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About Us
First established in 2015 by a group of fathers in Kalamazoo, MI the Fatherhood Network (FHN) is a support group that is aimed at strengthening family relationships before, during, and after the child rearing process.
Our Mission:
The Fatherhood Network’s mission is to empower fathers to break down barriers that prevent fathers from having an impact on their children’s lives, their family, and their community. We also aim to create economic empowerment for fathers in order to improve their overall quality of life.
Fatherhood Network is a fiscally sponsored project of Stara Collaborative
Our Values
Community
We Believe....
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In and value our community
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In the value and worth of all of our community’s children
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In keeping our children safe
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In the value of building community among fathers
Empowerment
We Believe...
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That empowering fathers will build sustainability in our effort to engage and mentor one another
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In empowering fathers to become their own advocate will provide for economic empowerment and opportunities to improve their overall quality of life for themselves and their family
Equality
We Believe...
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That a child needs both parents committed to being involved in their life
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In celebrating the diversity that exists among fathers in our community and are committed to supporting all fathers regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual identity
Kevin Lavender Jr., MBA
Executive Director
Kevin Lavender Jr. founded the Fatherhood Network in 2015. He is the proud father of three daughters and has a deep passion and commitment to supporting fathers and coordinating opportunities for dads to build community amongst each other while connecting with community resources. His hope is that fathers feel encouraged and supported in their role as a father.
Derek Miller, MPA
Director of Operations
Derek Miller is active member of the Kalamazoo community and the father of two sons. He's passionate about teaching and helping others reach their goals. After experiencing a rocky start to his fatherhood journey, he joined the Fatherhood Network in 2015. His hope is that fathers don't feel alone on their journey as a father.
Jacob Johnson, CWP
Director of Wellness
Jacob Pinney-Johnson is a 4th- generation Kalamazoo resident. A recipient of the Kalamazoo Promise, he holds a B.A in Social Work with a Minor in Holistic Health.
His work experience includes a commitment to economic & criminal justice reform, health & wellness, youth development, family support & social justice, racial equity & advocacy work.
A proud father of two, Jacob has a drive and dedication to being a part of the success and upliftment of his community.
His hope is to end oppression, and that my children and future generations can experience health, wellness, and quality of life.
Rumeal Washpun
Fatherhood Involvement Coordinator
Rumeal Washpun joined the fatherhood network in 2016. He is the proud father of two daughters and is committed to supporting fathers in becoming more present in their roles as a leader. His hope is to connect fathers to the resources needed to fulfill their role as fathers
Anthony White
Director of Kalamazoo Black Golf Association
A proud father of a daughter and two sons, and husband to his loving wife Michaela. Anthony is a KVCC, and WMU alum by way of Aquinas College, and aims to elevate the BIPOC presence in the Kalamazoo area. Anthony joined the Fatherhood Network in 2024 to use his passion for brotherhood, community, and health to bring more diversity to the golf course while uniting the generations from the youth level to the most mature golfers using Summer Sundays League at Easternhills and the Swing for Success youth program. He is also a Training and People Specialist with Panera Bread.
Orlando Little Sr.
Fatherhood Community Advocate
Orlando L. Little, Sr. is a well-connected and respected community advocate, deeply committed to empowering young people. As an active member of The Fatherhood Network, he works tirelessly to improve opportunities and quality of life for youth, particularly young Black males.
Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mr. Little attended Kalamazoo Public Schools and is the proud father of five children, ranging from a high school senior to young adults. His personal experiences with adversity, trauma, and life challenges have shaped his unwavering commitment to giving back to his community.
For over three decades, Mr. Little has positioned himself in spaces that allow him to equip young people with the skills and resources necessary to become self-sufficient, employed, and positively contributing citizens beyond school. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has developed and led impactful community programs focused on entrepreneurship, construction, masonry, gardening, and landscape beautification.
Mr. Little holds multiple certifications, including OSHA 30, Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care, Safe Crisis Management, and Historical Preservation, among others. His expertise and dedication have made him a trusted mentor and coach, known for his down-to-earth approach and ability to inspire youth to maximize their potential.
Spoken of highly by many, Orlando L. Little, Sr. is recognized as a strong, reliable voice in his community—one who leads with passion, initiative, and a deep commitment to the next generation.
"I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Tony Hill
The Dadvocate
Kyle Presly
Fatherhood Community Advocate
The Dadvocate
Community Health Worker | Certified Facilitator | Mediator |
Advocate for Fathers & Families
Tony Hill, known in his community as The Dadvocate, is a passionate and dedicated Community Health Worker who has built his life around empowering fathers and strengthening families. With years of experience advocating in court and counseling fathers one-on-one, Tony is a trusted voice for those navigating life’s most challenging moments.
A certified facilitator and mediator, Tony combines strong communication, keen assessment, and people-focused evaluation skills to help individuals become the best version of themselves. He brings clarity and compassion to every interaction, whether he’s supporting someone in crisis or guiding them toward long-term personal growth.
Tony’s work is rooted in the belief that healthy families begin with empowered fathers and he lives that mission every day. When he’s not advocating or mentoring, you’ll likely find him behind a drum set. As a skilled musician and drummer, Tony brings rhythm and heart to everything he does both on stage and in his service to the community.
A long time resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kyle is a proud graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, where he earned All-State honors as a high school soccer player.He went on to compete as a Division I at the
University of Detroit Mercy.
Happily married for 12 years, Kyle is passionate about community, connection, and fostering strong relationships.
Kyle began serving as the Rules Committee Chairman with the Kalamazoo Black Golf Association and the Fatherhood Network in 2025.
