Gov. McMaster receives Fatherhood Award from statewide Dad initiative

The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families (SCCFF) met with Governor Henry McMaster to present to him the “Champion for Fatherhood Service Award” and to induct him into “Team Fatherhood” with his own jersey.

Karriem Edwards, President of SCCFF, read the following statement to the governor:

“Governor McMaster, it is with much gratitude that the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families presents you with this statue of a father and his child, symbolizing the loving care that fathers have toward their sons and daughters and demonstrating the true ‘joy of fatherhood’ that we all long to see in the fathers of South Carolina.

“Governor, in June of this year you graciously signed ‘The Joy of Fatherhood Month’ as a proclamation to elevate the role of fathers and their positive impact on families, and the need for all of us to encourage fathers everywhere to be the best dads they can be.

“As a result of your public proclamation, many other municipalities in the state issued similar proclamations about our responsible fatherhood efforts that continue to reverberate in cities and counties throughout South Carolina.

“Your commitment to providing the necessary resources that allow us to meet dads face-to-face with educational opportunities, job placement training, and legal guidance as they become responsible caretakers for their own children, is the type of commitment that sets South Carolina apart from others and will impact our children for generations to come.

“Thank you, Governor McMaster, for setting the standard for such an important work that benefits all South Carolinians.”

Board member Gettys Brannon III, CEO of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance, presented the trophy to the governor and read the inscription. Gov. McMaster commented about his own status as father and grandfather, acknowledging the important work for fathers and families in the state. Mr. Edwards continued:

“Secondly, Governor, the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families would like to induct you into ‘Team Fatherhood’ and present to you this team jersey. Your dedication to our work, both as a public supporter and as the leader of our state, presiding over the generous resources we use to help fathers in all 46 counties, inspires all of us at the Center to reach higher every year, achieving more impact with more fathers that will cause children across South Carolina to thrive. The number ’23’ on the front of the jersey signifies the first gift a dad gives – his 23 chromosomes. Where would we be without his 23? Thank you for allowing us to serve more dads better!”

The staff of SCCFF, along with board members and regional fatherhood CEOs, were present to thank the governor for his leadership in promoting the role of fathers in the state.

About SCCFF

The mission of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, established in 2002, is simple: To provide the means for fathers to become great dads. We bring attention to problems, policy challenges, and best practices, then tackle issues that unintentionally keep fathers and children apart. Our work is motivated by families and shaped by evidence. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.scfathersandfamilies.com