Great article of Teen Fathers - "The misunderstood fathers "

"Emerging family research suggests fathers who stay involved with their children and provide good quality parenting, even if they don't live with the children, are more likely to have children who are academically successful, better behaved and relate well with others in social situations, studies show."

(full article)The misunderstood fathers

Only Father in the Room :(

Yesterday I went to signup my kids for summer camp at the West Philly YMCA (52nd & Walnut Streets). And yes I know, I waited to the last minute. This economy has been tight on me, and I been robbing Peter and Paul for some time now.

In any case, I was able to catch a parent orientation for the camp. First I will tell you I was very impressed with the Staff to camper ratio (1 - 10) for kids 7 - 10. They have an organized drop-off system so parents don't need to get out of car; trips every week; swimming every day; and lunch and before and after care are included to boot.

The only thing I was left wondering was why am I the only FATHER in the room? Us Dads have many great gifts and talents to offer these settings and provide a much needed balance. Well I already decided that I would volunteer a few times at the West Philly Y this summer and encourage other Dads to get involved.

What are you thought on this? Have you experienced something similar?

Supporters of dad in custody case hold vigil

Supporters of dad in custody case hold vigil

The Associated Press, Posted on Wed, Jun. 17, 2009

RED BANK, N.J. - About 100 supporters of a New Jersey man who is seeking custody of his son marked the fifth anniversary of the boy being taken to Brazil with a candlelight vigil. (click link above for full article)

More dad-friendly courts by Fatimah Ali

More dad-friendly courts?

Article featured in Philadelphia Daily News, June 16, 2009 (clink link above for full article)

AQUIET revolution is brewing in America's families.
It's sweeping the nation's family courts, where dads are fighting to spend more time with their children when relationships with the mothers fail. Divorced dads are hurting, too, and more of them want to co-parent.

4th Annual Fatherhood Festival is SOLD OUT! ...WAIT: New Space is Available!

50 more slots are now Available! Be sure to Register Now (CLICK HERE) so you don't miss out!

Cheyney University Summer Opportunity for High School Students

Subject: FW: Cheyney University Opportunity for High School Students

If you have or know a child who is age 16, 17, or 18 in the 11th or 12th grade and has a 2.5 average or above, the person is eligible to apply to a dual enrollment program at Cheyney University Urban Campus 701 Market St. 3rd floor The classes are Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, and English I. Children receive a $100. stipend for the six weeks. The credits will be transferred to the identified college the student will attend. For application contact (215) 228-4191. Don't forget...4th Annual Fatherhood Festival is Sunday, June 14th...see details in below post!

FREE Child Watch Services @ 4th Annual Fatherhood Festival

Need a sitter for your kids to attend festival?

No problem, bring them and they can enjoy Arts & Crafts and other activities along with Kid friendly movies (G & PG only)!

This activity will be staffed and require sign in and out for children.

Welcome Address by The Mayor’s Office of Community Service/ Fatherhood Initiative

Wadell Ridley, Jr.
Executive Director
Mayor’s Office of Community Services

As Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Community Services, Wadell Ridley, Jr. is responsible for providing management, leadership, and supervision the City's premiere anti-poverty agency with more than 100 employees and an annual budget of $12 million dollars.
Annually, the Mayor's Office of Community Services provides social services, programs, and resources to thousands of low-income Philadelphia residents. Its goal is to help individuals, families, and neighborhoods reach self-sufficiency.

Prior to being appointed Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Community Services, Ridley most recently served as the Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations at Saint Joseph's University. At Saint Joseph's University, Ridley was chief liaison between the University and elected officials, communities and civic organizations.

For almost 14 years, Ridley served as Director of Constituent Services for former Councilman Michael A. Nutter. During that time, Ridley represented the Councilman at various community meetings, zoning hearings and served as a liaison for governmental agencies and community-based organizations.

Ridley is an alumnus of Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, where he co-founded the Prep's African American Alumni Association. He earned his Bachelors degree from Lincoln University. Ridley had been a dedicated mentor and tutor for high school students in the Upward Bound Program.

Ridley attends St. Barbara's Church where he is a charter member of the Knights of Peter Claver, District Council 326, serving in the capacity of Junior Knight Commander. He is also a member of the Men of Malvern.

Ridley serves as a board member of the West Philadelphia Child Care Network. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity Inc., Nu Sigma Chapter, Board of Trustees for Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School, and is a long time member of the Wynnefield Residents Association.

Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival Keynote Address by Dr. Jeffrey Johnson

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jeffery M. Johnson
President & CEO
National Partnership for Community Leadership

Jeffery M. Johnson is President and CEO of the National Partnership for Community Leadership (NPCL). As a national nonprofit intermediary organization, the mission of NPCL is to strengthen the service capacity of nonprofit and community-based agencies to empower youth and families. Prior to his work at NPCL, Dr. Johnson spent nearly two decades as a senior manager and management consultant in the private and public sector.

As president of NPCL, Dr. Johnson played in integral role in the planning and implementation of two of the nation’s largest social welfare research projects involving low-income men. They are the Partners for Fragile Families Site Demonstration, and the Fathers at Work Demonstration. These projects have served more than 6000 men. Since 1997, Dr. Johnson and NPCL have also convened an Annual International Fatherhood Conference that attracts cumulatively several thousands of community-based and family practitioners from around the world. Also, under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, NPCL managed the National Youth Development Practitioners Institute on behalf of the United States Department of Labor, the Ford Foundation, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The Institute trained four-thousand youth practitioners from across the country in effective approaches for working with young people 13-25 years of age.

Dr. Johnson is a nationally recognized authority in the areas of leadership, employment and training, urban poverty and youth employment. A particular focus of Dr. Johnson’s work has been on the plight of African-American men and families. He is regularly invited to testify before the United States Congress on matters pertaining to low-income fathers and strengthening families. He played a principal role in passage of the first national fatherhood legislation in Congress, The Fathers Count Bill. Dr. Johnson is also the author of several publications including Fatherhood Development: A Curriculum for Young Fathers.

For thirteen years Dr. Johnson was an adjunct professor of Educational Administration and Leadership at Trinity University (formerly Trinity College) in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Johnson has been quoted in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and The Afro-American newspapers. Dr. Johnson has also appeared on CNN, C-Span, and Fox Morning News.

Dr. Johnson has an extensive civic involvement record and serves on many community boards where he has received numerous service awards. He has held the position of President for both the District of Columbia United Way and the United Way of the National Capital Area where he was selected as outstanding volunteer for three consecutive years. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for the Morehouse College Research Institute, The District of Columbia Commission on African-American Men and Boys, and the District of Columbia Neighborhood College wherein he serves as Chair.

He is also the 1999 and 2003 recipient of the President’s Award by The National Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families. This award annually recognizes outstanding leadership in the promotion of responsible fatherhood. Dr. Johnson is a member of The Peoples Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland where he serves as President of the Men’s Fellowship Ministry.

Dr. Johnson received his formal education at the University of Michigan where he received the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Urban Education.

Dr. Johnson is married 30 years and has two children, Jeffery M. Johnson, II and Jasmin.

Low Cost Travel to Phila. from NYC & DC

• New Century Travel New York bus Philadelphia $20 round-trip http://www.2000coach.com/
  
• DC to Phila. $15one-way ($30 round-trip) http://www.2000coach.com/dcphilly.html

See you at the Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival on June 14th!!!

June 14th Fatherhood Festival Confirmed Exhibitors, Panelists & Presenters

* PA Child Support* Pro Se Education *

* The Mayor’s Office of Community Service/ Fatherhood Initiative *

* The Please Touch Museum * COFFEE * FLAG *

* U.S. Department of Health and Human Services *

* Resources For Children's Health/Focus On Fathers *
* Allison Royer, Esq. * Prudential * State Fam Insurance *

* Focus on Fathers * Circle of Care * Men to Boys * BAEO * FACE *
* Daddy UniverseCity * Troy Wilson, Esq. *

*Institute for the Development of African-American Youth, Inc *
* City of Philadelphia Streets Department Recycling Office *

* Black Alliance for Educational Options *
* ALA Consulting * Pure Quality * Men on The Move *
* Philadelphia Anti-Drug/ Anti-Violence Network *

Wow. Had a great meeting with Joel Austin the President & CEO of Daddy UniverseCity and Founder of the Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival. This year's conference will feature a the documentary "Men 2 Boys" and will feature Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, one of the national radio commentator on the Tom Joyner Morning Show as the Keynote.

To check out a preview for this ground breaking film, visit http://faithinactiononline.com/2009/04/14/men-ii-boys-documentar-tonight-at-the-charles-theater-baltimore/

Spread the word...The Fatherhood Festival is coming!