Champions for Children Launches Expanded Fatherhood Initiatives with FRANC

A group of people pose for a picture. They are holding children's books.

Champions for Children (CFC) announces the launch of its expanded Fathers Resource and Networking Community (FRANC) program. The expansion has been made possible through a portion of grant funding from the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families (DCF).

FRANC offers support, education and resources for fathers and father figures and is currently accepting the registration of new program participants. CFC and partner programs offer services that include career development, financial coaching and legal education workshops and fatherhood coaching, interested participants can register at cfctb.org/program/franc-fathers.

“We believe that fathers and father figures play a crucial role in their children’s well-being. For 23 years, our father-specific services have been grounded in extensive research demonstrating that children with involved fathers have a stronger foundation for success in adulthood. Furthermore, an active father presence fosters positive childhood experiences, mitigating the long-term effects of adverse experiences. At Champions for Children, we are dedicated to equipping fathers with the tools they need to set their children on a path to success through our FRANC program.” Amy Haile is CFC’s chief executive officer.

The launch will feature a free Father’s Day Chill and Grill celebration on June 8 from 10 a.m. – noon at the YMCA’s Community Initiative Building, 1905 N. Florida Ave. The event will be hosted by Champions for Children and sponsored by the Tampa Breakfast Sertoma Club.

In 2023, the Florida Legislature assigned more than $68.9 million to support services geared toward responsible fatherhood. These programs include evidence-based parenting education and campaigns that support the public awareness of responsible fatherhood initiatives.

CFC is proud to have been selected as one of the nonprofits to receive grant funding from the State of Florida, DCF.

Sinziana Bularca is the director for Champions’ Parenting Service focusing on the FRANC program. She says, “The community’s support for father services has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are honored to develop a program tailored for fathers and children in Hillsborough County. This initiative supports families and fosters their growth as they nurture their children. Families with supportive communities are better equipped to navigate life’s natural ups and downs.”

Father First is a statewide and community-driven initiative empowering fathers to embrace their unique roles in their children’s lives. Born from the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative that was signed into law as HB 7065 in 2022 by Governor Ron DeSantis, this initiative highlights the critical role of fathers and provides resources to them and at-risk male students throughout Florida. Through this historic legislation, the Florida Legislature appropriated over $68.9 million to support services for fathers provided through a variety of organizations and a responsible fatherhood public awareness campaign. Father First is a place for dads and future dads to find resources, encouragement, and connection needed to be better every day. For more information visit www.fatherfirstfl.com.

For more information about FRANC, visit cfctb.org/program/franc-fathers.