LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Leadership Foundation dedicated a new building to serve as a resource for fathers and families in Lexington. This center will specifically focus on fathers and their relationships with family members. 

David Cozart, with the Lexington Leadership Foundation, is head of the Father Initiative in Lexington. He's working to make a difference in the community one father at a time.

“Just think of all the things that father absence impacts; obesity, high school dropout, teenage pregnancy, any negative life outcomes, substance abuse, misuse disorders, crime, any negative life outcome that we don't want happening to our children, father absence exacerbates that,” Cozart said.

For years, Cozart and his family have been providing resources through the Father Initiative to better connect men with their families.

Cozart, along with the many members of the community including Mayor Linda Gorton, came together for the dedication of a building now called Center For Fathers and Families. 

“Through the fatherhood initiative work, many have been convinced that this effort is the future for the success of our children, for reconnecting fathers, for making families, whole,” Gorton said.

This new facility will host fatherhood classes, teaching fathers how to maintain healthy relationships with their children and families. While encouraging these men to get involved in their communities.

The Center for Fathers and Families is located at 436 Georgetown Street near the Bluegrass Community Technical College campus in Lexington.