There are over million children (age 20 and under) in the United States whose fathers have died; the majority of those children remain in single-parent households throughout their childhood. “The statistics on ‘fatherloss’ illustrate not only a significant and long-lasting emotional impact, but also a correspondingly significant financial impact, which can alter the course of a child’s development,” notes Ron Opher, the volunteer Executive Director of “Daddy’s Spirit Moves Me Forward,” a Pennsylvania non-stock, non-profit entity. He believes that “Daddy’s Spirit” is uniquely designed to create a community of awareness of and advocacy for meeting these children’s needs.
“Our mission is to provide two distinct types of services to children whose fathers have died” says Opher, who lost his father at age 15. “Initially, we will be leading monthly field trips and other recreational programs, as we hope to demonstrate, at an appropriate time for each individual child in their grieving process, that it’s OK to have fun again.” At a later point in time, Opher envisions the creation of an endowment to provide funding for college for children who “graduate” from their years of participation in the Daddy’s Spirit program.
“This fall, we intend to start with a group of children, ages 8-12, residing in the Greater Philadelphia region. The planning process is underway, and will continue throughout the summer” Opher states. He is optimistic that funding will be in place during the course of the program year – “we have received commitments for complimentary admission from a number of museums, recreational facilities, sports teams and business sites for “factory tours.” There are still other expenses to deal with, such as transportation and insurance – “so we are looking for sponsorship for the program year, as well as seeking volunteers to act as chaperones, and, of course, children to participate” Opher points out. The organizational goal for Daddy’s Spirit is to ultimately expand the age range of children served and to expand the geographical reach of the program.
For more information on Daddy’s Spirit, please visit www.DaddysSpirit.org or call Ron Opher at 610-710-1477.
Post Office Box 80022, Valley Forge, PA 19484
(610) 710-1477
Contact: Ron Opher, Executive Director
info@DaddysSpirit.org
This website is a service of Daddy’s Spirit Moves Me Forward (sm), a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation established for charitable purposes. The service is intended as a resource for presentation and discussion of issues of concern to those experiencing grief, particularly from the loss of a father. Nothing included in this section, or in the accompanying literature presented herein shall be deemed to constitute, in and of itself, professional advice. You are encouraged to contact a professional in your geographic area for such advice.
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