Strong families are at the heart of thriving communities. And at the center of a strong family is a father who is present and actively engaged in raising his children.

Not every father has had the opportunity to learn what that looks like. That is why the Early Childhood Resource Center and Summit County Children Services have partnered on a dedicated fatherhood initiative.

Funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth through the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, the program places Jamahl Id-Deen, a Parent Engagement Coordinator with ECRC, on-site at Summit County Children Services. There, he works directly with fathers, providing guidance, connection, and support.

“A lot of dads feel like they are voiceless, and I am here to help them find that voice,” Jamahl said. “I approach each father with a message about how important he is to his family’s legacy. I also share practical information they can use in everyday life.”

Having Jamahl on-site makes it easier for caseworkers to connect fathers with support. It also allows fathers to stop in and talk while they are already in the building, said Ann Ream, Department Director, Community Relations at Summit County Children Services.

“Jamahl shows that we are willing to meet fathers where they are and take meaningful steps to strengthen families,” Ream said. “It helps fathers see us as a resource they can trust. With Jamahl here and collaborating with our staff, we are beginning to build stronger connections with the community.”

At this time, approximately 750 children are in custody care in Summit County, and more than half are placed in homes outside the county. By expanding services for fathers, more children may have the opportunity to safely return home and remain in their community.

“We are good at identifying where dads are,” Ream said. “Jamahl is here to build relationships and engage fathers so that every child has the opportunity for a stable home. Partners like the Early Childhood Resource Center help us put the right supports in place to bring families back together.”

While the partnership is still in its early stages, the momentum is encouraging.

“There is strength in a family’s support system, and children deserve to experience that,” Ream said. “We want fathers and mothers parenting together because dads play a critical role in a family’s success. This work happens one dad at a time, but it is gaining traction. It has to, because too many children need their fathers.”

Jamahl has seen the impact of ECRC’s fatherhood programs, including 24/7 Dad, Inside Out Dad, and Iron Clad Dads. He is excited to bring that same impact to this collaboration with Summit County Children Services.

“I’m honored to be part of this work and excited to see where these fathers are a year from now,” he said. “This partnership is a strong step forward, and it has the potential to grow into something even greater.”

Even if you are a father who is not living in the same home as your children, your involvement in their lives significantly impacts them. Fatherhood can be challenging, but the Early Childhood Resource Center is here to help. To learn more about our fatherhood programs, call 330.491.3272 or visit our Fatherhood Services page.