Families gathered at Hernando Family YMCA for a morning of donuts and kickball to celebrate Father’s Day.
Whether you are called Dad, Father, Bà, Papá, Pépe or Abba – having the privilege of being a child’s dad is one of the most rewarding roles a person can strive to have.
On Saturday, June 18th, the Hernando Family YMCA joined the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and the importance of fathers and adult male role models. Families enjoyed activities, donuts and a game of kickball.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million—or one in three—children live without their biological fathers. Societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance, or a lack of resources can affect a father’s ability to seek support in strengthening parenting skills and becoming more engaged in a child’s life.
The YMCA of the Suncoast is a leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth development through programs that engage parents, guardians and their children. The Y is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers and adult male role models to connect with their children through youth sports, family activities and mentoring programs.
Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers and other adult male role models generally have more self-confidence, less depression symptoms, perform better in school and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use.
On Father’s Day, we celebrate dads and dad figures, recognizing how important it is for children to grow up with adult role models who are committed, responsible and involved. Dads need support to be the best parents and caregivers they can be, and this holiday helps remind us of that.
The Hernando Family YMCA offers programs and events to foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers, such as youth sports, swim lessons and the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day.
“We have monthly family events to involve every family...in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, [and] this Father’s Day, we brought the families together to [play] the great sport of kickball. Next month, we are doing a Water Day and Cookout out at our pool to bring the community together again,” shares Angela Anselmo, Adult and Family Program Coordinator with the Hernando Family YMCA.
In communities along the Suncoast, the Y is committed to providing children, teens and families with a safe place to bond and grow with each other. YMCA of the Suncoast strives to provide resources and support to fathers, father figures and family members so they can become active and engaged members of the community.
Learn more about the programs and events you can support or participate in at the Hernando Family YMCA today!