Franklin Fathers unites dads; plans kickball tourney June 14

Fatherhood is a cherished state of being where love, nurturing and support are affectionately bestowed upon their treasured offspring. Although there are some family resources throughout the Commonwealth, a direct, community supported network with other dads was unavailable in Norfolk County until now. Established in 2025, Franklin Fathers is the first such network.

Franklin Fathers is a non-profit, community based, 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to the town’s fathers. It seeks to unite men and caregivers around family connections, mutual support, and engage in advocacy for local families. 

Franklin dad Jayson Joyce noticed the town did not have a fatherhood outlet like a moms’ group who connect with other moms. Although several organizations exist to support families in need or for those parents raising a disabled or challenged child, there are few organizations that provide local dads with a direct outlet, kinship, and support around Fatherhood. 

Jayson, along with neighbor Chris Stickney, discussed this problem and the idea to have a group of dads to foster the importance of community support and connection. Chris, Franklin Fathers’ first president, commented, “Franklin is full of dads who want to show up for their kids, their schools, and their town—sometimes they just need a simple way to plug in.” 

Jayson and Chris reached out to other dads they knew to see if there was an interest in starting such a group. And there was. Ten other fathers and they founded Franklin Fathers in July of 2025. It is a diverse group of dads who range from fathers in their twenties with young tots, dads in their fifties with teenagers, and stay-at-home dads.

More than just networking, they strive to enrich the town with resources that set Franklin apart as a community of caring. The group is structured with a communications team that seeks to engage other dads and how they can be supported. Their wellness group addresses both physical and mental health issues with a community group that focuses on giving back. They meet at local establishments in support of Franklin’s businesses, volunteer at Franklin Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity and have organized more than ten community-focused events, including volunteer service days, Daddy Daughter Hair School at the Franklin Public Library, Holiday Stories & Songs, Trunk or Treat, and Dean College football tailgates. They also host a running group and are planning a kick ball tournament for June 14, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Beaver Pond Recreational Area, a first of its kind in Massachusetts.  

Edward Leslie Grant, a third baseman, was mortally wounded during World War I, becoming the first Major League Baseball player killed in action. The Franklin Fathers named their first-of-a-kind tournament in honor of him, joining the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75 in recognizing Grant’s heroism.

As their first Father’s Day as a group nears, they are wished success and are praised for reaching out to other Dads in Franklin. They can be found on Facebook, or contact them by email at [email protected]. 

Calling all you Dads – Come network!