, you know,” shared King.
Also present for the event were Judge Brent N. Robinson and Judge Heather Cockley. They each offered their gratitude for the event and support for Responsible Fatherhood Awareness Month.
For information and resources on becoming a responsible father, check out Richland County Youth and Family Council’s website. Information can also be found on Richland Public Health’s, and YMCA’s websites.
“I always have tried this one thing with my kids: under-promise but over-deliver. I don’t make promises I can’t keep, and I deliver the best I can for them when they need,” said Tim Brown. He also shared some advice in an interview after the speech.
