Spokane Fatherhood Initiative - SPOFI

SpoFI is honored to name Garrett Skirvin our 2026 Father of the Year.

Each year, SpoFI typically presents two Father of the Year awards: one for custodial dads and one for noncustodial dads. We do this because many devoted fathers do not have full custody of their children, yet still show up with love, consistency, sacrifice, and commitment. This year was unique.

Garrett stood out in both categories.

As Fred Dent shared during the presentation, Garrett met the criteria as a SpoFI graduate, a man living out the principles of the program, a working father, and someone who has shown significant growth and stability.

Garrett is the kind of man who shows up. When SpoFI needs a hand, he answers the call. Roadside help, office support, event setup, whatever is needed, he is there.

More importantly, he shows up for his kids. His nomination highlighted the way he spends time with his children doing what they love, including fishing, camping, skiing, dirt biking, and simply being present.

When Garrett received the award, surrounded by his boys and past Fathers of the Year, he said:

“I did it for my sons. SpoFI changed my life. You guys are family.”

That is the heart of this work.

Fatherhood is not just a title. It is sacrifice. It is presence. It is growth. It is healing. It is doing the hard thing for your children.

Garrett, congratulations. We are grateful for your example, your humility, your service, and your place in the SpoFI family.

And to everyone who gave, shared, prayed, encouraged, and showed up this Father’s Day weekend, thank you. Because of this community, our Honor a Father campaign exceeded its goal.

Changed dads change everything.

UPDATE: We did it. 🎉 Thanks to a generous wave of Father’s Day support, SpoFI exceeded our $9,000 Honor a Father campaign goal. Thank you for helping us finish strong and honor Spokane dads.

What a beautiful Father’s Day celebration. 💙

Today, SpoFI families gathered for our Father’s Day Picnic and Father of the Year presentation. Dads, moms, kids, grandparents, extended family, alumni, volunteers, and friends came together for food, laughter, games, and a whole lot of joy.

We had BBQ prepared by SpoFI alumni, kids playing kickball and basketball, families sharing picnic tables, and so many moments that reminded us why this work matters.

Fatherhood is not just a title. It is presence. It is love. It is sacrifice. It is showing up again and again.

We were also honored to announce Garrett Skirvin as this year’s SpoFI Father of the Year, recognized as both our custodial and noncustodial Father of the Year. Garrett was joined by previous SpoFI Fathers of the Year James Uttke, DJ Merriam, Donald Morrison, and Courtney Garnett. It was a powerful moment of legacy, brotherhood, and encouragement.

To everyone who came, cooked, helped, served, played, laughed, cheered, and celebrated with us, thank you.

We are posting around 50 photos from the day. Please tag yourself, tag your family, share your favorites, and help us spread the joy. If you are new here, follow Spokane Fatherhood Initiative for more stories of changed dads and strengthened families.

Changed dads change everything.

Happy Father's Day from all of us at the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. 116 years ago, this city gave Father's Day to the world. Today we celebrate the dads who are living that legacy out, one family at a time.

Changed dads change everything.

This Father’s Day, Honor a Father. We’re just 5 dads away from 900 graduates since SpoFI launched its first 24-7 Dad® class in 2018.

Every certificate represents more than a class completed. It represents a dad learning to show up with more patience, more presence, more self-control, more communication, and more hope for his children.

And this week, every gift is matched through Sunday night.

Help us reach the next dad. Then the next 100.

Link in bio 🙏

Changed dads change everything.

895. That’s how many Spokane dads have walked across a SpoFI graduation stage, received a certificate, and committed to showing up differently for their kids.

Omari K. is one of them. Here he is with SpoFI supporter Carol Krum at our 100th graduation.

This is what your support makes possible: dads learning to be more present, more patient, more consistent, and more connected at home.

We’re now just five dads away from 900 graduates since 2018.

And the next class starts soon.

This Father’s Day weekend, we’re celebrating our graduates and their families at Liberty Park, and we’re inviting the community to help us keep this work going.

The 900th dad is coming. Then the 1,000th.

Changed dads change everything.

Sales are officially open for our next SpoFI alumni and families night at the Spokane Indians.

We had such a great time at the last game, and we’d love to pack the section again with dads, kids, families, alumni, and friends of SpoFI. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YmfMvYzo6/

Sunday, July 19
First pitch: 1:05 PM
Bud Bull Pen, field level, first base side
$20 per ticket, includes the Hall of Fame Buffet

Tickets need to be purchased through the SpoFI page so you get the group rate and sit with our section.

Father’s Day is almost here, and we’re bringing the SpoFI family together.

Join us Sunday, June 21, 1–4 PM at Liberty Park Pavilion for our 2026 Father’s Day Picnic: BBQ, lawn games, family connection, alumni reunion, and the Father of the Year presentation.

Dads, alumni, families, donors, volunteers, and community partners are all welcome.

Please RSVP using the link in bio so we can plan food and supplies.

Alumni, we could also use a few helping hands for setup and cleanup. Volunteer sign-up is in the link in bio too.

Changed dads change everything.

Last call for dads who want to be more present, more patient, and better connected with their kids.

Our next 24/7 Dad® Basic (AM) class starts Tuesday, June 23 at . Registration closes Tues, June 16. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings for six weeks, at no cost to dads.

This class gives fathers practical tools for communication, discipline, self-control, co-parenting, and showing up with more confidence at home.

Register today. Spots are limited.