The Passion Driving My Professional Contributions

Join me at the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference
Building Bridges
April 8-11, 2025

I am looking forward to learning and teaching through my workshop: Father's Soaring to New Heights with Their Families – Providing Workforce Development Programming

Author: Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Outreach
Workshop Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 3:45 – 5:00 PM
Location: La Jolla B, Hilton LAX Hotel
Learn More

The Passion That Drives My Professional Contributions

Finding one's passion is often a journey filled with unexpected twists—setbacks, restarts, and moments of realization—that ultimately guide you toward a vocation that resonates deeply with your soul. This journey was not linear but a series of transformative experiences that culminated in the clarity of my life's purpose: to serve others and help them reach their full potential.

My story begins with the values my family instilled in me—a family deeply committed to lifting others and making a positive impact within our community. I witnessed their dedication to ensuring families thrived, contributing time and resources to our local church. These early experiences laid the foundation for my belief in the power of community and support.

As I transitioned into my service in the United States Air Force, my commitment to service was further solidified. The Air Force taught me discipline, teamwork, and an unwavering dedication to a greater mission. I learned that if there's a problem, we don't walk away from it; we solve it. The military provided the opportunity to honor my commitment to protect my country. It paved the way for a career in accounting and finance, which I later honed through higher education and corporate employment.

Yet, it was through a series of life transitions and unexpected paths that my true calling emerged. The realization was profound: my life's work was not simply about climbing the corporate ladder or earning accolades. It was about helping others—particularly families facing significant challenges—find the tools to rebuild, grow, and thrive. Thus, Horizon Outreach was born in 2010, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating difficult circumstances.

Helping Fathers Soar: Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program

The hallmark of our work is the Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program, which I founded to empower fathers to help them regain their sense of purpose and provide stability for their families. Over the past 15 years, the program has been funded through private and federal grants, and it has seen firsthand the transformation possible when fathers are given the tools they need to succeed. From workforce development to relationship-building and parenting skills, we've made a tangible impact on fathers' lives, helping them rediscover their role as leaders in their homes. The success stories from our program are not just inspiring; they are a testament to the potential for change and growth in every individual.

We've been recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services for our session attendance, honored with Proclamations from the City of Houston, and received Congressional Recognition for our workforce development efforts. Most importantly, we've witnessed the joy of fathers who, after completing our program, have found stable, meaningful work and the satisfaction of providing for their families. The motto of our program is simple but powerful: "No Father Left Behind." We understand that unemployment and instability are often the roots of many other social issues, such as poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse. We are committed to helping fathers overcome these barriers, restore their dignity, and ultimately rebuild their families.

Workforce Development: Positioning Fathers for Success

One of the most powerful aspects of our program is the Workforce Development component. Through Horizon Eagle, fathers can gain industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA-10/30 certifications, Forklift Operation, TWIC, and CDL licensing—skills that open doors to high-paying careers with earning potential over $100,000 annually. Our local evaluation research shows that 62% of fathers who complete our program secure employment in career positions, which speaks to the impact of providing fathers with skills and the confidence to succeed.

Fathers are the backbone of the family unit, and we recognize that for fathers to thrive, we must invest in their future. When fathers are employed, their children experience better health outcomes, higher academic performance, and stronger emotional development. Our program has proven that when we support fathers in their journey to financial and emotional stability, we create lasting change for the fathers and their entire families. The impact of workforce development on families is not just significant, it's transformative, giving them a new sense of hope and optimism for the future.

The Heart of the Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program

At Horizon Outreach, compassion and hope are the keys to unlocking potential. We focus on treating each father with the respect he deserves and helping him recognize the intrinsic value he holds within his family and community. This approach fosters trust, growth, and resilience. The power of this program is not simply in the skills learned but in the renewed sense of purpose that fathers discover as they take their place as leaders in their homes and communities.

In Conclusion: A Legacy of Impact

As I look ahead to sharing this journey with the FFCA conference attendees, I hope to provide insights into the strategies that have made the Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program a success. I will highlight our evidence-based curricula, the workforce development tools that have been instrumental in empowering fathers, and the findings from our Local Research Evaluation. But most importantly, I aim to share the stories of the fathers we serve—stories of resilience, transformation, and the enduring impact of community. These stories are not just narratives, they are powerful testaments to the human spirit and the potential for change.

Together, we have the power to change lives. Through compassion, hope, and excellence, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of fathers, families, and the communities they serve. I am deeply grateful for your support and collaboration in this mission. Join us in this journey to give fathers the tools to soar toward a brighter future.

Warmest Regards,

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Horizon Outreach

256 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #115

Houston, Texas 77060