Number of Service Hours Delivered

Supporting father involvement and serving  boys, young men, men, and fathers to develop and nurture healthy social and emotional qualities for a productive adulthood.

Celebrating Father's Day and Fatherhood Month: Empowering Fathers and Recognizing Advocacy

Father's Day is a special occasion to honor the men who have shaped our lives with their love, guidance, and support. This year, as we celebrate Father's Day, we are also proud to highlight the County of Santa Cruz's proclamation of June as Fatherhood Month. This proclamation underscores the importance of father involvement and the positive impact that engaged fathers have on their children and communities.

A Pillar of Strength and Support:

Fathers are often the pillars of strength and support within our families. They can offer a steady hand and a comforting presence during times of difficulty or uncertainty. Whether it's a listening ear, words of encouragement, or a shoulder to lean on, fathers often provide invaluable emotional support that helps us navigate life's challenges with resilience.

Leading by Example:

Father figures can serve as role models, imparting valuable life lessons through their actions. From teaching us the importance of integrity, hard work, and perseverance to demonstrating acts of kindness and compassion, fathers can shape our moral compass. A father's consistent guidance can help instill the values that become the foundation of our character.

Creating Lasting Memories:

Father's Day is an opportunity to reminisce about the cherished memories we have shared with our dads. From playful moments in the park to deep conversations over a cup of coffee, these experiences can create bonds that last a lifetime. Fathers often contribute to some of our most treasured memories, reminding us of the importance of quality time and creating strong familial connections.

Unconditional Love:

Fathers are capable of loving us unconditionally and accepting us for who we are, flaws and all. Their love can provide us with a sense of security and belonging, nurturing our self-esteem and confidence. Through their affectionate gestures and unwavering support, fathers can teach us the value of love and show us how to love others in return.

Balancing Act:

Modern fatherhood encompasses a beautiful balance between work and family life. Many fathers excel at juggling their professional responsibilities while actively participating in the upbringing of their children. A father’s commitment to being present and engaged in both realms sets a powerful example, highlighting the significance of nurturing family bonds alongside personal growth.

Fatherhood Month Proclamation: A Commitment to Families

The County of Santa Cruz has taken a significant step in supporting families by declaring June as Father Involvement and Fatherhood Month. This proclamation recognizes the essential role that fathers play in the development and well-being of their children. It aims to raise awareness about the benefits of active fatherhood and to encourage community initiatives that promote father engagement.

The proclamation reflects a growing understanding that fathers who are actively involved in their children's lives contribute to better academic outcomes, improved emotional health, and stronger social relationships for their kids. It also highlights the county's dedication to creating a supportive environment for fathers to thrive and be the best they can be for their families.

The Importance of Father Involvement

Research consistently shows that children with involved fathers are more likely to excel academically, develop healthy self-esteem, and exhibit positive social behavior. Fathers who spend quality time with their children, whether through reading, playing, or simply being present, create a foundation of trust and security that benefits their children throughout their lives.

In our community, we see countless examples of fathers making a difference. From attending school events to coaching sports teams, these everyday acts of involvement build stronger family bonds and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.

Recognizing Advocacy and Empowerment Organizations

One organization that stands out in its efforts to support and empower fathers is MENtors Driving Change for Boys, Men, and Dads. MENtors is dedicated to fostering healthy social and emotional development in boys, men, and fathers. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, they provide the tools and support needed for fathers to engage meaningfully with their children and communities.

MENtors offers workshops, support groups, and community events designed to enhance father-child relationships and promote positive male role models. Our mission is to drive change by empowering fathers to be active participants in their children's lives, thereby creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes for families and communities.

Activities and Events for Fatherhood Month

To celebrate Fatherhood Month, the County of Santa Cruz and local organizations are encouraged to organize a series of activities and events. These events are designed to strengthen father-child relationships and build a sense of community among fathers. Some of the highlights include:

Family Picnics: Community picnics where fathers can spend quality time with their children in a relaxed and fun environment.

Workshops: Educational workshops on topics such as parenting skills, communication, and healthy lifestyles.

Sports Events: Father-child sports events that encourage teamwork, physical activity, and bonding.

Storytelling Sessions: Storytime events where fathers can read to their children, fostering a love for reading and learning.

We encourage all fathers and families to participate in these events and make the most of Fatherhood Month. These activities provide wonderful opportunities to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that hold families together.

Call to Action

As we celebrate Father's Day and Fatherhood Month, let's take a moment to recognize and appreciate the fathers and father figures who have made a difference in our lives. Share your own stories of fatherhood and involvement on social media using the hashtag #FatherhoodMonthCountyofSantaCruz. Let's spread the word about the importance of father involvement and the positive impact it has on our communities.

For those looking to get more involved, consider supporting organizations like MENtors Driving Change. Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in their programs, your support can help drive positive change for fathers and families.

Father's Day and Fatherhood Month offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the vital role that fathers play in our lives. By recognizing the importance of father involvement and supporting advocacy organizations, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for all families. This June, let's honor our fathers, celebrate their contributions, and continue to empower them to be active, engaged, and loving parents.

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! Your love, dedication, and support make the world a better place for your children and for all of us.

In the past forty-eight months, COVID-19 has challenged parents, students, and educators with a new paradigm and reality regarding the remote working environment, childcare, distance learning, and work and family life balance. This new reality has fundamentally expanded the parental role from a provider to a part-time child care worker, part-time educator, and still a full-time provider. Now more than ever, we need to support dads, moms, and their children and students in this unprecedented time of COVID-19 and recent local wildfires. Here is the conference flyer to share with families.