By Jack Brewer – June 16, 2024
| This Father’s Day, I am reminded of the privilege I have of being a father to my own children and a father figure to the many fatherless youth within my community. As a three-time NFL team captain and someone deeply committed to this cause, I want to take a moment to emphasize the critical role of fathers and the profound impact they have on our children’s lives. I am guided by the last verse in the Old Testament, Malachi 4:6: “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” This verse underscores the divine importance of fatherhood and its essential role in our families and communities. Fathers are not only protectors and providers but also spiritual leaders who guide their children in faith and values. Unfortunately, the reality for many children in America is starkly different. There are nearly 18 million children living fatherless in America. The effects of fatherlessness are devastating and far-reaching: Fatherless families are 4x more likely to live in poverty than married-couple families. Children from single-parent families are twice as likely to suffer from mental health problems as those living with married parents. 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. 85% of children who exhibit behavior disorders are from fatherless homes. 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from single-parent homes. These statistics reveal a crisis that cannot be ignored. This Father’s Day, I urge you to join us in celebrating the fathers who are making a difference while uplifting those who lack this vital support. Let’s honor the fathers who go above and beyond for their children. Let’s reach out to those who are struggling and show them that they are not alone. Let’s invest our time and treasure into serving this often-overlooked population. Men everywhere should be encouraged to step up as father figures in their communities for those in need, making a lasting difference. Let’s continue to champion fatherhood, support the fatherless, and work towards a brighter, more hopeful future for all. God Bless. JACK BREWER is Chair of the Center for Opportunity Now & Vice Chair, Center for 1776 The America First Policy Institute |
