Randy Lynch, facilitator for the Azhe’é Bidziil (Strong Fathers) program, worked in hospital security for 25 years while single parenting his two daughters. It was a job with frequent conflict but what kept him motivated were the moments where he could support people in their time of need. “I always found these little golden nuggets—sitting with the elderly woman whose husband had a heart attack, changing someone’s tire on a snowy night—moments of true service, which is what I get to do every day now.”
Four years ago, Randy took a sabbatical from work to re-commit to his mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, including his sobriety. While volunteering at a community basketball game in Window Rock (capital of Navajo Nation), he approached a booth for the JHCIH Azhe’é Bidziil (Strong Fathers) program. “Something drew me toward it, I was at a point of wanting to grow as a person and learn new things. I had never taken a parenting class, as a single father for 13 years, so I signed up.”
Randy’s experience was transformative. “The program spoke to me on a deep level. As the facilitators recognized how much I was getting into it, they saw an opportunity. They said ‘we’re looking for new program leads in the Fort Defiance area, and we think you’d be outstanding.’” Now, two years into his role facilitating the program for fathers and father figures in the Fort Defiance area, he is applying his natural talent for community service with a passion for teaching men the skills for success in fatherhood and life.
“Part of my path, as I now understand it, is being a mentor and getting people through a tough moment. Their call comes in, I pick up. I’m there for them just like I needed someone, showing them how to twist the plot so that things get better. It doesn’t end when the class is over, this is a network that keeps on building.”
Building Strong Fathers
The Azhe’é Bidziil (Strong Fathers) program was designed in collaboration between the Navajo Nation and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. Participating fathers and father figures (which may include grandparents and caregivers) attend 12 two-hour sessions over the course of three months, including one-on-one mentorship with facilitators.
The three major themes of the curriculum are:
- Healthy Relationships — including a focus on self-awareness of participants’ upbringing, as well as building communication skills with co-parents and other adults.
- Responsible Parenting — building an understanding of child development at different stages and the unique roles fathers play in a child’s life.
- Economic Stability — developing the skills for financial management, entrepreneurship and career growth. Facilitators connect participants to additional community resources.
Recruitment and implementation began in May 2021 and has expanded across three regions of the Navajo Nation (Chinle, Fort Defiance and Tuba City). Without the anticipated renewal of public funding, the program may be forced to end this September (2025). However, Strong Fathers leaders are actively seeking alternative routes to sustaining activities, along with the hope that it could eventually expand to additional tribal nations such as the White Mountain Apache Tribe and communities served by our Great Plains Hub in South Dakota.
Changing Lives Through Connection
The perception that many participants have of parenting programs is that they will be didactic—“they’re just gonna tell me what to do, what not to do.” Strong Fathers, Randy says, starts with different questions. “Who are you as a person? Where did you come from? Who are you as a father? The most honest answers we get are ‘I don’t know. I’m just busy being a dad, being the guy that goes to work.’”
From participating in the program to becoming a facilitator, Randy has gained perspective on supporting men in a caretaking role. “From what I’ve seen, there’s a lot of shame, fear or guilt that parents don’t want to admit to or talk about. Then here I come in, I’m an open book. I use my story of single parenting and of recovery to unpack the topics we address in the sessions. A lot of guys have never been offered a seat like this, it’s usually just for the moms.”
He places great emphasis on men understanding they are not alone, through the group sessions as well as the personalized supports he provides. “We create a safe place for looking back on family trauma and find honesty and accountability for ourselves. The stories are all different, but as we share them—many for the first time—you start to see the understanding growing, they feel less lonely and they can get rid of some of the fears that hold us back.”
Cultural Wisdom and Personal Growth
Although Navajo cultural teachings are integrated in the lessons, Randy was initially unfamiliar with them and makes a point to welcome the range of knowledge participants come with. “My daughters knew their clans before I knew mine. It wasn’t until my youngest introduced herself fully in Diné that I knew I had to step up my game. I tell the guys, I started out not knowing and now I have my full introduction printed and laminated next to my desk. I look at it every day. We’ll make one for you too. We want you to be a part of this.”
One traditional story about fire is often repeated. “We have in our Diné origin story that the Big Bang explosion sparked a light. That same fire extends all the way into our homes, it warms our house. The love and nurturing inside the Hogan, our home, is the goodness that our mothers bring. Just outside the doors of the Hogan is the fathers area, he’s the protector and the provider. That’s our job. Some of the men come in knowing the whole story from their Cheiis and Naliis (grandfathers and grandmothers), so we invite them to tell it—we all learn together.”
Randy has observed a substantial increase in childhood involvement from participating fathers, while also noting a great need for advocacy and expanded programming. “We need a chair waiting for the dads to come, they need to see that there’s a place for them and folks on the other side who knows where they’re coming from. My main message to the fathers is that you’re not alone. Thank you for putting in the hard work and continuing to have acceptance, humility and honesty in your heart.”
If you are interested in learning more about how to sustain the Strong Fathers Program, please contact our Director of Development, Kathleen Grealish, at kgreali1@jhu.edu.