MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Open Door Health Services is continuing its efforts to support families across central Kansas with a focus on engaging fathers, as the organization prepares to host its second annual Men’s Breakfast on April 9.
Kristi Busatti of Open Door Health Services said the event is designed to recognize and encourage fathers, while also highlighting the organization’s broader parenting and health services.
“We just believe in the importance of dads for little ones and for the moms as well,” Busatti said. “This is an opportunity to honor dads and help them be present and involved.”
The free event will be held at 7:45 a.m. at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Organizers say the breakfast also serves as a fundraiser to help sustain the nonprofit’s no-cost services.
Open Door Health Services provides a range of support programs, including free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting education and sexual health outreach. The organization also operates a mobile unit that visits the Hutchinson Community College campus weekly to assist students facing unplanned pregnancies or health concerns.
Busatti said the organization served more than 800 individuals last year, including middle and high school students as well as parents and college-aged clients.
A key component of the organization’s work is its fatherhood program, which pairs dads with male advocates for one-on-one guidance.
“It’s an opportunity to walk alongside dads and talk about everything from daily routines to bigger challenges,” Busatti said. “A lot of dads didn’t have strong role models, so we help fill that gap.”
In addition to father-focused initiatives, Open Door offers court-ordered parenting classes, prenatal programs and monthly resource support for families. Participants can receive supplies such as diapers, clothing and formula through community donations.
Busatti noted that demand for services often increases following major holidays and seasonal breaks, when unplanned pregnancies and related needs tend to rise.
The Men’s Breakfast is one of three major annual fundraising events for the organization, along with a women’s luncheon in June and a fall banquet scheduled for October.
Organizers say the April 9, event is open to all men in the community and aims to both celebrate fatherhood and strengthen support networks for families.
Registration is available online at opendoorfriends.com or by contacting the organization directly.