2024 SFN Mastermind Group Retreat Recap

21st Century Dads Foundation held its 4th Annual SFN Mastermind Group Retreat from September 6-8, 2024. This year’s retreat was held in Chicago and took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. 27 men attended the retreat, including three dads from Iceland and one from Ukraine (via England).

The retreat kicked off with a Meet & Greet with pizza, sodas and as a special treat Al’s Cookie Mixx cookies provided by SFN Mentor Father Alvin Green of Chicago and some Mullen’s Apple Sauce provided by SFN Mentor Father Jim Mullen.

On Saturday morning the group participated in a Cycle To End Father Absence (C2EFA) ride at Cyclebar River North.

The morning session included playing 21CD/SFN Trivia and talking about the importance of Self-Care. SFN Mentor Father Wayne Messmer made a terrific presentation over lunch. The afternoon session included discussions about the importance of Respite & Marriage.

From there the group enjoyed a performance by Dennis Watkins at the Magic Parlour, Chicago’s #1 Show (as per TripAdvisor). The evening was capped off with a sumptuous dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy Grand, including birthday wishes for SFN Mentor Father Nathan Woerner.

Sunday’s session included discussions about Planning Ahead, Project ALEX, Hope For Luka, and Ideas for Improving the Mastermind Group experience.

All in all it was a fun and memorable experience. Lots of laughter, some tears and good fellowship.
Learn more about the SFN Mastermind Group Program

TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME SFN MASTERMIND DADS:

"The experience of being in a Mastermind group, where we build one another up through weekly conversation, accountability, and celebrating the wins of special needs fathering, can only be topped by the annual Mastermind retreat, where we get to do all of the above as we enjoy great food, hospitality, and adventures together in person! Being part of this fellowship has been such a fundamental turning point in my growth and maturity over the past year. I would not be reaping the fruits of a more abundant life without these guys and our commitment to one another."
Matt R.
"The mastermind groups are highly unique in that they comprise that rare place of encouragement and challenge. No place else on the planet is there a group of men so humbled and refined by the special needs fires of this life. They lend a patient, listening, and non-judgmental ear to those seeking to grow and be the best fathers they can be."
Joe L.
"Once again our retreat came at a perfect time for me, having just gone through a difficult period with Daniel. It's almost like as soon as you see that first Dad all filters disappear and you are comfortably naked. We are free to expose feelings, fears, and our darkest moments without any fear of judgment...... I Luv you all and would do anything to make your life just a little bit easier if not for just one day in our sometimes stressful lives, remembering always that the Blessing we receive are countless and Beautiful."
Jeff J.
"Each retreat causes me to understand the issues of raising special needs children more deeply, as well as reinforces the significance of father presence."
Rich G.
"I can't recommend the SFN Mastermind Group Retreat enough. It's a unique opportunity to bond with fellow dads dealing with similar struggles, learn from inspiring speakers, and recharge in a beautiful setting."
Jason H.
"Thanks for your e-mail and for organizing such a great weekend. I found it very valuable and energizing. The SFN bond is unique and I’m lucky to be a part of it."
Mike M.
"It was so wonderful to spend time in Chicago with this group of “disability dads”. We played hard, but also worked hard on going deep to connect even more with one another. Many of us have come to view this group as brothers. Though our children range in age from toddlers to well into their 30’s, and with disabilities both physical and intellectual across the IDD gamut, these guys have one thing in common: a deep desire to be better fathers, better husbands, and better men."
John S.
"Having attended my first SFN Mastermind retreat this past weekend it was a tremendous experience. The time spent with the other fathers was a humbling experience, but also a hopeful experience reinforcing the fact “You are not alone” in this fatherhood journey."
Shane M.
"There are few things I look forward to more than the weekend I get to see these men. I've been so empowered by the weekly SFN Mastermind over the year, yet there is something powerful about being in the same room."
Nathan W.
"I always enjoy getting together with these guys in person. Great time yo share ideas and recharge the batteries."
Tony B.