The Men’s Mental Health Christmas Event is more than just a gathering on a holiday—it’s a chance to create meaningful change in the lives of fathers, their children, and their families. It is designed to meet fathers where they are—whether they are overwhelmed by the daily grind, struggling with emotional distance, or navigating the challenges of not having had a father figure themselves.

Take, for instance, the father who didn’t grow up with a father himself. He may love his children deeply but feels unsure about how to be the dad they need. With no model to follow, he might distance himself emotionally, not out of disinterest, but out of fear that he will fail in a role he never had an example for. His children may sense the absence, longing for a deeper connection but not knowing how to reach him. At this event, he will find other men like him, men who understand his struggle and can share their own experiences of learning how to step into fatherhood. Through open discussions and mental health resources, he will leave with the tools to connect more confidently with his children.

Now picture the father who works long hours, not just to provide, but because he feels it’s the only way he knows how to contribute. He’s physically present but emotionally drained, missing milestones because he believes that his financial support is enough. Meanwhile, his children yearn for more—his time, his attention, his presence at dinner or bedtime. At this event, surrounded by other fathers, he will have a moment to step back, reflect, and understand that being there for his children emotionally is just as important as providing for them financially. He’ll wrap a gift for his child, and in that moment, he will realize that sometimes, it’s the small gestures that matter most.

These are just two of many stories we hear, and this event is about giving fathers the chance to rewrite them. Whether they are navigating the legacy of absent fathers or simply overwhelmed by modern expectations, these men need a safe space to explore their role, receive support, and reconnect with their children. Children long for their father’s attention and involvement, even if they can’t always articulate it. Children grow up seeking their father’s approval, affection, and presence, and when that connection is missing, the impact can be profound. A child who sees their father active in their life—playing, laughing, sharing stories—grows in confidence and feels more secure in the world. The emotional stability and love a father provides is irreplaceable. By empowering these men, we are directly nurturing the next generation, ensuring that children receive the guidance, support, and love they need to thrive.

The Men’s Mental Health Christmas Event serves as a bridge, connecting fathers with the resources, community, and support they need to reclaim their role within the family. It encourages men to embrace their mental health journey and re-engage as pillars in their children's lives. This event is an invitation to break the silence, share the burden, and create lasting change—not only for these men but for their children, their families, and the community.

Event Overview:

Event Date: Christmas Day
Event Location: [Location TBD]
Target Audience: Fathers in Stark County
Purpose: Incorporate the expertise of mental health professionals and other specialist to offer learning opportunities on topics such as managing stress, understanding the father’s role in child development, and promoting healthy co-parenting relationships. These discussions will provide men with practical tools to support their own mental well-being and re-engage in meaningful ways with their families.

Event Details:

Activities:

Sports Game Viewing: A live sports event broadcast to bring fathers together in a casual and engaging environment.
Gift Selection and Wrapping: Fathers will select gifts for their children and wrap them to take home.
Learning & Discussion: Discussions around men’s mental health, managing stress, understanding the father’s role in child development, and promoting healthy co-parenting relationships.
Raffle: Attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle items such as TVs, sports tickets, or spa packages.

Support Services:

Mental Health Education: Provide educational materials and talks about mental health challenges faced by men, including suicide prevention, stress management, and substance use.
Fatherhood & Family Role: Share strategies for men to re-engage in their children's lives and in positive co-parenting relationships with children's mothers.

Food & Drinks: Catered meals and beverages will be available throughout the event, creating a relaxed and nourishing environment for attendees.

Community Impact:

Mental Health Support: Men in Stark County, especially fathers, face a wide range of mental health issues, including higher rates of depression, suicide, and substance use. This event will create an outlet for stress and a supportive environment where men can talk openly about their struggles and seek help.

Rates of depression and suicide are notably higher among men, especially in middle-aged fathers.
Substance Use: Stark County has seen increasing rates of substance use among men, including alcohol and opioid use.

Fatherhood Engagement: Stark County data shows that many children grow up in single-parent, women-led households. Men’s re-engagement in their children’s lives has a profound impact on the emotional and social development of their children.

Fatherhood and Family Dynamics:

1. Single-Parent Households: Over 25% of children in Stark County live in single-parent households, with the majority led by women. Lack of male involvement in parenting contributes to social, behavioral, and educational challenges in children.

Event Objectives:

Provide a safe space for fathers to share and learn.
Empower men to re-engage in their families, especially in co-parenting roles.
Foster community and create a network of support that will last beyond the holiday season.
Offer self-care opportunities such as raffles for spa services and other personal rewards to encourage men to prioritize their well-being.

The Gift of Wellness: A Men's Christmas Mental Health Event

By Stark Community Support Network

The Gift of Wellness: A Men's Christmas Mental Health Event

Fundraising Goal Deadline: Nov 30th