Founder’s Message

Illinois Fatherhood Initiative (IFI) was created in February 1997 to address the increasing problem of father absence in society.  Research indicates that some 24,000,000 children - 1.1 million in Illinois alone - are growing up today in homes without their fathers.  Children from fatherless homes are more likely to:

IFI was founded with the belief that every child deserves to grow up in a home with a loving, caring and involved father or father-figure. 

Through strategic alliances with private, non-profit, and governmental organizations IFI will create and strengthen existing child/father programs by harnessing and unleashing the energy of a diverse group of volunteers (women and men, young and old, and those with and without means) to position Illinois as one of the country’s leading advocates of responsible fathering.

When a child fails, we all pay the price.  No one has a lot of free time, but we all make time for what’s important in our lives.  We also have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of today’s youth.  Please do your part by being present and involved in the lives of your children/grandchildren as well as helping and mentoring the youth who do not have the benefit of growing up with both parents.  There are a number of IFI volunteer opportunities that range from a couple of hours a year to a couple of hours a week.  Please contact an IFI board member or simply send an e-mail to learn more about how to make a difference in your community.

David Hirsch is the father of five children, Director, Credit Suisse - Private Banking USA, actively involved in the community, and makes his home in the Chicago area with his wife Peggy.  Click here for a full biography