Bixby Non-Profit Group Helps Fathers Of Children With Special Needs

A Bixby non-profit hosted its first workshop Saturday for dads who have kids with special needs. The founder of Dads On Special Assignment said he created the group to help him get through a difficult time in his life and to build a community with other dads who might be experiencing the same thing.

According to the National Library of Medicine, one in five households care for a special needs child. John Rieck said his son, Gideon, has a rare brain disorder called Lissencephaly. He says taking care of his son introduced a whole new world, but says Gideon brings the family a lot of joy.

"I'm really excited to just learn what it's like to have purpose and to have a new outlook on what it's like to raise a kid with special needs," Rieck said.

Jeremy Warren, the founder of Dads On Special Assignment, says he created the group because he knew there were other dads out there who needed some form of community. He wanted to create a men's ministry dedicated to the health and well-being of dads.

"We provide monthly support groups that meet, we have communication platforms for dialogue to happen a daily basis through text apps, we also host workshops during the year," Warren said.

Brandon Miller is a parent of children with special needs and said it takes a lot of patience and understanding.

"Well, it's great to be able to connect with other days who understand what you are going through," Miller said.

Jeremy says he hopes to expand his nonprofit across the nation and build a network of Dads On Special Assignment.