Council proclaims June 'Forging Strong Fathers and Families Month' and honors local fatherhood groups and employees

Dorchester County Council on June 1 adopted Proclamation 26‑10 proclaiming June 2026 as Forging Strong Fathers and Families Month and heard remarks from local fatherhood organizations.

Kareem Edwards, president of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, told the council the organization has served more than 35,000 fathers in South Carolina over 25 years and that Dorchester County’s single‑parent household rate is about 12% compared with roughly 18% statewide. Edwards framed the proclamation as part of efforts to support fatherhood, mentoring and stronger family outcomes.

Curtis Hopkins, regional director for A Father's Place in the Tri‑County region, described local programming that teaches parenting skills, healthy relationships, economic mobility and men's health; he said the Tri‑County program served nearly 400 individuals in the prior year.

Council members spoke in support, thanked the organizations, and then moved the proclamation. The council also recognized Patricia Moore Courier as Employee of the Quarter and Angie Johnson as First Responder of the Quarter, and presented challenge coins designed by Macy, a council clerk/aid, for staff.

Ending: The proclamation was adopted unanimously and council photo opportunities followed; organizations said they will continue local outreach and programming.