Fathers in Jackson County will soon have a new opportunity to connect with their children through the Jackson County Public Library’s Together Time Toolboxes, a summer initiative designed to strengthen family bonds.
“We wanted to develop a program that encouraged fathers to spend time with their children,” Library Director Ashley Wagers said.
The program is being developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families, which cites research showing that children with involved fathers are 39% more likely to earn high grades in school and 45% less likely to repeat a grade. The organization is helping the library assemble 100 toolboxes for local families.
Each toolbox includes books, games and other materials intended to promote family time. The kits also feature resources related to mental health, wellness and family safety.
Wagers said the recent fires in Jackson County influenced the decision to add certain items to the toolboxes. “That's the reason we have a smoke detector included. We have mental health supports included.”
Library leaders said the effort is meant to help fathers recognize the lasting impact they can have in their children’s lives. “As a mom of sons, I have grandsons now and granddaughters, and I would like for every dad to know the importance of working with their children,” said Kimberly Mullins, who is credited with the idea for the toolboxes. “That can impact their whole childrens' lives.”
“We're just really wanting our fathers to feel empowered and supported that they can be the fathers that their children will need them to be,” Wagers added. All 100 toolboxes have been claimed through registration and are set to be distributed next week.
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