An estimated 1,000 people participated in the Kansas Early Head Start Strong Dads program this year, but only 10 dads recently received the honor of being named a Strong Dad of the Year. The selected men learned of the achievement during the June 20 Strong Dads Summit in Wichita.

Adan Canchola has been an active participant in Dad’s Club and the Strong Dads events in Salina. He enjoys the Heartland Program’s Kansas Early Head Start home visits where he’s learned how to be more comfortable taking care of his child—giving the mother of his child some much-needed time to relax.

“Adan serves as an example for other fathers in Kansas,” Kansas Department for Children (DCF) and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “We’re excited to see him use the skills he learned in the Strong Dads program to spend quality time with his little one.”

DCF initiated the Strong Dads program to engage fathers and father figures in the lives of their children through playing, reading, talking and caring. Strong Dads training sessions were held throughout the state of Kansas, beginning in April and wrapping up June 20. Each session included demonstrations and tips on parenting for both moms and dads.