Champaign Public Library, Local Organizations Host Fatherhood Forum

June 28, 2025

Birth to Five Illinois: Region 9 helped host the event in partnership with the Saving Our Families Together Today (SOFTT) coalition. View the video at 0:22 and 1:00 to see Melissa Watson, Region 9 Family & Community Engagement Specialist, sitting at the Birth to Five Illinois table during the event!

Original coverage in WCIA by Jack Krumm.

The Champaign Public Library and several community organizations held an event aimed towards celebrating the importance of involved fathers on Friday.

The open forum Friday afternoon invited fathers and male caregivers to speak about the importance of fatherhood. The event was put on by the nonprofit “Saving Our Families Together Today” and saw close to 20 people in attendance.

On stage, key speakers included Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall and Urbana Mayor Deshawn Williams. One organizer said it’s important for men to gain support in their fatherhood journeys.

“Sometimes there’s a stigma, and with men being vulnerable, it’s not yet always shown in a positive light or shown at all,” said Javaite Burton, director of community impact at United Way of Champaign County. “So, we think it’s very important that caregivers, whether we see a lot of moms, but dads are really important too. And for them to have a space where they can talk about what their needs are and how they want to be involved in their children’s lives.”

She said the plan is to return this event again next year.