6/26/26, 5:00 PM

Dawn Hunter, CNCR Executive Director

"When callers complete intake interviews with us, we sometimes get glimpses into their stories of origin. It reminds us that we are all in the same struggle to overcome pain of some kind and to grow to become "good-enough" parents.

God, please forgive us when we fail, and help us not become discouraged in well-doing, but to continue to fight the good fight toward healing and growth. We acknowledge where we failed, and we continue to try to do better, trusting that You will make all things right. Amen.

Some callers never had a positive male in their life at all. Thank you to the men who made sure they were there for the kids in their life.

Some callers' fathers were not kind to children or their mothers. Thank you to the fathers who were tender and loving, figuring out how to express their thoughts and to discipline in a healthy way.

Some callers are really grateful for their step-dads, who took over where bio dads failed, and especially to those who protected us from the misplaced anger of others.

Some of our callers are grandpas whose fixed income is stretched thin as they step in to care for or raise their grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren.

Some callers end up talking with a financial advisor and making arrangements that will provide for their special-needs adult child after they are gone. Thank you to the men who work hard to provide what we need and cannot provide for ourselves.

Some callers are having a hard time right now because they are caring for their dads and step-dads who need support in their later years.

Some callers really struggle with depression and budget challenges, especially after their fathers died awhile back. Thank you to the fathers who protected us, and especially to those who refrained from protecting us too much.

We are grateful to all the men who showed up and did what they could to lay a firm foundation for us to build our own lives on."

- Care Connection Center Team Member

A Personal Message from the Executive Director

As I reflect on the stories our team hears every day, I am reminded of a core principle from the Chalmers approach: every person possesses gifts, abilities, and value because they are created in the image of God. Yet we also recognize that we all experience brokenness in our relationships, our families, our finances, and sometimes in our understanding of what it means to be a father.

Many of the callers we serve carry wounds connected to fatherhood. Some were abandoned. Some experienced abuse. Some never knew their fathers. Others were blessed by fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, mentors, and men who faithfully chose to invest in the next generation.

The reality is that no father gets everything right. But healthy fathers understand that parenting is not about perfection; it is about faithful presence, humility with a willingness to learn and ask questions, growth that includes breaking generational curses, and dependence upon God.

The good news of the Gospel is that God meets us in our weakness and continues His work of restoration. He is the best Father and models Fatherhood perfectly.

Scripture reminds fathers of both their responsibility and their opportunity:

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." — Ephesians 6:4

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." — Proverbs 20:7

Men were never intended to carry life's burdens alone. Just like women, men need community. They need brothers in Christ who encourage, challenge, pray, and help one grow into the men, husbands, fathers, and leaders God calls us them to.

Isolation often magnifies struggles, while a healthy community helps us flourish.

To every father, grandfather, stepfather, mentor, coach, pastor, and father figure: thank you. Your presence matters more than you may realize. Your words matter. Your example matters. Your faithfulness matters.

If there is one encouragement I would offer today, it is this: continue showing up. Continue learning. Continue asking forgiveness when needed. Continue seeking God's wisdom. Continue investing in your family. Continue building relationships that reflect Christ's love.

May we all work toward the kind of flourishing that God intends—not only for ourselves, but for our families, our neighborhoods, and our communities.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the men who have faithfully cared for, protected, taught, and loved the people You entrusted to them. Strengthen fathers who are weary. Encourage those who feel inadequate. Heal those carrying wounds from their own upbringing. Give wisdom to men raising children and caring for aging parents. Surround them with godly community and support.

We pray for families experiencing hardship, grief, financial challenges, conflict, or uncertainty. Restore what is broken. Deepen relationships. Help fathers lead with humility, courage, compassion, and faith. May our homes become places where Your love is seen, Your truth is taught, and Your grace is experienced.

May all we do bring glory to You and contribute to the flourishing of those around us.

In Jesus' name, Amen.