The League of Ordinary Gentlemen Fatherhood Program
Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit uplifts dads through guidance and mentorship. We are dedicated to strengthening our local families and neighborhoods, creating a lasting legacy for the children of tomorrow.
Changing Fathers. Changing Generations.
As a dedicated nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organization, we offer a supportive community where fathers find the strength to heal and grow. Together, we believe every man can lead his family with empathy and purpose.
Meet Dustin
Leader of the League of Ordinary Gentlemen Fatherhood Program
Hi, I'm Dustin. A person in long-term recovery from substance use, Dustin channels his lived experience into creating trauma-informed programs that strengthen families, promote healing, and support youth across Northeast Tennessee. He is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), Certified Recovery Coach, and a Graduate of the TCCY Leaders for Child Well-Being program.
Dustin is trained in Active Parenting and 24:7 Dads, and is a graduate of Recovery Resources. Leading the League of Ordinary Gentlemen Fatherhood Program, he helps fathers in recovery reconnect with their children. As a father and grandfather of four, Dustin is deeply inspired by his own family and committed to helping others build lasting memories and strong relationships.
Our Services
We provide comprehensive support designed to empower everyday fathers to become the leaders their families and local communities deserve.
Find strength in community at our Kingsport location. Join a brotherhood of local dads sharing experiences, healing, and growing together.
Kingsport Dad Support Group
Johnson City Dad Support Group
Our Johnson City group meets to foster leadership and positive fatherhood through shared community values and support.
Board of Directors
The League of Ordinary Gentlemen is guided by a heart-centered group of community leaders committed to the healing and empowerment of local families.
Joe Hicks, Board President
Michael Owen
Chelsea Slusher, Vice President
Whitni Turner, Secretary
Tabitha Edwards
Craig Forrester, Treasurer
The Story of the League
2023 – The Genesis In 2023 🛡️, the League of Ordinary Gentlemen emerged from a vision Dustin Leilich conceived after confronting the emotional weight of being in recovery during Christmas, unable to provide gifts for his own family. Vowing to protect other fathers from that same despair, he collaborated with Recovery Resources and the Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition to supply holiday presents for children of parents in treatment. To fund this cause, the League launched its inaugural Flag Football Tournament at Elizabethton High School, successfully supporting 54 children. That year, Dustin also organized recovery teams for local wiffle ball and kickball tournaments, further integrating the mission into the community sports scene. By attending CCDP Family Camp, he witnessed the profound power of family-centered healing, a value he then shared during the Carter County Collaborative meeting. These moments crystallized the organization’s pillars: fatherhood, recovery, mentorship, and athletic engagement. What started as a holiday initiative rapidly evolved into a movement helping fathers rebuild relationships and secure a brighter future. Following his first successful fundraiser, Dustin prioritized his own growth as a father, demonstrating that recovery and active parenting are lifelong commitments. 2024 – Strengthening Through Sports and Unity May 2024 🏀 marked a new chapter as the League introduced its first 3-on-3 Basketball for Recovery Tournament, utilizing athletics to bridge the gap between social connection and sobriety. Alongside Recovery Resources, Dustin established a recovery softball team, offering dads a healthy outlet for competition and camaraderie. The League expanded its reach through Family Ultimate Frisbee and repeated partnerships with the Appalachian Banner Academy and Bridge to Shore Recovery for diverse fundraising events. A creative collaboration with Net Pro Studios allowed families in recovery to experience professional wrestling together, fostering joy and bonding. The 2nd Annual Flag Football Tournament solidified their year-end mission to provide for children in need. Beyond sports, Dustin began serving as a mentor for local teenagers, providing the guidance and accountability necessary for the next generation. This year was also defined by personal evolution, as Dustin traded his signature cutoff shirts for professional attire, symbolizing his transition into a community leader. By year’s end, the League had transformed from a local project into a robust organization focused on legacy and family health. 2025 – Resilience in the Face of Adversity In 2025 🌱, the League of Ordinary Gentlemen deepened its impact on parental recovery. Dustin expanded his mentorship efforts and launched a weekly fatherhood support group in Carter County, with additional chapters opening in Bristol and at the Johnson City Recovery Center. To ensure the highest quality of service, he underwent training in the 24/7 Dad curriculum and Sources of Strength, while also engaging with the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. The introduction of Family Dinner Nights provided a vital space for dads and children to strengthen their emotional bonds over shared meals. However, the organization’s resilience was truly tested when Dustin suffered a stroke. Despite this personal hurdle, the mission did not falter. A dedicated brotherhood of fathers and volunteers rose to the occasion, proving that the League was no longer just one man’s project, but a sustainable community movement. Their collective dedication ensured that the support for local families only grew stronger during this challenging time. 2026 – A New Foundation as a Nonprofit In 2026 🎗️, the League of Ordinary Gentlemen achieved its most significant milestone yet by officially incorporating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This formal recognition validated years of grassroots effort dedicated to fatherhood and mentorship. The organization hosted the 2nd Annual Glow Wiffle Ball Tournament at The Sandlot, attracting wide community support for an evening of friendly competition. Expanding further, the League established a new dad support group at the Summit Leadership Foundation in Johnson City, offering even more resources for fathers navigating parenting and recovery journeys. Today, the League remains a vital pillar of support across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, committed to the belief that every father has the potential to become a hero in his children’s lives through faith, fellowship, and consistency.