Celebrating Fathers – a Tradition Started at the YMCA

For Immediate Release

[Miami Valley – 06/15/15] More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers. Dodd, the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran, was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Washington, her idea came to fruition with the first Father's Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. On Sunday, June 21, the YMCA of Greater Dayton joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives.

Nationally, one out of three children lives in a home without their biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance or a lack of resources can affect fathers’ ability to seek support in strengthening their parenting skills and more fully engaging in the lives of their children. A leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth development, the Y remains dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.   

“Father’s Day is about celebrating dad, but also recognizing the importance of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers and adult male role models,” said Dale Brunner, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Dayton. “Father’s Day reminds us why it’s important to provide fathers with the support they need to be the best parents and caregivers they can be.”

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 offers  a variety of programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers such as Adventure Guides, YMCA Camp Kern Family Weekends, YMCA Family Fun Nights, and more. In communities across the country, the Y is committed to ensuring that the 9 million children and teens in YMCA programs reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally and socially—from young children into active, engaged members of their communities. To learn more about programs and activities available at the YMCA of Greater Dayton, visit www.daytonymca.org.

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About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.

The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers twelve locations throughout the Miami Valley. www.ymcaonline.org