Good Dads 2.0 program to launch in St. Joseph

A new non-profit organization for family men is coming to St. Joseph.

“The Good Dads” is a father focused program that aims to help men improve and grow in all aspects of parenting.

New members are placed in a 16-week course that provides fathers with parenting skills to foster a calm, dependable household.

Qualities the program helps boost include helping kids improve in school, creating relationships with reduced friction, lower crime rates and assisting in economic flourishment.

While the name of the group implies it’s only for current fathers, the group is open to any men want to join.

“It’s really important that we realize this isn’t just for guys who are currently fathers,” Good Dads Director Tim Doyle said, “Men who have influence in any situation, have the opportunity to make a difference to influence the kids in your sphere of the world. I think this is going to be a great tool for all the young men and single men who one day want to be a dad.”

The Good Dads branch in St. Joseph joins over 20 communities in which the program is established throughout Missouri.

They group hopes to make an immediate impact in St. Joseph and already has ideas on how to support the community.

“Beyond the 16-week course, we would love to do some other activities,” Doyle said. “I’m dreaming of potentially being at Mustangs game day to get the dads together. I hope this is an impetus to bring more programing to our city, because I really believe what’s going to happen is as we coach men up, we can also encourage them.”

The first Good Dads course in St. Joseph will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at the Restoration Natatorium.