Sponsored by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and 209 Dedicated Housing Authorities ac

1. Sponsored by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and 209 Dedicated Housing Authorities across the Country

2. Ron Sims’ Call to Action Inspires 209 Public Housing Authorities to Participate I would like to encourage you to join other public housing authorities (PHAs) nationwide, on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend, June 18, in collaborating with local partners to host a special event for fathers and their children. Dubbed Father’s Day 2011, and modeled after a program that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) launched last summer, and has been repeating monthly, the event would have two purposes: to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children, and to make education, health care, and employment resources available to the fathers that may lead to economic self-sufficiency. The NYCHA launched its first event by sending flyers across the borough of Brooklyn and inviting fathers to come with their children to a “Fatherhood Initiative Day” at a local community center. The NYCHA worked with a number of their partners to provide arts and crafts, games, refreshments, and other activities for participating fathers and their children. In addition, the NYCHA contacted local service providers and asked them to provide information on education and job training opportunities, and health and legal advice. Continuing reading the Deputy Secretary’sletter. Ron Sims Deputy Secretary May 2009 – July 2011

3. Tools Used to Help PHAs Create Successful Events • Website • Webinars • E-Blasts • Blogs • Newsletters • Press Releases • Templates • Toolkit • Maps • Mailbox

4. Everybody’s Talking About Father’s Day 2011! Dad Talk Blog http://fatherhood.gov/blog/2011/07/07/celebrating-fatherhood-public-housing-authorities Healthy Men Healthy Communities Newsletter http://resourcelibrary.gcyf.org/node/3680 The HUDdle blog post by Ron Ashford http://blog.hud.gov/2011/05/03/housing-authorities-celebrate-fathers/ The Resident Newsletter http://portal.hud.gov/huddoc/resident_aug11.pdf Dallas Housing Authority http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhflGPkCxIY Fort Worth Housing Authority http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geAhQ2lCYYs

6. Some of Our Success Stories… The 2011 Father’s Day Events at five scattered sites in the City and County of Fresno were a great success! Low-Income Public Housing Father’s Day event sites covered urban and rural communities in Fresno County. Sites included Cedar Courts in Southeast Fresno, Yosemite Village in Southwest Fresno, Granada Commons in Kerman, Oak Grove in Parlier, and Mendoza Terrace in Firebaugh.  Fathers and children had an exciting and fun-filled day of activities, and were provided information on services and public private benefit programs available in their local communities.  Father and child bonding activities included a tie coloring activity, sack race, and games which involved community building exercises to create safe neighborhoods and positive development of youth.   Children made Father’s Day cards to show appreciation of their father’s involvement in their life.

7. The City of Phoenix hosted a Father's Day event on Saturday, June 18 from 10 am - 1 pm at the Vernell Coleman Recreation Center and Matthew Henson Park.  Over 150 youth, fathers, and community members attended the event.  There were 16 community service programs including Phoenix Workforce Development, Head Start and the La Gente Car Club.  The kids and their dads played horseshoes, kickball, tug of war and other games.  The Phoenix Suns Gorilla was there, along with Councilman Michael Johnson.  Everyone was able to enjoy food, fun, games, prizes, resources, books, and a balloon maker.  All participants received tickets for a Diamondback Baseball Game scheduled on Father's Day Weekend.  

8. In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and their Harland Boys and Girls Club, AHA hosted its first annual Father’s Day Celebration. The event themed, “Celebrating Fathers 2011” was attended by more than 130 fathers and children! Left to Right: Jerryl E. Bennett, HUD, Bob Pickens, President, Orbit Educational Partners, Inc., & Former NFL Player with the Chicago Bears, Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles & Indianapolis Colts, LaMar Campbell, Detroit Lions and Joseph Moore, father of current Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive End, Kyle Moore

9. Father’s Day 2011 in Fort Worth, Texas, was a joint effort between the Fort Worth Housing Authority and Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office.  This spectacular event held at FWHA’s Administrative Office brought together fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, friends and their children to celebrate the males that play an important role in their children’s lives. During this day-long event, participants accessed resources, education and employment information, and had lots of fun. This photo shows children spelling out “FATHER” using adjectives that describe what a good father represents.  Over 100 participants came out to enjoy the event!

10. The Stamford Housing Authority’s first ever Father’s Day barbecue.  Over 100 families participated and enjoyed making Father’s Day t-shirts and a wonderful barbecue meal! Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation held events at four of family-style sites. Local churches and faith-based organizations provided food and festivities at three of the sites. Activities included face-painting, inflatable's and games for children and numerous community resources for parents.

11. Washington DC kicked off their weekend by hosting a “Call to Fathers Breakfast” the Saturday prior, and followed up Father’s Day weekend with a comprehensive day-long program, which included local community leaders and guest speakers.  Special guests who attended Saturday’s event to support public housing and voucher fathers included (l to r, back row): Frank Lancaster, DCHA Resident Commissioner; Ken Harvey, former linebacker for the Washington Redskins; Riddick Bowe, two-time World Heavyweight champion, and Washington native Orlando Gary formerly with the Denver Broncos. Ms. Adrianne Todman, DCHA Executive Director, stands in front with Riddick Bowe’s daughter .