Celebrating & Supporting Fathers – a Longtime YMCA Tradition
FRAMINGHAM, MA. More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers. Dodd, the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran, was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Washinton, her idea came to fruition with the first Father's Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910.
On Sunday, June 15th, the MetroWest YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives. Nationally, one out of three children lives in a home without their biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And, societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance or a lack of resources can affect fathers’ ability to seek support in strengthening their parenting skills and more fully engaging in the lives of their children. A leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth development, the Y remains dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.
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Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers and other adult male role models have more self-confidence and exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use.
“As a nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y believes that family bonds are a foundation of strong communities, and we work to help all families to learn, grow and thrive, said Richard A. MacPherson, President & CEO of the MetroWest YMCA. “Father’s Day reminds us why it’s important to provide fathers with the support they need to be the best parents and caregivers they can be.”
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In honor of Father’s Day the MetroWest YMCA invites dads and other adult male models to go for a swim, relax and enjoy family time at the Open House Weekend at both the Y’s Clearbrook Swim Club outdoor pool, located at 120 Parker Road, Framingham and the Y’s Family Outdoor Center at 45 East Street, Hopkinton on Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th from 12-5pm.
The MetroWest YMCA is also offering a variety of programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers such as Family Camp on July 12th, Geo Caching 101 on July 19th located at the Y’s Family Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, and Family Open Swim and Gym times, Family Fun Fitness classes, parent/child gymnastics, and more at the Y’s Framingham branch, 280 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham.
To learn more about programs and activities available at the MetroWest YMCA Framingham and Hopkinton locations, call 508-879-4420 or visit www.metrowestymca.org.
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About the MetroWest Y: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The MetroWest Y, with branches in Framingham and Hopkinton, serves more than 20,000 people annually with its programs, and has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.
