A local group is creating space for fathers to connect, support one another and challenge traditional ideas about fatherhood.

The Kitsap Fathers Group, co-founded in June 2023 by Juan Galvez, Zachary Pope and Garrett Hampton, recently hosted a meet and greet that brought together more than 30 fathers and children at the Village Event Center on Perry Avenue NE in Bremerton April 26.

Though not their first public event, Galvez said the meet and greet served as a valuable way to build momentum and deepen connections among local dads who are often overlooked in parenting spaces.

Galvez, a single father and longtime Kitsap resident, said the idea for the group began with a conversation during a Bay Vista neighborhood outreach event. A fellow community provider asked whether he’d be interested in starting a fathers group — and from there, the vision took shape.

“We came up with the name, the format — and it came along,” Galvez said.

As a stay-at-home dad raising a son with autism, Galvez understands the unique challenges many fathers face. He said the group often supports men navigating everything from mental health struggles to custody disputes.

“I get contacted here and there by other dads who are just lost,” he said. “They don’t know where to turn, and they’re afraid to ask for help. That’s what this group is for — to be that support system.”

Galvez said many parenting resources and social groups are geared toward mothers, leaving fathers, especially single dads or men of color, feeling invisible or unwelcome.

“We’re more than just providers,” he said. “Some of us are home full time. Some of us are raising kids with special needs. And we want to be the best we can be for our children — emotionally and mentally, not just financially.”

The April 26 event included food, activities for kids and informal conversations — creating opportunities for fathers to connect, share experiences and offer support.

“I tell these guys, it’s OK to talk about your feelings,” Galvez said. “We weren’t raised to do that, but it’s important. I tell my son I love him five times a day. I want other dads to feel that freedom too.”

Hampton got involved last year after attending a Kitsap Fathers event with his son. He said another dad invited him to a barbecue, and the atmosphere immediately stood out.

“I showed up and had a great time,” Hampton said. “There were a bunch of other dads and kids, and it was just a really positive environment.”

A resident of Port Orchard, Hampton lives with his wife and son. After attending a few events, he soon began taking on more responsibility within the group, helping with social media, web content, and managing event listings online.

“I’ve been helping out for about a year now,” he said.

Hampton said Kitsap Fathers Group serves an important role in the community, not just as a place for socializing, but as a resource hub.

“A lot of us share information about everything — healthcare, childcare, jobs, education,” he said. “It’s just a way for dads to support each other and be more present and intentional as fathers.”

For Hampton, the group also represents something deeply personal.

“I didn’t have a dad growing up,” he said. “So when I found out I was going to be a father, I didn’t have much experience. But being around other dads, being able to talk through things, it’s really helped me grow.”

He said his son looks forward to every meetup.

“He knows he’s going to play with a bunch of other kids and have fun,” Hampton said. “It’s become something we both enjoy.”

Still, Hampton said the group has had challenges in spreading the word.

“It’s a lot of grassroots work,” he said. “We hand out cards at the park, invite people through Facebook. One challenge is just making sure people understand we’re not anti-mom — we’re just trying to create space for dads too.

“We welcome anyone who considers themselves a father figure,” he added. “Single dads, stepdads, foster dads — it doesn’t matter. We just want people to feel safe and supported.”

Another obstacle is the weather, Hampton said.

“Rainy season is hard because we try to keep everything low cost or free, and indoor spaces can be tricky,” he said. “But the community really steps up — a lot of folks donate food or offer spaces for us to use.”

The group holds one or two smaller gatherings each month and aims to host larger events every few months. The next big event, a family-friendly summer barbecue, is scheduled for July 19 at the Village Center in Bremerton.

“We’ll have hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken — it’s going to be a good time,” Hampton said. “We just want more dads to come out and see what we’re about.”

“You don’t have to do this alone,” Galvez added. “We’re here, and we get it.”