The Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition (UCFIC) hosted its 13th Annual Conference on April 5, 2025, welcoming fathers, sons, grandfathers, and community leaders for a day of meaningful dialogue, resources, and empowerment. This year’s event featured keynote addresses from Super Bowl Champions Bryan Cox and Fred Baxter, who shared powerful, personal reflections on fatherhood, mentorship, and the lifelong impact of emotional presence, resilience, and community support.

Bryan Cox, currently an Assistant Coach for the New York Giants, spoke candidly about the challenges of leadership and fatherhood, sharing hard-earned wisdom with attendees: “The right thing and the hard thing are often the same. As a coach and a father, I’ve learned the importance of giving space to those who are hurting—to listen, to ask if they’re okay. What I saw in my 30s looks very different to me now in my 50s. I’ve also learned that love isn’t limited—my second wife helped raise my children from my first marriage. That kind of love changes everything.”

Fred Baxter, a former NFL tight end turned entrepreneur and youth mentor, reflected on the power of community support and the importance of early exposure for young people:“My father left when I was a baby, but God placed coaches, teachers, and mentors in my life who helped raise me. Every person has a purpose. Now, I try to give that same guidance to others—whether it’s helping young golfers get into college or encouraging girls to pursue flag football, which will soon be an Olympic sport. We have to influence our babies early and expose them to what’s possible.”

The conference also featured insightful sessions on financial wellness, career development, and health. Eugene Mitchell of Columbia Bank and Carter Patterson led an important discussion on financial empowerment, family support and navigating the child support system. Isaias Rivera from Union County Workforce Development, along with Doug Rouse and Clint Miller from Union College, provided guidance on career planning and job readiness. Hackensack Meridian Health facilitated a workshop on mental and physical wellness, while the Kean University team presented critical data and research findings as part of the UCFIC Family Navogator program, which included housing and social service resources.

UCFIC extends sincere thanks to its many partners and sponsors who made this day possible, including: Kean University, the Housing Authority of Elizabeth, RWJBH Trinitas, Spencer Savings Bank, Columbia Bank, PNC Bank, the County of Union, Queen City Realty, Community Access Unlimited, Union County Economic Development Corp., the State Police of NJ, Richel Foundation, RayZo Inc., Union College, Urban League of Union County, Jewish Family Services, Manuel R. Grova & Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste, and the City of Elizabeth, NJ.

Together, these leaders, institutions, and advocates are helping to build a future where fathers are empowered, families are supported, and communities are strengthened.