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20TH ANNUAL FACES OF FATHERHOOD LUNCHEON
Thank you for celebrating 20 years of faces of fatherhood
Thank you to everyone who joined Fathers and Families Center for the 20th Annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon on June 19, 2026, at JW Marriott Indianapolis.
This year’s luncheon brought together community members, partners, supporters and friends of FFC to celebrate the power of fatherhood and raise support for programs that help fathers and families thrive.
For 20 years, Faces of Fatherhood has honored fathers whose presence, commitment and care strengthen families across Central Indiana. This milestone year was a meaningful reminder of why this work matters and what becomes possible when fathers are equipped, families are empowered and children have the support they need to thrive.
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WHY WE GATHER
A luncheon with purpose.
The Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon brings community members, partners, and supporters together to celebrate the importance of fatherhood and raise support for programs that help fathers and families thrive.
For 20 years, this event has helped shine a light on fathers whose presence, commitment, and care strengthen families across Central Indiana.
Each year, we also recognize fathers whose lives reflect involvement, consistency, awareness, and nurturing.
20 years
of celebrating fatherhood
$1M+
raised since the luncheon began
HEART OF THE FATHER AWARD
Honoring fathers who lead with presence, commitment, and care.
The Heart of the Father Award recognizes fathers whose lives reflect involvement, consistency, awareness and nurturing. At this year’s 20th Annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon, Fathers and Families Center honored three Indianapolis fathers whose leadership, service and presence continue to strengthen families and community.
REV. JAY HEIGHT
Executive Director
Shepherd Community Center
Rev. Jay Height has spent nearly three decades serving families and neighbors on Indianapolis’ near Eastside. He and his wife, Jane, are blessed with six children, Jeremy, Reetu, Jenna, Edson, Jill, and Ryan, and nine grandchildren: Clayton, Zane, Peyton, Noah, Travis, Ruby, Kavya, Maeve, and Camilla. His leadership reflects a steady commitment to family, faith, presence, and community.
JEFFREY A. JOHNSON SR.
Legacy Pastor
Eastern Star Church
Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. is recognized for decades of ministry, mentoring, and community leadership. A husband and father of four sons, his writing and ministry have often reflected on fatherhood, guidance, and breaking cycles of fatherlessness.
AMAR PATEL
Co-founder & Executive Director
Thriving Families Initiative
Amar Patel has built his work around helping families flourish through relationships rooted in trust, dignity, and community support. Through Thriving Families Initiative, he helps connect families with resources and relationships that help parents and children move toward stability.
Event Photos
Moments from the 20th Annual Faces of Fatherhood Luncheon
Thank you to our honorees, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, staff and guests for making this milestone luncheon a meaningful celebration of fathers, families and community.
