As part of the Leadership Columbia program, each class choses a project that makes an impact in the community. This year, the LC Class of 2021 has chosen a project that benefits the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition. The project will be transforming the organization's pre-existing space into a "Dad's Den" to enhance connection, learning, and fun for families and shine a light on the Midlands Fatherhood Mission in the community.

In an effort to increase awareness of the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition's mission to engage fathers in the positive support of their children and enhance support for fatherhood throughout the Midlands, the Leadership Columbia Class of 2021 will be building a community center at their Colonial Village location that will help the organization achieve their goals. By physically enhancing the space's interior, as well as leveraging technology and talent to provide virtual education opportunities and remote engagement, the LC class strives to spread the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition's message throughout our community and establish new connections for the organization.

The project will also give the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition a playbook for how to host healthy events amidst the global pandemic by following COVID safety protocols throughout the duration of the project and ribbon cutting ceremony.

"Midlands Fatherhood Coalition is exceptionally grateful to the Leadership Columbia Class of 2021 for selecting the ‘Dad's Den' project. For years we have wanted dads and their children to have a space where they could come that was uniquely their own, and now for this to be a reality is simply life-changing! Through first-hand accounts coupled with years of research, we know how important fathers are in creating positive outcomes for their children. We are excited that Leadership Columbia shares and supports our mission," says Creative Marketing and Quality Manager Santanna Hayes.

For questions, please contact Hilary Bell at hbell@columbiachamber.com.

About Leadership Columbia
Leadership Columbia is an educational program offered through the Columbia Chamber. The 10-month program provides emerging and existing leaders in the Midlands area with an opportunity to enhance their civic knowledge and network. For over 40 years, Leadership Columbia has helped participants better understand the local community, while building relationships with the region's current and future leaders.

For more information on Leadership Columbia, visit www.columbiachamber.com/leadership-development/ or contact Hilary Bell at 803.733.1115.