NYC DADS Matter Awards 2012 - Nominate a Father Today! Deadline is Friday, May 4th

Good afternoon Everyone,

This June, in an effort to spread the message that fathers matter, the New York City Fatherhood Initiative will present the Second 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.

Please submit nominations form and three paragraph essay of dads you believe meet the criteria described in the attached nomination form and send to nycdadsmatter@cityhall.nyc.gov or fax to 212-312-0785 by Friday, May, 4 2012.  This should be a fantastic event and acknowledges the important role that dads play in the lives of their children and communities.  

As you may 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 launch of the City University of New York (CUNY) Fatherhood Academy at LaGuardia Community College where for the first time CUNY will prepare 18-24 year old fathers for employment and for entry into higher education. The CUNY Fatherhood Academy will strengthen fathers and families and promote responsible fatherhood and economic stability by connecting young fathers to services on a college campus.

·         The Department of Homeless Services is now facilitating support groups that bring dads together to encourage one another on the road to self sufficiency and independence.

·         We are working with our city agencies and community based organizations to explore alternatives for fathers and mothers to establish child support orders outside of court.

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, May 4^th.

Best to you,

Alan

Alan S. Farrell

City-wide Fatherhood Services Coordinator

nycdadsmatter@cityhall.nyc.gov

http://www.nyc.gov/nycdads