Leadership Columbia’s 2021 project to benefit Midlands fathers

Listen to this article

Columbia-based Midlands Fatherhood Coalition, a social services organization that provides education, coaching and other resources to fathers in 16 counties, will be the beneficiary of Leadership Columbia’s 2021 class project.

The 10-month leadership development program, started by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in 1972, selects a project each year to enrich the Midlands community. The 2021 class will transform an existing space at the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition’s Columbia office at 1420 Colonial Life Blvd. into a “Dad’s Den” community center to enhance connection, learning and family fun.

The project will provide interior improvements and as well technology upgrades to help with virtual education and remote engagement as the coalition seeks ways to play host to safe events during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Midlands Fatherhood Coalition is exceptionally grateful to the Leadership Columbia Class of 2021 for selecting the ‘Dad's Den’ project,” Santanna Hayes, the organization’s creative marketing and quality manager, said in a news release. “For years, we have wanted dads and their children to have a space where they could come that was uniquely their own, and now for this to be a reality is simply life- changing. Through first-hand accounts coupled with years of research, we know how important fathers are in creating positive outcomes for their children. We are excited that Leadership Columbia shares and supports our mission.”