Northwest Florida Health Network empowers fathers at 2025 Fatherhood Conference
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Fathers are stepping up to be more present in their children's lives.
The Northwest Florida Health Network is designed to empower fathers at the Fatherhood Conference.
The program helps incarcerated fathers reconnect with their children. The goal is to help fathers become more confident in their parenting.
Participants could grab a passport card and visit different vendors with resources for dads.
South Walton Turtle Watch teaches youth about sea turtle care
They could also hear personal stories from event speakers, motivating them to make a change.
'I grew up in a broken home with violence and abuse. And I stopped that, what I call a generational curse. I stopped it, created a new way. And yet in all my years working with men who grew up in broken homes, they felt they were doomed to repeat the past. And the reality is, you're not if you make choices today that turn their lives around, not just for your sake, for your kids, for your family, and for the next two generations of generations,' RelateWell Institute Director Richard Marks said.
'There's about 24 million children across the country that do not have a father in their life. And when that is missing, that family unit breaks down. A lot of bad things happen. Education outcomes are worse. Health outcomes are worse. And also, we know that there's a higher incidence of violence and incarceration when there's not that father figure in their lives,' Northwest Florida Health Network CEO Mike Watkins said.
There were also counselors who assisted fathers in overcoming substance use and mental health challenges.
Event organizers know how important it is for children to have a father in their lives.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Northwest Florida Health Network empowers fathers at 2025 Fatherhood Conference
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Fathers are stepping up to be more present in their children's lives. The Northwest Florida Health Network is designed to empower fathers at the Fatherhood Conference. The program helps incarcerated fathers reconnect with their children. The goal is to help fathers become more confident in their parenting. Participants could grab a passport card and visit different vendors with resources for dads. South Walton Turtle Watch teaches youth about sea turtle care They could also hear personal stories from event speakers, motivating them to make a change. 'I grew up in a broken home with violence and abuse. And I stopped that, what I call a generational curse. I stopped it, created a new way. And yet in all my years working with men who grew up in broken homes, they felt they were doomed to repeat the past. And the reality is, you're not if you make choices today that turn their lives around, not just for your sake, for your kids, for your family, and for the next two generations of generations,' RelateWell Institute Director Richard Marks said. 'There's about 24 million children across the country that do not have a father in their life. And when that is missing, that family unit breaks down. A lot of bad things happen. Education outcomes are worse. Health outcomes are worse. And also, we know that there's a higher incidence of violence and incarceration when there's not that father figure in their lives,' Northwest Florida Health Network CEO Mike Watkins said. There were also counselors who assisted fathers in overcoming substance use and mental health challenges. Event organizers know how important it is for children to have a father in their lives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
NWF Health Network announces first annual Fatherhood Conference
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The NWF Health Network is hosting the first-ever Fatherhood Conference on Wednesday, June 11. According to a news release, the event will take place at FSU Panama City on 4750 Collegiate Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference aims to empower fathers in the Panama City community by providing them with tools, resources and support. Volunteer for a cause with Pineapple Willy's Summer Beach Cleanup Officials look to foster a sense of community among fathers, advocates and professionals, and to encourage those in attendance to become advocates for fatherhood and family stability. To learn more about NWF Health Network's Fatherhood Initiative, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Yahoo
Jackson County Fire Department requests funding for staffing shortage
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – With too few hands and too many calls, Jackson County Fire and Rescue Teams say they're challenged daily. The department is facing staffing shortages, and leaders say the number of calls is only increasing. 'Jackson County Fire Rescue has been understaffed in my estimation for a number of years. Part of that is because Jackson County's population becoming elderly and more senior. And so with that elderly population, we certainly have more calls, more need for just County Fire Rescue Staff,' Commissioner Paul Donofero said. However, there could be a solution in the form of Florida's Coordinated Opioid Recovery or C.O.R.E. Project. Jackson County pursues former Marianna city manager for county admin position Jackson County has received $700,000 to directly fight the epidemic. The Northwest Florida Health Network is giving $500,000 to PanCare Health, which will provide treatment for overdoses and recovery services to addicts. 'There were 247 suspected overdoses for the fiscal year of 2023 to 2024 for Jackson County. So that number is very significant, and we want to ensure that those folks who do happen to have an overdose will receive the services they need,' Northwest Florida Health Network Behavioral Health Supervisor Lexi Harris said. Jackson County Fire Chief Charlie Brunner wants the remaining $200,000 to create two new full-time positions in Fire-Rescue to help meet the rising demand. 'That will give us the ability to jump-start getting those positions created. And again, just wanting to be sure that we have the capability, funding-wise, to be able to fund those into the future,' Donofro said. Serious injury reported in two-car crash on U.S. 231 C.O.R.E. funding can only be used for treatment and EMS response. 'It's not just the county getting these funds and just using it however they want. There is a structured layout of what they can use the funding for, and based on those options, the county will then make their decision on how they would like to use the funding,' Harris explained Jackson County Commissioners will discuss Brunner's request at their June 10th meeting. Donofro said if commissioners deny the request, they'll consider adding fire rescue positions in next year's budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
