The beginning

In 2016, three events converged to birth the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative.

First came the prophetic moment: at a City Impact Roundtable on January 20, 2016, 100 Christian leaders were asked to name the single greatest issue facing Spokane. Without coordination, 10 of 12 tables declared it was fatherlessness.

Then came the tragic confirmation. That summer, a sex trafficking sting exposed the devastating reach of father absence. Weeks later, three toddlers died at the hands of their mothers' boyfriends within a two-week span.

The data told the rest of the story: child abuse in Spokane County was 35% higher than the state average. Domestic violence was 50% higher. The pattern was undeniable—and unacceptable.

SpoFI was incorporated in 2017 and launched its first 24/7 Dad class in September 2018 with 11 men. That class became a movement.

The impact

Since 2018, 832 fathers have graduated across 94 classes with a 93% overall completion rate. Our February 2025 cohort set records: 25 graduates, 98% attendance, 100% completion.

These aren't just statistics. They're fathers showing up with new skills, families experiencing healing, and children gaining the presence they deserve.

The celebration

Join us Friday, February 6, 2026 at Mirabeau Park Hotel in Spokane Valley—the birthplace of Father's Day—for an evening of stories, community, and measurable transformation.

You'll hear directly from the people who caught the vision and built SpoFI into one of the nation’s leading fatherhood organizations, meet the people making it possible, and celebrate a decade of proving that when dads show up with skill and support, everything changes.

Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Mirabeau Park Hotel, Spokane Valley
Tickets: $100 Early Bird (until January 17) | $120 Standard

Dinner includes your choice of:

Filet Mignon — 8 oz with forest mushrooms, veal demi-glaze, garlic mashed potatoes
Pan-roasted salmon — Coriander-rubbed with champagne butter sauce, tomato-basil relish, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
Quinsotto (Vegan/GF) — Butternut squash, quinoa, shiitake mushrooms, lentils, coconut milk, candied pepitas

What your support funds

Every ticket and donation keeps evidence-based fatherhood training accessible and effective:

24/7 Dad, Anger Free Dad, and Faithful Fatherhood curriculum
Mentorship pathways including Fathering in 15
Program operations that keep classes welcoming and life-changing
Expansion into more neighborhoods and communities

Reserve your seat

Bring a friend or simply show up ready to celebrate. Because in the city where Father's Day began, we're proving that presence practiced with skill and brotherhood changes everything—starting with dads.

10-year commemorative photo book: A decade of changed dads