The success stories of six Indianapolis fathers will be shared when Fathers and Families Center celebrates father involvement by honoring responsible and nurturing dads at its 11th annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon, presented by Citizens Energy Group.
This year’s luncheon is set for Friday, June 19, at the Conrad Indianapolis, located at 50 West Washington Street, and will recognize fathers who demonstrate dedication and commitment to their children. The six selected fathers will be presented the Heart of a Father Award, presented by Managed Health Services (MHS), at the luncheon. Those fathers are:
- Jeremy Clay
- Dominic Dorsey
- Reggie Martin
- Jamal Smith
- Malachi Walker
- William Wilson
William Wilson, a 26-year-old father, knows what it’s like to grow up in a fatherless home. Wilson dropped out of high school at 17. At 25, he was uneducated and a new father to a baby girl when he decided to enroll in the Fathers and Families Center’s Fatherhood Development Workshop.
Since coming to the center, Wilson has completed the workshop, obtained his High School Equivalency Diploma and started taking courses in Ivy Tech’s Machine Tool Technology program. He is still actively involved in the center’s Fatherhood Leadership Activities Council and says his 2-year-old daughter is the thing he’s most proud of in his life.
“When a father is active in the lives of his children, those children have a better chance for positive emotional, social and educational advancement,” said Dr. Wallace McLaughlin, president and chief executive officer, Fathers and Families Center. “The Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon recognizes fathers throughout the city who are giving their children those opportunities for positive growth.”
Registration for the Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon presented by Citizens Energy Group begins at 11:15 a.m., and lunch will be served at noon.
