About Fathering From A Distance

---

Founded on Christmas Day in 2024, Fathering From A Distance blossomed from the extraordinary bond between Joey Green and his daughter, Sommer. Their journey is one of unwavering love, resilience, and the transformative power of connection. 

When Sommer was just six years old, her father began serving a 16-year sentence. Despite the physical barriers of incarceration, Joey remained a steadfast presence in her life through heartfelt letters filled with newspaper clippings, advice, and homemade cards.

"He would write 'Love, Daddy' with smiley faces," Sommer recalls. "Even from behind bars, he was more than just a memory. He was my guiding force."

The Angel Tree program of the Prison Fellowship played a pivotal role in their story. With limited resources, Joey found it challenging to send gifts to his children. The program became their bridge.

"The bike was pink with glitter streamers, a little girl's dream if you loved Barbies, which I did," Sommer reminisces. "It was more than a bike; it was a symbol of his love."

The last time Sommer saw her father before his long sentence was at her preschool graduation. A cherished photograph captures that moment—their family together, her in a plaid dress with a side ponytail, sipping Mountain Dew.  

Released in 2009, Joey transformed his life, becoming an active community advocate in Columbus through programs like 'Choose to Change' and 'Father to Father'.

"He inspires fathers to stay active in their children's lives and supports them with the adjustment from incarceration to freedom," Sommer shares proudly.