Jack knew about the Forever Dads Center for Fathers & Families through his mother and great-grandmother, who both volunteer for the InsideOut DAD program at Noble Correctional Institution. When his friend Ryan found out he was going to be a father, Jack knew where to turn for help. He introduced Ryan to the center’s Boot Camp for New Dads program.

On the buddy system, Jack and Ryan attended the one-day class together. Ryan learned about his role as a provider and protector for his child. He got insight into the journey his child’s mother would experience in childbirth. He also learned how to be a more caring man, what to expect as his child grows, and how to protect his child from abuse and neglect. He heard from a “veteran dad” who had recently experienced childbirth, saw a demonstration about shaken baby syndrome, and got many resources to help him be the best dad he could be.

“Babies can be scary, especially for men,” said Greg Bishop, founder of the program and a father of four. “New fathers need to be invited in, to be given the chance to feel competent.”

Sadly, several weeks after the class, Jack died from an accidental gunshot wound. But the help he gave his friend before his untimely death lives on. Ryan has since welcomed his son Jacob into the world and has come full circle with ForeverDads. Now he tells his story at Boot Camp for New Dads as a veteran dad himself.

The Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 10:00 am. – 12:00 p.m. 

(ODJFS) OCF Commission Meeting 
Date: September 8, 2022 at 10:00 am – 12 noon
Location: Vern Riffe Building (Riffe)
77 S. High St. 19th Floor, Conference Room 1948
Columbus, OH  43215

The meeting will be IN-PERSON. Please allow time to find parking and going through the security checks at the Vern Riffe Building. Please bring your photo Identification.

2022 Commission Meeting Dates:    Feb. 10, May 12, July 14, Sept. 8 and Nov. 10.

If you would like to attend a commission meeting or if you have any questions, please contact Terri Simons via e-mail at Terri.Simons@jfs.ohio.gov. 

If you need to speak to someone over the phone, please contact Executive Director Kimberly Dent at 614-752-0583.