Spokane Fatherhood Initiative - SPOFI

08/09/2026

For many families, the most visible moments of the Spokane Area Fires are giving way to a longer period of disruption, uncertainty, and recovery.

Fatherhood in a moment like this does not mean having every answer. It can mean keeping the next promise. Making the call. Listening without rushing. Preserving one familiar routine. Reminding a child, “You will not face this alone.”

SpoFI is beginning direct check-ins with fathers connected to our programs. When someone needs follow-up, a person will reach out. Our role is focused: listen, connect fathers with peer support and trusted resources, and remain present as recovery continues.

Recovery lasts longer than the emergency. Presence should too.

Today, check on one dad. Ask a real question. Stay on the line.

Photographed from the same place, at the same time, exactly one week after the Spokane Area Fires began. Photo by Jay Long

08/04/2026

Great job, gentleman!

07/13/2026

07/09/2026

Alumni, this one's for you and the crew. We're taking over the Bud Bull Pen at Avista Stadium on Sunday, July 19. Field level, right on the first base line. First pitch at 1:05 PM.

Twenty bucks gets you a seat AND the Hall of Fame Buffet. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, ice cream. The kids eat, you relax, everybody wins.

One catch: group pricing is only available through our event page, not the box office. Details are on the graphic.

Bring the family. We'll save you a seat.

07/08/2026

Last call, dads. Anger Free Dad starts Wednesday, July 15 at SpoFI.

8 weeks of real tools for staying calm when your kids push every button. No lectures, no judgment. Just a room full of dads working on the same thing, led by guys who've been there.

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm at SpoFI HQ. Free to attend.

Tag a dad who'd crush this.

06/22/2026

SpoFI is honored to name Garrett Skirvin our 2026 Father of the Year.

Each year, SpoFI typically presents two Father of the Year awards: one for custodial dads and one for noncustodial dads. We do this because many devoted fathers do not have full custody of their children, yet still show up with love, consistency, sacrifice, and commitment. This year was unique.

Garrett stood out in both categories.

As Fred Dent shared during the presentation, Garrett met the criteria as a SpoFI graduate, a man living out the principles of the program, a working father, and someone who has shown significant growth and stability.

Garrett is the kind of man who shows up. When SpoFI needs a hand, he answers the call. Roadside help, office support, event setup, whatever is needed, he is there.

More importantly, he shows up for his kids. His nomination highlighted the way he spends time with his children doing what they love, including fishing, camping, skiing, dirt biking, and simply being present.

When Garrett received the award, surrounded by his boys and past Fathers of the Year, he said:

“I did it for my sons. SpoFI changed my life. You guys are family.”

That is the heart of this work.

Fatherhood is not just a title. It is sacrifice. It is presence. It is growth. It is healing. It is doing the hard thing for your children.

Garrett, congratulations. We are grateful for your example, your humility, your service, and your place in the SpoFI family.

And to everyone who gave, shared, prayed, encouraged, and showed up this Father’s Day weekend, thank you. Because of this community, our Honor a Father campaign exceeded its goal.

Changed dads change everything.

06/22/2026

UPDATE: We did it. 🎉 Thanks to a generous wave of Father’s Day support, SpoFI exceeded our $9,000 Honor a Father campaign goal. Thank you for helping us finish strong and honor Spokane dads.

What a beautiful Father’s Day celebration. 💙

Today, SpoFI families gathered for our Father’s Day Picnic and Father of the Year presentation. Dads, moms, kids, grandparents, extended family, alumni, volunteers, and friends came together for food, laughter, games, and a whole lot of joy.

We had BBQ prepared by SpoFI alumni, kids playing kickball and basketball, families sharing picnic tables, and so many moments that reminded us why this work matters.

Fatherhood is not just a title. It is presence. It is love. It is sacrifice. It is showing up again and again.

We were also honored to announce Garrett Skirvin as this year’s SpoFI Father of the Year, recognized as both our custodial and noncustodial Father of the Year. Garrett was joined by previous SpoFI Fathers of the Year James Uttke, DJ Merriam, Donald Morrison, and Courtney Garnett. It was a powerful moment of legacy, brotherhood, and encouragement.

To everyone who came, cooked, helped, served, played, laughed, cheered, and celebrated with us, thank you.

We are posting around 50 photos from the day. Please tag yourself, tag your family, share your favorites, and help us spread the joy. If you are new here, follow Spokane Fatherhood Initiative for more stories of changed dads and strengthened families.

Changed dads change everything.

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day from all of us at the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. 116 years ago, this city gave Father's Day to the world. Today we celebrate the dads who are living that legacy out, one family at a time.

Changed dads change everything.

06/18/2026

This Father’s Day, Honor a Father. We’re just 5 dads away from 900 graduates since SpoFI launched its first 24-7 Dad® class in 2018.

Every certificate represents more than a class completed. It represents a dad learning to show up with more patience, more presence, more self-control, more communication, and more hope for his children.

And this week, every gift is matched through Sunday night.

Help us reach the next dad. Then the next 100.

Link in bio 🙏

Changed dads change everything.

06/17/2026

Here's the Father's Day story! SpoFI is celebrating dads Sunday at Liberty Park.