Tulsa Dream Center Hosts Oklahoma Fatherhood Summit

The Tulsa Dream Center hosted the Oklahoma Fatherhood Summit Friday. Organizers said it was all about providing resources to fathers in the community.

"These are the best of times for fathers and these are the worst of times. I've never seen fatherlessness, abdication, absence, and even abuse be such an epidemic as it is today," said Ken Canfield.

He’s the founder of the National Center for Fathering, and he's in Tulsa inspiring dads to take action and responsibility as a parent.

"We know from research that kids thrive when they have a dad that's committed to them, who's with them, who's encouraging them and that extent, we need to address the fatherlessness that is so prevalent in the country right now," said Canfield.

In addition to a keynote speech from Canfield, guests got to visit with various nonprofits and speak with community leaders about tools and resources available to fathers and father figures.

Organizers of the event said issues with fatherhood are affecting children and families across the country, and the same goes for Tulsa.

"It affects the crime, it affects the workforce, it affects the little children that are trying to figure out who they are, when they don't have both parents in their lives, they have what we like to call an identity crisis where they're trying to figure out which parts of me should I keep, and what parts of me should I adapt from others," said Marquess Dennis with Birthright Living Legacy.

He said Friday’s event is all about making the community aware that dads are an important part of families.

"The events like this are just to let dads know we're thinking about you. You're seen, you're heard, you're valuable, but you're also responsible, so let us provide you with some tools and resources to help you be able to show up for your family," Dennis said.