As we celebrate Father’s Day this June, get to know our awesome dads on staff here at Save the Storks!
Jason
My name is Jason, and I’m a dad of 2 daughters, Isabelle and Keagan.
I’ve been working at Save the Storks since 2017 and I have the privilege of consulting our Partner Program PRC and pro-life ministry directors. I meet with them monthly, and we work through an Action Plan. This includes consulting on leadership, staff/staffing concerns, overall strategy, and board relationships, among other things.
My favorite thing about being a dad is how different every day is. My girls are unique individuals who need constant creativity from my wife and me, and I love teaching them to think for themselves.
Working at Save the Storks has really motivated me to advocate for life and fatherhood. I have met so many amazing and strong women through working at Save the Storks. From my coworkers to most of the directors that I get to speak with daily. Seeing how strong these women are and have been motivates me to be a better dad. I see these strong women and see how they often rely upon the support of their husbands and fathers.
My encouragement for you this Father’s Day is to lean into being a father. None of us will be perfect, we will all make mistakes, but if we own up and show our kids that mistakes are okay and learning experiences, they will be better humans. Watching my daughters grow up, make mistakes, and still be young women who are seeking after the heart of Yahweh is an amazing thing. Proverbs 16.9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but Yahweh establishes his steps.” Be led by God, and He will never lead you astray.
Matt
My name is Matt Hammitt, and I’m the dad of Emmy, Claire, Bowen, and Lewis.
As a musical artist, I’ve been an advocate for Save the Storks for 7 years. This year, I’ve joined the team to develop resources for dads involved in unplanned pregnancies.
One of my favorite things about being a dad is watching what amazing people my kids are becoming, despite our family’s faults. I’m so proud of them all.
Working with Save the Storks gives me an opportunity to do more than just talk about my belief that every life is valuable. They’ve given me an opportunity to put my conviction into action and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
My encouragement for you this Father’s Day is to remember that your kids don’t need you to be perfect, they just need you to be present.
Joseph
Hey all,
My name is Joseph Schmidt and I’m a dad of 2 amazing children, River Grace and Michael Wolfgang.
I’ve been working at Storks for 5 years, and recently moved into a position serving the church as Director of Church Programs & Partnerships. In that role, I work to empower and equip the church to reach women in unplanned pregnancies and serve them with the love of Jesus. You can find out more about our church programs here. You have to watch a video of me, but don’t let that dissuade you – there is good info there!
I can’t even begin to express the joy of being a father. The second I laid eyes on each of my kids, I fell madly in love with them. I once heard that being a parent is like living with your heart outside of your body, and that couldn’t be truer.
But it’s not all joy, it can also be hard and confusing. There are so many days where I second guess myself, or don’t know what the right decision is. Fatherhood is full of moments like these! Sometimes you know the right thing to do, and other times you have no clue. My encouragement to fathers this Father’s Day is this: if you’re worried about IF you’re doing the right thing, then you ARE doing the right thing. If you’re not sure if you’re being the best dad that you could be, then you’re being introspective and taking your job as a father seriously. That tells me that you are already doing great!
One of the worst things that a father can be is disengaged. Don’t give up. Don’t let those self-doubting thoughts dominate you. Stay engaged. Ask for help and advice. But above all, stay engaged!
Kyle
My name is Kyle West, and I am a dad to Grant and Amelia West.
I’ve been working at Save the Storks since January of 2022 as a Service Coordinator. I help pregnancy centers keep their Stork Buses on the road and work them through the stressful process of repairs and maintenance.
What I love about being a dad is watching them learn and grow into their own person. The way they experience and see the world as a new place makes me appreciate the little things. Watching my son grow into his own person, develop his own sense of humor, and work through problems is one of the greatest feelings. I cannot wait for my daughter to grow into herself and watch the type of person she will become. God has blessed me with an amazing family, and I love experiencing life with them.
Working at Save the Storks has really motivated me to advocate for life and fatherhood. I think as men we feel we cannot be a part of the whole pregnancy process. During Covid I was not allowed to see my son’s ultrasounds until we got to learn the gender. Until that moment it was nothing special to me, I was not as involved as I should have been. When we were looking at our baby, in that moment, everything changed. I saw him move, and yawn and even wave without him being born. I was overcome with joy. As fathers we are there to help women through pregnancy, birth, and even after birth.
Dan
Hi!
My name is Dan Trumble, and I’m a father of 4: Jim, Elizabeth, Will, and Stephen.
I’ve been working at Save the Storks for 5 years in the finance department.
One thing I love about being a dad is the eternal importance of being a part of God’s creation of additional humans. Additional people made in His image. Also, it’s just kind of neat to see one’s children do well and even pick up on some of my traits and share common interests.
Working at Save the Storks has highlighted the important role fathers play in affirming and supporting a mother’s choice for life. My dad has been such an important part of my life. I want my children to hold me in high esteem and see me as one who points them toward God.
My encouragement for you this Father’s Day is to recognize the extreme importance of your role as a father. Careers and other things are important but in the scheme of eternity, being there for your children is one of the most important things that you can do in your life. And ultimately most other things will carry far less importance than that of being a good dad.
Luke
My name is Luke, and I’m a dad of 5: Augustine, Gemma, Estella, Zaylee, and Sebastian.
I’ve been working at Save the Storks since October 2018 as a Donor Developer. I get to know our donors, pray with them, journey with them, and give them updates about the amazing work that God is doing through Save The Storks. We have the best donors! I love my job!
What I love about being a dad is watching my kiddos. Seeing them grow up, love each other, play, learn, make good choices, and love Jesus the most! My wife, Andrea, and I feel amazing when we spoil them and enjoy watching them have fun adventures together 🙂
Working at Save the Storks has really motivated me to advocate for life and fatherhood. I was shocked to hear how influential the father is in a choice for life! The mom often needs the father to advocate for her and let her know he supports her and the child for her to choose life. I’ve always thought that men can’t sit on the sidelines on the LIFE debate since abortion is harmful to women and children. Save the Storks has allowed me to get off the sidelines, fight the good fight, and encourage other men to do the same!
My encouragement for you this Father’s Day is to make God the center of all that you say, think, and do. And to put your family first!
JD
My name is JD Dahler, and I’m a dad of 8: Ashley, Austin, Jessica, Mia, Logan, Levi, Isabella, and Zane.
I’ve been working at Save the Storks since June 2021 as the Director of Development and Strategy. I create relationships with our supporters while sharing updates and strategies on the impact their donations have on our ministry.
What I love about being a dad is how I can show unconditional love for each child, individually. Teaching them that Faith and Family are the most important things in life. I believe in teaching discipline and respect while supporting whatever dreams they have for their lives. One of my favorite things about being a dad is to watch them be parents themselves. (The joys of being a grandparent are equally as rewarding.)
Working at Save the Storks has really motivated me to advocate for life and fatherhood. After adopting five children throughout Asia, I now get to share how God blessed me and my family by walking in faith when the world says you’re crazy. I am reminded that those biological mothers who chose life, did so in hopes for a better life for their baby or babies.
My encouragement for you this Father’s Day is that you take a moment to reflect on the incredible blessing of being a dad. God gave you a beautiful gift– embrace it! Be the best dad you can be. You will never be perfect, your own kids will remind you of that, lol, but you are perfect in the eyes of God through Jesus. Continue to tell your kids how much you love them. And, for those of you that will face an unplanned pregnancy in the future– don’t be afraid! Joshua 1:9. You are truly blessed.
Father’s Day
Celebrate Father’s Day with us by sharing this post and telling your dad how much you love him!
Need a gift for Father’s Day? Shop our Stork Store!
And if you haven’t yet, get to know our amazing moms on staff!
