Buell's funding has empowered us to facilitate meaningful conversations and implement innovative strategies that have resulted in improved outcomes for fathers, children, and families."
About the Colorado Fatherhood Network
The Colorado Fatherhood Network (CFN), housed within the Family Resource Center Association (FRCA), is a father-focused, statewide, systems-level practitioner network for those supporting fathers and families at organizational, community, and systems levels. It was originally born out of former Governor Roy Romer’s Colorado Fatherhood Initiative that began in the mid-1990s. Through a few state agency iterations and transitions, the program eventually became the Colorado Fatherhood Network. FRCA was approached in 2019 to help move CFN forward.
CFN focuses on integrating fatherhood engagement into early childhood systems, supporting practitioners and programs to create father-inclusive environments, and ensuring that the voices and needs of fathers are part of the broader early childhood conversation. They do this by providing an ongoing and open forum for education on best practices, information, and resource sharing; peer-to-peer networking; and furthering policy and programming inclusive of fathers and families. CFN has been actively engaged in advancing early childhood outcomes through a comprehensive approach that recognizes the vital role fathers play in the development and well-being of their young children.
Buell and its Impact: CFN’s Viewpoint
The Foundation’s support has not only enabled us to convene statewide stakeholders, but it has also strengthened our role as a systems-level advocate, promoting policies and practices that honor the critical role fathers play in the healthy development of children. Their funding has empowered us to facilitate meaningful conversations, implement innovative strategies, and share best practices that have resulted in improved outcomes for fathers, children, and families.
Overall, Buell’s partnership has been a catalyst for CFN’s growth and sustainability, reinforcing our commitment to elevating father engagement as a central pillar of early childhood development and family well-being in Colorado. Through their investment, we have been able to deepen our impact and continue our mission of supporting fathers and strengthening families statewide.
Impact:
• Grow our network by actively engaging more practitioners, organizations, and community leaders across Colorado.
• Focus on reaching underserved and rural areas to ensure that support and resources for fathers are accessible in every community.
• Create new training modules, workshops, and resources tailored to the unique needs of the professionals who serve fathers.
• Pilot initiatives that address emerging issues such as fathers in education that is relevant and effective.
• Build stronger partnerships with local and state agencies, early childhood organizations, and advocacy groups to further the conversation around fatherhood inclusion in family support systems.
• Collaborate with schools and community-based organizations to implement father-friendly policies and practices.
• Focus on securing additional funding sources and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and growth of CFN’s programming.
• Invest in capacity-building to expand our leadership team and infrastructure, ensuring we have the resources to scale our efforts statewide.
At the Strengthening Families Conference in 2024, we delivered a powerful session on Diverse Fatherhood Perspectives, featuring a dynamic panel of fathers from multiple ethnic backgrounds. Each shared deeply personal experiences on fatherhood, tradition, cultural roles, and the unique challenges and triumphs they face as men and fathers. One father’s words struck a chord with everyone in the room: “This is the first time I’ve ever shared my story like this and felt truly valued and appreciated.” This moment highlighted the profound impact of creating spaces where every father’s voice is heard, respected, and celebrated.
