The experiences that our children have today will determine our future as a state and nation. It’s critical that young men and women have strong, positive father figures in their lives. I’ve attended the DFFC’s Devoted Dads’ Summit for several years, and always come away with a feeling of pride and enthusiasm from the participants striving to make a difference in the lives of children. It is my hope that more Delaware fathers see the DFFC as a valued resource and work toward supporting and guiding their own children. The future of our community depends on it.
I am totally thrilled to be able to speak on behalf of the DFFC’s Delaware Devoted Dads Summit. There are many social ills tormenting our society today and many of them can be drawn back to the absence of a father or male role model present in the lives of so many children. For several years now I have attended the Devoted Dads Summit and have been energized by the messages brought by the keynote speakers as well as the many workshops and leaders available to those in attendance. We truly need more efforts like the DFFC.
In today’s society, Fatherhood and family structure are a key component to the survival of families. As a member of the Delaware Fatherhood and Family Coalition, we continue to provide resources to help fathers and families stay united or to reunite. The DFFC influence in Delaware is vital by imparting information to help the family unit. The annual Delaware Devoted Dads Conference is an example of how the DFFC provides information. The workshops provided are geared towards topics that men want to hear about such as child support enforcement. As a dad, I am very glad to have a resource like the DFFC.
Having participated in the early stages of the DFFC efforts, I can say the model of coalition building has profoundly positioned this grassroots organization to drive advocacy and collaboration within and beyond the State of Delaware. I believe unequivocally the DFFC has heightened the effectiveness of the community’s voice, enhanced legitimacy of its existence and enabled greater accessibility to resources that otherwise might have been unreachable to its constituents.
The Delaware Fatherhood and Families Coalition is a great asset to the State of Delaware. This coalition seeks to raise awareness about the important role that fathers play in our communities. The Coalition seeks to be a resource to the community to provide education, spark dialogue, and facilitate trainings that educate community members, policy makers and practitioners around barriers and opportunities for fathers. From town hall meetings, to the Ambassador trainings, to the Barbershop Community Dialogues, the DFFC is spreading the message that active fathers are a key component for creating safe, healthy, thriving families and communities.
The DFFC annual summits are absolutely phenomenal! Attendees and participates alike are empowered with a deeper understanding of the importance of fathers and healthy adult relationship. Every father has the potential to be a positive role in the life of his child/children. The DFFC empowers that potential with a purpose designed to create healthy, strong, and. Prosperous children and families for generations to come. The DFFC is more than a message, it’s a movement that’s making a positive – life changing difference in Delaware and throughout the United States.
I have seen organizations and programs walk the walk and talk the talk. It is a professional pleasure to find Delaware Fatherhood & Family Coalition as an organization that genuinely WALKS its TALK! Over my 20+ years of experience in the profession of Family Development, Engagement and support, and Fatherhood Engagement as a Certified Fatherhood and Healthy Relationships Practitioner, a Personal and professional Development Trainer, a Family and community Partnerships Manager, HS/EHS Federal Reviewer, a Fatherhood & Male Engagement Manager; and a student of Organizational Leaders & Development, I have had the opportunity to work and collaborate with numerous national and local organizations on behalf of healthy outcomes for families and children.
As a long-time national conference speaker, I rarely have the opportunity to participate in conference venues that include policymakers, government officials, local community leaders, community customers, and other stakeholders in one environment. DFFC’s annual conference is a rare jewel event that engages, educates, and empowers the community. Moreover, I consistently reference the DFFC model in consultation with other clients.
