Texas Border Business –
Austin, Texas – June 16, 2016– This Father’s Day, The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) celebrates fathers who devote their lives to building safer communities for their kids and by doing so, impact future generations to come. These dads lead by example, inspiring us all to envision a Texas free of violence – and strive tirelessly to accomplish this goal. They are remarkable leaders in their professional lives, and remarkable fathers at home.
“Father’s Day is a very important day in the lives of children here in Texas and across the world. It is a day of celebration to recognize the dedication and unconditional love fathers give to raise their children and help them become confident adults,” said Gloria A. Terry, CEO of the Texas Council on Family Violence. “A good father makes all the difference in a child’s life. He’s a pillar of strength and support and he leads by example. We thank these wonderful dads and Texas leaders this Father’s Day.”
This Father’s Day TCFV recognizes:
- Texas State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa of McAllen.
- Judge Roberto Cañas, Dallas County Criminal Court #10.
- T. J. Staley Heatly, District Attorney of the 46th Judicial District Wilbarger, Hardeman and Foard counties.
- Dr. David Scott, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Texas at Tyler.
- Coach Joe Frank Martinez Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator at Travis High School.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa started at the Capitol as a Texas House member, eventually progressing to the Texas Senate. During that time, domestic violence response was transformed in Texas, and Senator Hinojosa ushered in the change in a supportive and groundbreaking role. To this day, he often points to his service on the board of TCFV with pride. As we all know, in order to affect violence against women, men must take an honorable and involved role in the movement, something that Senator Hinojosa has done from the very beginning. Knowing that he fathered two great recently graduated children, son Jonathan and daughter Kris, while also fathering our state’s legislative approach to family violence, TCFV salutes Senator Hinojosa and offers him a grand and heartfelt abrazo!
Judge Roberto Cañas has been on the bench of this specialized domestic violence court in Dallas County since 2007. He has a remarkable record of 250 jury trials, 125 bench trials, 7,000 pleas and 30,000 cases. His commitment to accountability and change for those who commit family violence is unparalleled. On Father’s Day, he reflects on the power parents have over their children and the effects, both positive and negative, parents can have on their children that literally will be with them for the rest of their lives.
“My Dad is many things to me and my siblings, but the one word that captures his fathering to us is ‘generous.’ There is nothing of his that he wouldn’t gladly give to me or my siblings, nor is there anything too big or small that we could ever ask of him. He places no limits his generosity. That comes from love. So to describe simply the way I try to father- is to love Che and Eliana without limitations and without end.”
District Attorney Staley Heatly embodies the perfect balance of a professional steward of justice and a kind, warm father. He is recognized as a statewide, national and international trainer on domestic violence. He shares his wisdom and expertise in both English and Spanish. He also holds to a high standard in prosecution response on family violence cases. On Father’s Day, he shares: “As a parent, the most important thing you can give your children is time. No amount of money or toys can replace one-on-one time with your kids. Whether it’s playing baseball with Ollie, walking around the park with Maya, pushing Stella on her bike, or reading a book to Ian, I cherish the time I spend with my children.”
Dr. David Scott is an incredibly accomplished professional – former law enforcement, trainer, expert in victim response and services, and now professor at UT Tyler. Yet those accomplishments pale in comparison to his accomplishments as a father to six. High energy, straightforward, authentic, fair, generous, encouraging, energetic compassionate, devoted – and did we mention energetic? – are the words used by those closest to describe him. David puts family first and keeps Mathew, 12, Mark, 9, Mary, 6, Michael, 4, Myles, 2 and baby Margaret, 15 weeks, at the forefront to inform his work toward a future of healthy, happy families across Texas. His best Father Advice: “Live your life with commitment, courage, and for God at all times. Follow your passion and pursue your dreams. Life will work itself out in the end.”
Coach Joe Frank Martinez is entering his 3rd year as Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator and 13th year overall at Travis High School. During his time as Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator, Joe has led the implementation of Core Values and Standards of Excellence, and started a tradition of community service initiatives. The Rebels have worked with Safe Place, Expect Respect, Breast Cancer Awareness, Special Olympics, and Dell Children’s Hospital, foster a culture that values giving back to the community. Joe is committed to building not just better athletes, but better people. On fatherhood, he says “The best thing a father can do for his children, is to love their mother.”
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