Location: Bob Clark Social Services Center, Brownsville, TX
Event: 24/7 Dad
Host: Buckner Children and Family Services, FAYS Program
The Fatherhood Summit 2024, held at the Bob Clark Social Services Center in Brownsville, Texas, was a day filled with powerful moments of reflection, healing, and connection. Hosted by Buckner Children and Family Services, FAYS program, the summit brought together fathers from various backgrounds to celebrate fatherhood, learn, and grow together.
The event began on a spiritual note with an opening prayer led by Roger Astudillo, who prayed for the well-being of all the fathers in attendance and their families. Richard Bentancourt, the Director of Bob Clark Social Services, then welcomed everyone and emphasized the critical role that fathers play in shaping the lives of their children. His words set the tone for a day dedicated to exploring the many facets of fatherhood.
Joe Rodriguez, known as JRod Illusions, provided entertainment with his program, "Healing the Inner Child." His illusions captivated the audience, filling the room with laughter and awe. The performance was more than just entertainment; it served as a reminder of the importance of reconnecting with our inner selves, which is crucial in the journey of becoming better fathers.
The summit then shifted to a more introspective session with Jesús T. Peña and Mauricio Piña, who led a discussion titled "Restoring Relationships - A Session with Questions and Answers." Mauricio shared a personal story about his daughter’s involvement in a kickball team, where he had been overly critical of her mistake during a game. He recounted how he sought advice from Jesús and later apologized to his daughter, beginning the healing process in their relationship. This powerful story illustrated that it is okay for fathers to admit when they are wrong and that doing so can strengthen the bond with their children.
Jesús T. Peña further emphasized the importance of fatherhood and how the effort fathers put into their relationships with their children can lead to positive generational change.
After a morning filled with learning and reflection, the dads were treated to a delicious lunch featuring a variety of tacos, rice, and beans. The meal provided an opportunity for the fathers to connect with one another and share their experiences in a relaxed setting.
Following lunch, Richard Bentancourt shared his personal testimony of growing up with an abusive father. Despite the trauma he endured, Richard highlighted how the support and belief of others helped him pursue education and improve his life. His story resonated deeply with the audience, offering hope that faith and perseverance can help overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
The summit also provided a safe space for fathers to ask questions and seek advice in a confidential setting. This open dialogue was a powerful part of the day, as it allowed the participants to support and learn from each other in an atmosphere of trust and understanding.
To wrap up the day, the fathers participated in a raffle with exciting prizes, including a large television, sound bars, ice chests, lunchboxes, and more. Additionally, each dad left with a swag bag filled with useful items like Milwaukee drill bits, a nail clipper set, candy, and chips.
As the event came to a close, the fathers departed with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the messages of family, faith, and hope that had been shared throughout the day. The Fatherhood Summit 2024 was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. It was a testament to the power of community and the vital role that fathers play in shaping the future.
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