DCF "Responsible Fatherhood Initiative Grant" Not Awarded for SWFL

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On July 28, 2023, Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Tallahassee awarded a total of 18 education and direct services Responsible Fatherhood Initiative grants but none of the awards included SWFL, an area that stretches from Manatee to Monroe Counties

 

Early in March 2023 the State of Florida made social service history by releasing through DCF the details of a grant application process inviting grassroots, community organizations under the auspices of HB 7065, referred to as the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative.  Governor DeSantis signed that legislation into law April 2022 in the hopes of “making better Florida fathers.”

 

SingleDadsOutReach.org(SDO), a nonprofit501c3 Florida corporation presently headquartered in Lehigh Acres, had submitted an application for Lee County.  SDO isa collaboration between a group of prior and active single dads with sole or joint custody of their children.

 

SDO’s program offers peer to peer networking, self-improvement through life coaching, mentoring with seasoned fathers, enhancing parenting skills with counselors and case management services to active single dads, the community, the State of Florida and DCF

 

DCF in Tallahassee concentrated multiple awards in Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.  This is in spite of Lee County being 8th in population and the 2nd fastest growing county in Florida behind Polk County whose population is 100,000 people less than Lee County.  Tallahassee in Leon County ranks 23rd in population of the 67 Florida counties.  Other areas of the Florida also not awarded grants were The Panhandle, Florida Keys and Space Coast.

 

For more information, SingleDadsOutReach.org, is available on the internet and SDO hasa social media presence through Facebook Groups: FtMyers Single DadsOutreach and NaplesSingleDadsOutreach.

 

Contributors:    Joshua Krakow, SDO Active Dads Administrator and Libertarian Candidate for State Representative, District 77, 239-371-1868

 

SDO is also seeking female or male, working or retired Social Work, Corrections, Education and Law Enforcement professionals with a passion for fatherhood to complete its Advisory Council.  Prior seasoned fathers can find out about volunteering as mentors at these sites as well. Sean Ryan, President, Single Dads Outreach, Corp, 239-595-0159