Community Schools United’s annual fatherhood event creates space for connection, positive role models and family engagement.

The basketball court at Dorothy Height Elementary was full of energy on September 22nd as fathers, students, school leaders and community partners came together for the third annual Dunk with Dads.

Led by United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Community School Coordinator Tray Jefferson, the event gives fathers and their children a chance to connect, have fun and build relationships at school.

The evening began with a conversation about fatherhood and the importance of positive male role models. Families then took part in a shooting competition, a fathers-versus-students basketball game and dinner.

This year’s guest speakers included Reggie Lewis, Cedric Hill and Christopher Brown with Cure Violence. They spoke with fathers about their role in the lives of their children, families and communities.

“One of the most meaningful parts of the event is seeing fathers come together, not only with their children, but with one another.”

Jefferson said these relationships can help strengthen families, schools and the broader community.

For Dorothy Height Principal Meredith Adams, events like Dunk with Dads also help strengthen the connection between families and the school.

“We want to keep the connection between home and school strong, and fathers are an important part of that. Events like Dunk with Dads give fathers an opportunity to be present, engaged, and part of their children’s education.”

Dunk with Dads: More Than a Basketball Game

The competition on the court was spirited. In the end, the students took the win in the fathers-versus-students basketball game. A large crowd filled the sidelines and cheered on both teams throughout the evening.

The Calvary Basketball team and Columbus State University students also helped bring the event to life. They assisted with setup, joined the activities and mentored students on the court.

Ten students also went home with their own basketball. They can now take the fun home and keep playing long after the event.

Dunk with Dads gave fathers a chance to spend time with their children and connect with other parents and their children’s school.

Building Stronger Connections Around Students

Dunk with Dads is part of the broader work of Community Schools United. The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley strategy works with schools, families and community partners to strengthen support for students.

Through more than 500 family workshops, Community Schools United has engaged over 27,300 participants. These events give families opportunities to connect with schools, find resources and build relationships that support student success.

At Dorothy Height Elementary, Jefferson works with school leaders, educators, families, students and community partners. Together, they identify needs, build relationships and connect families with opportunities and resources.

“Community Schools United is about building the relationships and connections that help a school community thrive,” said Sidney Houck, Senior Director of Community Schools United. “When we work alongside school leaders, families, and community partners, we can bring the right people and resources closer to students and families and create a stronger support system around them.”

Dunk with Dads is one example of that work in action. It brings people together and gives students a network of adults who are invested in their success.

About Community Schools United

Community Schools United is a community-wide strategy led by United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley that strengthens support systems for students and families.

United Way Community School Coordinators work in partner schools to build relationships, identify needs, connect families to resources and bring community opportunities closer to students and families.

The strategy serves four schools across Muscogee County, Georgia, and Russell County, Alabama. It has supported more than 280,000 hours of afterschool programming, coordinated 1,400+ family referrals and facilitated 5,400+ social-emotional learning touchpoints.

Community Schools United schools have also seen a 13.4% reduction in chronic absenteeism and an 18.1% increase in student readiness.

The strategy is implemented in collaboration with the Muscogee County School District, Phenix City Schools, and community partners.

Learn more about Community Schools United: unitedcv.org/community-schools