The Early Childhood Resource Center is expanding its fatherhood services into Portage County, providing local fathers and father figures with resources, programs, and support to help them strengthen their relationships with their children and families.

 

Led by George Beatty, one of ECRC’s Fatherhood Project Managers, the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative will serve current and expectant fathers, as well as father figures, helping them grow as fathers, partners, community leaders, and role models.

 

As the responsibilities and expectations of fatherhood have evolved, more men are looking for support and connection, according to George.

 

“Being a dad today looks different than it did for our fathers and grandfathers. As a millennial, I’ve leaned into that change,” George said. “I don’t just ‘help out’ with my children; I show up. I’m there for the quiet mornings, the messy afternoons, the bedtime talks, and the big milestones. And I’m not alone; millennial dads are spending nearly three times as much time with their children as previous generations. That’s not just a statistic to me; it signals something powerful is happening, and it needs to keep growing.

 

“That’s why I’m stepping into the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative in Portage County. I believe no dad should feel like he must figure this out alone. And no child should miss out on the presence of a father who wants to be there but doesn’t know how or where to start.”

 

George is based at the OhioMeansJobs Portage County building, located at 235 South Chestnut Street in Ravenna, where he holds open office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Appointments are also available Mondays and Wednesdays.

 

He will also offer ECRC’s signature Iron Clad Dads program at the OhioMeansJobs building on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 6–8 p.m.

 

Drawing on his own experiences as a father, George wants to help other fathers build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to be there for their children.

 

“My goal is simple but powerful: to help normalize engaged fatherhood. To make it the expectation, not the exception,” he said. “I want to reach younger and expecting dads, the ones coming up behind me, and help them see that being a strong father isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. It’s about showing up even when it’s hard. It’s about choosing your kids every single day.”

 

The program is financially supported by the Ohio Department of Children & Youth through their Ohio Commission on Fatherhood's Responsible Fatherhood Initiative, which champions father involvement to enhance the well-being and success of Ohio’s children.

 

Ready to connect? Whether you’re a dad, expectant dad or father figure looking for support, George is here to help. Call 330.903.0843 or email gbeatty@ecresourcecenter.org.