The Lucas County Board of Commissioners on June 2 voted unanimously to proclaim June as "Honoring Dads in Action" month, recognizing local fatherhood programs and urging community awareness of father-engagement services.

The proclamation, read by Dave Contre, director of the Lucas County Family and Children First Council and chair of the Lucas County Fatherhood Coalition, said "children with engaged fathers are more likely to perform well academically, exhibit healthy self-esteem, and display positive social behavior," and called out local programs that support fathers and families. Commissioner Michael Gerken made the motion to adopt the proclamation; Commissioners Lopez and Cabecki voted yes.

The board invited leaders from community organizations to speak. Lasonya Jeltz of Pathway Incorporated’s Brothers United fatherhood program told commissioners the organization has served fathers in Lucas County since 2015. "We are a small agency with a mighty impact," Jeltz said, adding the program has served thousands of fathers and their children. Lee Guerra of Zeph Center described his agency’s long-running fatherhood work and introduced two men who participated in and now work with the program.

Thomas Crow, a program graduate and outreach specialist at Zeph Center, described how participation helped him repair family relationships and be present for milestones such as "helping my son catch his first fish." Andrew Holbein, business coordinator and a father in recovery, said the fatherhood program complemented his recovery work: "I really truly believe I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for our fatherhood program."

County staff and program leaders outlined events and resources for June, including a kickoff on June 3, a Brothers United tenth-anniversary event on June 10, a family reunion June 13 at Nelson Grace Park, a fatherhood walk and health fair on June 14, and a hot-dog community event with health screenings and a mini job fair on June 18 at 508 Holly. Handouts with infographics and event listings were made available at the meeting.

Commissioners and community speakers emphasized that the work continues year-round despite the month-long recognition. "Just because we're focusing on this in June doesn't mean the work only happens in June," Contre said. The proclamation concluded with a group photograph of commissioners and coalition members.

The resolution and remarks came during the commissioners' morning session and required no further action beyond the formal proclamation and public recognition of participating organizations and events.