Ohio Fatherhood Commission

This document outlines the strategic initiatives and operational framework of FullTimeFather Life Coaching and its nonprofit arm, Men2Mentors. It details a dual-structure model focused on strengthening fathers, families, and communities through comprehensive programming. Key priorities include equipping fathers through mentorship, social-emotional learning, and leadership development, ensuring family stability, and fostering community leadership. The plan emphasizes measurable improvements in father engagement, child well-being, and financial empowerment, with future endeavors aimed at expanding transitional housing and community events.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum and the approval of previous minutes from September 11, 2025. Key discussions included the finalization of Bylaws pertaining to virtual meetings following House Bill 257, which updated authorizing statutes and incorporated an agency name change to the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Two subcommittees were formed: the Fiscal Funding Committee, tasked with reviewing RFGA grant applications, and the State Fatherhood Summit Committee, planning for a potential April 2027 summit. State Representative Josh Williams presented on legislation concerning parental rights, specifically HB 256, which seeks equal rights for unmarried parents, contrasting it with SB 174, and discussed HB 435 regarding DNA testing at birth. Mycal Brown from Passages of Lake and Lorain Counties detailed their fatherhood programs for incarcerated and community-based fathers, including impact data and challenges related to post-release contact and housing. Executive Director Kimberly Dent provided updates on OCF's statewide engagements, including participation in conferences and steering committees, and reported on SFY26 funding allocations for 'Serving, Educating, and Empowering' (SEE) Fathers Program grantees and five pilot programs, along with participation statistics from July 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025.

The meeting included discussions on virtual meeting bylaws and changes to statutes, as well as the election of officers. A presentation was given by the Community Action Organization of Scioto County on their fatherhood services. The Executive Director provided a report including updates on funding for Serving, Educating, and Empowering (SEE) Fathers Program grantees and Pilot Programs, the Ohio Putative Father Registry (PFR) Portal, and the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative (RFI).

The meeting included discussions on various resolutions and initiatives. These included agreements for crack co program and Bell Road bridge replacement, road closures, approval of bills and personnel actions, and revisions to the purchasing policy. There was also discussion of stop-loss insurance for the self-funded health plan program, payments to Ohio Business College, sanitary sewer improvements, water main replacement projects, and submission applications to participate in the Ohio Water Development Authority loan program. Additionally, appropriation amendments, cash transfers, budget amendments, an economic development equity edge agreement with the city of Vandalia, and reappointments to the greater Dayton premier management board and the investment advisory committee were addressed. A stipend for county employees to offset costs related to face coverings was also authorized. The meeting also highlighted the work of Emergency Management and Facilities departments in providing PPE and support for offices reopening, recognized the efforts of Job and Family Services, and allocated funds for homeless services and senior support.

The discussion centered on prioritizing issues to be presented to the co-chairs. Key topics included reoccurring themes from panel discussions and criteria for evaluating issues. The process involves researcher-identified issues, participant-suggested issues, and an electronic survey. The group also discussed premature mortality, access to food, and alcohol and substance use.