From the El Dorado Springs Newsroom
Good Dads, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families through fatherhood engagement, celebrated its 10th anniversary last week with an evening of music, reflection, and gratitude in Springfield.
Several familiar faces from Cedar County were in attendance, including Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Boeke, Mike Cole, Melanie Chance, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Thornton, and Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Griffin, all active members and supporters of the local Good Dads initiative. The group joined hundreds of guests from across southwest Missouri to commemorate a decade of helping fathers strengthen their families and communities.
The celebration featured live music from the Deja Crew Band, trivia highlighting milestones from each year since 2015, and generous giveaways—including a ten-person tent, camping chairs, and an outdoor cooking set—symbolizing the organization’s mission of helping dads “build families, not just campsites.”
Organizers described the evening as one of “joyous connectivity and generosity.” In a message following the event, Good Dads leaders expressed appreciation for their supporters, calling them “champions” and “Paul Reveres” who are helping ignite a “fatherhood spark spreading like wildfire.”
Founded in Springfield in 2015, Good Dads partners with schools, employers, churches, and community organizations to provide parenting classes, mentorship programs, and practical resources that encourage men to be active, engaged fathers. The organization’s programs now reach communities throughout Missouri, including Cedar County, where local leaders facilitate Good Dads 2.0 sessions and Good Dads Strong Schools breakfasts for fathers and children.
Research continues to show the far-reaching impact of a father’s presence—or absence—in a child’s life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Fatherhood Initiative:
• 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes.
• 85% of youths in prison were raised without a father.
• 63% of youth suicides involve children from homes without a father present.
• Children without fathers are four times more likely to live in poverty.
These statistics are reflected in classroom performance, behavioral outcomes, and long-term emotional health. Studies show that children without an engaged father are more likely to struggle with depression, substance abuse, and low self-esteem, while also facing greater risks of obesity and unstable relationships as adults.
Experts emphasize that it is not simply a father’s physical presence that matters—it’s the quality of involvement. Even fathers who live apart from their children can make a lasting difference through consistent emotional connection, communication, and encouragement.
Local leaders say the message hits home for rural communities, where strong family ties are foundational.
“Programs like Good Dads matter because they bring families back together,” said Cedar County Director and board member Cheryl Thornton. “When dads show up—schools improve, crime drops, and kids thrive,” said board Member Melanie Chance
As Good Dads celebrates its tenth year, organizers say their work is only beginning. With each breakfast, class, and small-group session, they hope to continue transforming communities—one father at a time.
“Dads matter,” Chance added. “Today is the day to start in your children’s lives.”
Interested in learning more? Reach out today:
Call Cheryl Thornton at 417-522-9124 or email
• Darrin Griffin — historydog68@gmail.com
• Cheryl Thornton — cthornton@frcmo.com
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