Editor’s note: You have to give a hat tip to Mayor Bloomberg and Alan Farrell, the New York City-wide Fatherhood Services Coordinator, in making major strides (in just three years) in their collective efforts towards making New York City a more “father friendly” place to live. We are excited to share the following letter from Alan Farrell announcing the 3rd Annual NYC Dads Matter Awards & calling upon all of us to nominate an exceptional dad! We love what this program stands for so please consider nominating a dad today! – L.S.
Good afternoon Everyone,
This June, in an effort to spread the message that fathers matter, the New York City Fatherhood Initiative will present the Third Annual NYC DADS Matter Awards. These awards will recognize ten fathers from across the City who have overcome challenges to become positive and consistent forces in the lives of their children. Do you know a great dad who has overcome the odds to play a positive and powerful role in the life of his child and his community? Help us promote the importance of responsible fatherhood. Nominate a Dad today! Nomination Forms are due Friday, April 26th
Please share with your networks and consider submitting nominations of dads you believe meet the criteria described in this nomination form and send to nycdadsmatter@cityhall.nyc.gov by Friday, April, 26, 2013. This should be a fantastic event and acknowledges the important role that dads play in the lives of their children and communities.
As know, Mayor Bloomberg established The New York City Fatherhood Initiative in the spring of 2010 to:
- Make all City agencies as “father friendly” as possible;
- Uncover and remove any barriers that fathers may face in interacting with the City;
- Assist in the creation of memorable moments between fathers and their children; and
- Support fathers as they improve their capacity to be good dads.
The New York City Fatherhood Initiative continues to work with our City agencies to achieve the ambitious goals described above. We’ve been hard at work and while there is more than I can capture in one email, a few highlights include:
- The graduation of the first cohort of the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Fatherhood Academy at LaGuardia Community College where for the first time CUNY is preparing 18-24 year old fathers for employment and for entry into higher education. The CUNY Fatherhood Academy is strengthening fathers and families and promoting responsible fatherhood and economic stability by connecting young fathers to services on a college campus.
- The launch of the Parent Pledge Project where we are partnering with community based organizations to explore alternatives for fathers and mothers to establish child support orders outside of court.
- The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) continued facilitation of support groups that bring dads together to encourage one another on the road to self-sufficiency and independence. Recently, DHS has collaborated with Carnegie Hall to provide opportunities for fathers and their families to attend concerts that introduce them to the vast and varied world of music.
I am thrilled about these efforts and this event is just one way to underscore that NYC DADS Matter.
We look forward to hearing from you with a nomination of an exceptional dad. So don’t wait: the deadline is Friday, April 26th.
Best to you,
Alan
Alan S. Farrell
Fatherhood Services Coordinator
Fatherhood Services Coordinator
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