Kaptur Announces $3.75 Million of Investment in Programs to Support Northwest Ohio Fathers Press ReleaseJobs and the EconomyHealth Care

Toledo, OH - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that three Northwest Ohio organizations will receive awards totaling $3.75 Million through the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Family Assistance, through its Responsible Fatherhood Program. The Zepf Center, the Ridge Project, Inc., and Pathway, Inc. will each receive $1,250,000 for their programs that encourage fathers in our Northwest Ohio community to take an active role in their children's lives.

"Our Northwest Ohio community is fortunate to have amazing people and programs that work to build strong families and caring communities," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "Equipping young fathers with the skills and resources they need to be an active presence in their families' lives will lay a solid foundation for success. The vital work these organizations do cannot be overstated, and this major Federal investment means that thousands of our region's youngest citizens will grow up with positive role models and the ability to foster healthy lifelong relationships."

The Zepf Center will use the award for their Fatherhood Connection program, which seeks to empower fathers at every stage of parenthood, from expecting fathers to grandfathers and father figures. They teachparenting classes through the Nurturing Fathers program, and they provide extensive economic and vocational support to fathers. The Ridge Project serves families navigating the justice system, whether a member of the family is incarcerated or on probation. Their award will support its TYRO Fathers program, which equips fathers with life, job, and parenting skills for becoming strongly involved in their families' lives. Serving the Toledo-area community, Pathway provides numerous services to reduce poverty. They serve families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, and their award will be used to support their Brothers United program.

These new Federal investments build on similar previous awards to communities across our Northwest Ohio region. Just last year, Congresswoman Kaptur secured a combined total of more than $3.7 Million for three responsible fatherhood programs through the US Department of Health and Human Services.

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