Volunteers Help Fatherhood Initiative Start 2026 Strong
By: Jared Sloan | Fatherhood Initiative Director
April 15, 2026
Fatherhood Initiative began 2026 with strong momentum, launching seven groups in the first full week of January across reentry, recovery, and community-based settings. More than 100 men stepped into conversations about their father stories and what it looks like to begin writing a new one marked by trust, confidence, and self-control.
Just as encouraging, new volunteers stepped up to help lead the way.
Ross Bridges was one of four new volunteers who began serving this year. He now co-facilitates a weekly Tuesday evening group at the Center for Fathers and Families. After first reaching out in 2025 to explore ways to get involved, Ross was drawn to Fatherhood Initiative because of its impact on the whole family.
“LLF Fatherhood Initiative stood out because of its effect upon the whole family,” Ross said. “The numbers behind the impact a father’s involvement has on their children are astounding.”
Ross first joined a group to listen, learn, and better understand the conversations and tools being offered. After seven weeks, he was ready to help lead one himself.
“I think this session really opened my eyes to how we are leading our children,” he said. “Whether it be in a positive or a negative way, we are leaders. The goal is to be a good leader.”
He also witnessed meaningful change in the men in his group.
“There was a visible change from the first week through the last,” Ross said. “The men seemed to have a brighter outlook despite the challenges they were facing.”
For Tony Johnson, volunteering is deeply personal. Years ago, Fatherhood Initiative helped rebuild his life while he was incarcerated at Fayette County Detention Center. Today, he gives back by helping lead Fatherhood Essentials inside the jail and mentoring men one-on-one.
“The Lexington Leadership Foundation Fatherhood Initiative helped build the foundation that my ministry stands on today,” Tony said. “I was addicted to drugs, an inmate at Fayette County Detention Center with little hope of getting my life back together. Fatherhood Initiative helped me reclaim what the devil had stolen from me.”
Now, Tony sees that same brokenness in the men he serves and is grateful to offer the hope he once received.
“I see the same brokenness and despair that I had when I was there,” he said. “It is so gratifying to give the men there a message of hope and redemption.”
Jiles Wright, another newer volunteer, said the experience has underscored just how needed this work is in Lexington.
“There simply aren’t enough resources for fathers,” Wright said. “I was glad to be part of a team that embraces the importance of creating a safe space for men to grow and heal here in Lexington.”
As Fatherhood Initiative continues to expand, the need for volunteers remains strong. There are hundreds more men across Lexington who need hope, encouragement, and someone willing to walk with them.
If you would like to learn more about serving with Fatherhood Initiative, please reach out to Jared.