INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Fathers and Families Center, a nonprofit that equips fathers and empowers families so children thrive, will honor three Indianapolis fathers with 2026 Heart of the Father Awards at its 20th annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m. June 19 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.
The Heart of the Father Award recognizes fathers who model four dimensions of fatherhood: involvement, consistency, awareness and nurturing. Honorees also demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. More than 85 fathers have received the award since its inception.
The 2026 Heart of the Father Award recipients are:
Rev. Jay Height, executive director of Shepherd Community Center, has spent nearly three decades serving families and neighbors on Indianapolis’ Near Eastside. An ordained minister, Height has led Shepherd Community Center since the late 1990s. He and his wife, Jane, are parents to six children, Jeremy, Reetu, Jenna, Edson, Jill and Ryan, and grandparents to nine grandchildren: Clayton, Zane, Peyton, Noah, Travis, Ruby, Kavya, Maeve and Camilla. His life and leadership reflect a steady commitment to family, faith, presence and community.
Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr., legacy pastor of Eastern Star Church, is recognized for decades of ministry, mentoring and community leadership. Johnson and his wife, Sharon, are parents of four sons. His writing and ministry have often reflected on fatherhood, guidance and the importance of breaking cycles of fatherlessness.
Amar Patel, co-founder and executive director of Thriving Families Initiative, has built his work around helping families flourish through relationships rooted in trust, dignity and community support. Through his leadership, Thriving Families connects families with coaching, resources, mentoring and meaningful relationships that help parents and children move toward stability.
“Faces of Fatherhood raises public awareness about the importance of fatherhood and funds our work with fathers and families,” said Larry Smith, president and CEO of Fathers and Families Center. “The event has raised more than $1 million since 2006.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://www.ffcindiana.org/2026-faces-of-fatherhood-luncheon
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Fathers and Families Center equips fathers and strengthens families across Central Indiana through education, employment and family stability services. Research shows children are more likely to thrive when fathers are involved in their lives.
