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Our Story
Franklin Fathers is a community-based organization uniting fathers and caregivers in Franklin, Massachusetts, to build stronger families and a stronger town.
Founded in 2025, Franklin Fathers exists to give local dads and caregivers something many say they're missing: a "third place" — somewhere beyond home and work — to connect, support one another, and show up for their kids and their community. A small group of Franklin dads came together with a simple idea: that fatherhood is easier, and more meaningful, when it isn't done alone. What started as informal conversations grew into an organization with a clear purpose, formally established through bylaws ratified in early 2026.
Today, Franklin Fathers brings together men from every corner of town, whether they're new to the area or lifelong residents, to build real friendships, share in the everyday realities of raising a family, and take an active role in neighborhood life.
We pursue this mission through three pillars, starting with Community. We create everyday opportunities for fathers to gather, socialize, and get involved, from casual meetups to family and town-wide events. The goal is simple: make it easy for a Franklin dad to find his people, whether that means grabbing coffee with a few other fathers, showing up to a neighborhood cleanup, or bringing the whole family out to a community celebration. It's a space built around connection first, with plenty of room for the occasional dad joke along the way.
Our second pillar, Wellness, supports the personal growth, social connection, and mental well-being of fathers and caregivers, because dads show up best for their families when they're also taking care of themselves. In practice, that looks like a run club, speaker series, and networking opportunities designed to help members build healthy habits and lasting relationships, alongside a broader culture that treats a father's own well-being as just as important as his family's.
Finally, through Advocacy, we give Franklin fathers a voice in local policies, budgets, and programs, working to ensure our town's decisions reflect the priorities of the families who call it home. That means staying engaged with Town of Franklin meetings and budget discussions, keeping members informed on issues that affect local families, and helping translate that engagement into real participation in civic life. Whether you're a longtime Franklin resident or new to town, Franklin Fathers is a place to connect, grow, and help shape the community your family calls home.
