At the “Fatherhood RealMen RealTalk” event at Sleeping Giant. This citizen contribution was submitted by Making A Difference Foundation President and Founder Earl A. McCoy Sr. about a Sept. 21 outing hosted by his local fathers support group known as Fatherhood RealMen RealTalk.Beneath the towering trees of Sleeping Giant State Park Pavilion, fathers, sons, and supporters gathered for the second annual ​“Fatherhood RealMen RealTalk” event. Against a backdrop of shared wisdom and heartfelt conversations, men of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages came together to celebrate fatherhood, community, and the power of connection. The event, held under crisp autumn skies, saw participants bring their favorite homemade dishes and desserts, adding a sense of warmth and family to the occasion. But it was not just the food that nourished the attendees; it was the powerful exchange of ideas, experiences, and encouragement that filled the air. In a society that often expects fathers to carry the weight of their responsibilities in silence, this gathering provided a safe space to speak openly about the joys and struggles of fatherhood. Nicola Giordano, a licensed clinical psychiatrist, addressed the group on the importance of mental health. His discussion highlighted the signs to look for when loved ones are in need of help, reminding fathers that mental well-being is as crucial as physical strength. ​“It’s okay to not have all the answers,” Giordano shared. ​“Being strong also means knowing when to ask for help.”Chief Richard Doyle, of the Easton Police Department, echoed this sentiment, adding that the role of a father goes hand in hand with accountability. ​“As fathers and men, the most important thing we can do is hold ourselves accountable,” he said. ​“We are role models not just for our children, but for each other. Our actions speak louder than words.” Earl McCoy, Jr., a manager of affinity group development and community engagement at Yale University, spoke with profound insight despite not being a father himself. ​“Being a father isn’t just about raising a child,” McCoy said. ​“It’s about reshaping the world for them. It’s about breaking chains, rewriting stories, and planting seeds of resilience in the soil of struggle.” Mica Cardozo, first selectman of the town of Woodbridge, said that ​“the Fatherhood Outing Earl has established provides a supportive and positive opportunity to share our experiences and learn from one another. Hearing the stories and connecting with the other dads was incredibly valuable. I look forward to doing this again.” McCoy and his wife, Reverend Dr. Yvonne McCoy, who helped organize the event, have been raising their nephew, embodying the broader definition of fatherhood that stretches beyond bloodlines. Dr. Yvonne McCoy led a heartfelt prayer as everyone formed a circle of support, hands clasped together in unity. She prayed for safe passage for those in attendance and those still on their way, symbolizing the collective strength of the community. The shared moments of prayer and reflection were a reminder that fatherhood is not a solo journey but a collective one, supported by community, faith, and love. The event would not have been possible without the support of community sponsors, including the generous financial backing from Frontier technicians based at the Shelton garage. Their contribution ensured the day’s success and continued the momentum for future gatherings. As the day drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and hope. The men left, not only with full hearts but with a renewed sense of purpose. The Fatherhood RealMen RealTalk gathering was more than just an event — it was a testament to the power of shared stories, accountability, and love. It was a reminder that fatherhood is a legacy, one built on protection, commitment, and resilience. As the Making A Difference Foundation looks to grow this effort and create a lasting impact on the community, the organization is seeking sponsors and financial backing to expand the reach of this powerful initiative. If you’re interested in contributing or becoming a sponsor, please contact the foundation at [email protected] is more than just a call for support; it’s a call to action to uplift fathers, strengthen families, and reshape the future for generations to come. Plans for next year’s gathering are already in the works, and the fathers, sons, and families involved look forward to continuing to build on the positive energy and transformative conversations that have made this event a cornerstone of their community. In a world that often calls on fathers to be unbreakable, the Fatherhood RealMen RealTalk gathering reminds us that true strength lies in vulnerability, connection, and the enduring bond between father and child.