Fatherhood in Crisis: Why Presence Matters More Than Perfection

Local leaders in Union County gathered to discuss the role fathers and father figures play in the lives of children, particularly those experiencing instability, trauma, or adversity. Panelists argued that a positive father figure can impact a family in crisis just as significantly as housing, food security, or access to services. Throughout the discussion, fatherhood was defined not by biology, but by presence, consistency, and a willingness to show up.

The panel featured Shaytra Bridges, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for FACT, Inc.; Daniel Egger, Lead Pastor of El Dorado First Assembly of God; Bryan Boyle with Scouting America; and Joshua Emery, a foster parent and community advocate.

For Daniel Egger, fatherhood begins with one essential quality: safety.

"When a child feels safe, they can flourish. When they feel safe to make a mistake...It's okay to fail. It's okay to succeed. It's okay to ask questions. No matter what it is, if a child feels safe, I have a personal belief that that child will flourish in life."

Families navigating crisis through housing instability, financial hardship, family separation, substance abuse, or involvement with child welfare systems often leave children feeling uncertain about the future. The panel emphasized that fathers and father figures have a unique opportunity to provide stability during those moments.

A child who feels secure is more likely to ask questions, seek help, and develop resilience. Safety creates the foundation upon which growth can occur.

Through Joshua Emery's experience as a foster parent, children have entered his home carrying trauma, loss, and uncertainty. While many people assume foster parents must do something extraordinary to change a child's life, Emery explained that the most powerful moments are often the simplest: being available after a hard day, listening without judgment, or simply sitting beside a child who needs someone close.

One phrase that has stayed with him throughout his journey is, "little things make great humans."

"We have to remember those little moments no matter how they come up we have to take advantage of them."

For children who have experienced neglect, abandonment, or instability, those small moments of consistency can be transformative.

Shaytra Bridges noted that one of the biggest misconceptions about fathers is that they do not want to be involved or are not as capable of caregiving as mothers. Through her work at FACT, Inc., she has found many fathers want to be active participants in their children's lives but are not always intentionally included.

The panel agreed that communities can support fathers by creating spaces where they feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Schools, churches, youth organizations, mentors, coaches, foster parents, and community volunteers all have a role to play in encouraging fathers and helping them build healthy support networks.

Daniel Egger noted that many families facing crisis carry "a lifetime of disappointment, a lifetime of feeling invisible," making relationships and community support especially important. Before people can receive guidance or resources, he said, they often need to know someone is still willing to come alongside them.

When fathers are invited in, supported, and empowered, their children benefit. And when communities invest in fathers, they are investing in stronger families.

The discussion emphasized that fatherhood extends beyond biological relationships.

Bridges shared her own experience of losing her husband and watching male relatives step into her son's life. Those men provided guidance, support, and practical life lessons that helped shape who he became.

Boyle shared similar examples from Scouting America, where mentors help young people build confidence, character, and resilience through consistent encouragement and leadership. Many of those relationships begin with something as simple as a handshake or a weekly meeting but can evolve into lifelong connections.

For children who lack an active father in the home, trusted mentors, coaches, teachers, pastors, and community members can help fill critical gaps. Their presence communicates to children that they matter and they are not alone.

The discussion concluded with a reminder that strengthening families is a community effort. Churches, schools, youth organizations, foster families, and local service providers all have a role to play in helping children thrive. Through the Union County Alliance, those partners work together to ensure families have access to support.