Voices that Matter: A Father’s Perspective on Family Council

My name is Jeffery Callahan, and I have proudly served on the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council in Region 13 for 3 years. My high school sweetheart and I have been married 13 years, and we are raising three children, ages 8, 6, and 2, while also carrying the love of a child in Heaven. I have worked at the Walgreens Distribution Center in Mt. Vernon, Illinois for 18 years. 
 
Our Family Council is important to me because it represents families from all walks of life and provides a place where everyone has a voice that can make a real difference. It allows me to share my experiences and speak not just for my family, but also for many families navigating the challenges of raising children. 
 
Through our Family Council, I’ve also learned from others. For example, I learned about the Birth to 3 program. As I write this, our 2-year-old daughter is playing with a toy borrowed through its toy exchange. This toy would have been difficult to afford on our own but has been so helpful to her development. Our child advocate, Brandi, has been incredibly supportive, helping us prepare for her next steps and giving us confidence as parents, even as third time parents. 
 
I believe fathers need to be part of spaces like the Birth to Five Illinois Family Councils. Too often, only mothers’ opinions are considered, but fathers are here too. We are raising our kids, making decisions, and doing what we believe is best for our families. The Family Council gives fathers a voice and reminds me that our perspectives matter just as much. I am so grateful to be a part of this group.