What kind of dad do you strive to be?
I want to be a good role model for my daughter. I hope that she will be able to speak openly with me and that I am able to encourage her to reach for the stars while keeping bad influences away.

- Kendall Davis, Father of one

New Resource

Beyond Silence and Violence: Engaging Men in Advocacy Against and Prevention of Domestic Violence

New Events (Link)

• STOP THE VIOLENCE MARCH
• Free Seminar: How Money Works
• Beyond Silence and Violence Brief and Webinar - March 23rd
• Free Webinar: Family Financial Empowerment

New Facebook Posts (Link)

• My Brother's Keeper: A Year Later
• The Mask You Live In is the Opening Night Film, Tuesday March 17th, 7:00pm. of the Women+Film Festival Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom in person for Q&A following screening.
• Beyond Silence and Violence: Engaging Men in Advocacy Against and Prevention of Domestic Violence | Stacey Bouchet, Ph.D. & Kenneth Braswell
• National Save Our Daughters Night Launches TODAY at Noon - SiGN UP! http://goo.gl/0zTrdz @Fathersincorp
• Who Fails To Pay Child Support? Moms, At A Higher Rate Than Dads Via @nprnews
• Do working dads just complain more? by @samleecole via @FastCompany
• Colorado Dept of Human Services names Charles Parkins as new Director of the Division of Youth Corrections
• Poor, Unemployed, and Not on Welfare: A Statistical Look at “Disconnected Families” http://shar.es/1WwzN9 via @ChildTrends
• Webinar: Family Financial Empowerment | March 25
• Webinar on navigating Child Welfare Information Gateway
• Research to Application: Framing and the No Choice Option | National Fatherhood Initiative
• Research to Application: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose
• Webinar: Starting Relationship Conversations with Adolescents | National Resource Center for Domestic Violence (NRCDV) in partnership with the IPV Prevention Council

Events (Link)

Events in bold updated or added this week

February 2, 2015-April 9, 2015
Free tax preparation by AARP certified volunteers

March 2, 2015-March 6, 2015
Five-Day Training in the Project Fatherhood Men in Relationships Group (MIRG) Model

March 4, 2015
Intro to Government Grants - Denver 1-Day Workshop

March 7, 2015
Free Seminar: How Money Works

March 7, 2015
Stop the Violence March

March 19, 2015
SAMHSA Fund Development Training for Community and Faith Based Organizations

March 23, 2015
Beyond Silence and Violence Brief and Webinar

March 24, 2015-March 26, 2015
Center for Urban Families' 2015 PLI Summit: Pathways to Stability and Economic Success for Fathers and Families

March 25, 2015
Free Webinar: Family Financial Empowerment

April 14, 2015
COLORADO PRACTITIONERS NETWORK FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES MEETING

May 12, 2015-May 14, 2015
2015 Federal Regions 8 & 10 Community Action Conference - Denver

June 9, 2015-June 12, 2015
17th Annual International Fatherhood Conference: "Responsible Fatherhood: Building Our Future Through Innovation, Evaluation and Accountability"

June 15, 2015-June 17, 2015
2015 Colorado Advocacy in Action Conference

Don't forget to check our listing of ongoing classes!

What kind of dad do you strive to be?
I strive to be the kind of dad who is always there for his kids. I am very involved in their lives including coaching, Cub Scouts and every school event. I want to be someone they look up to and respect. I don't want to be just their dad, but a role model who teaches them how to be respectful and caring toward everyone around them. - Dave Lilja, Father of Three

News

Families First Colorado is hiring a part-time Fatherhood coordinator to help administer the Colorado Practitioner Network for Fathers & Families (CPNFF)

Training Opportunity Five-Day Training in the Project Fatherhood Men in Relationships Group (MIRG) Model will be held March 2- 6, 2014 at Children’s Institute, Inc., 2121 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, California 90026. The hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.We prefer to receive applications from individuals who are capable of implementing a program in their agency. However, individual consideration will be made among applicants who have experience in the field and would like to know the model to help them reach out to fathers and significant others of at risk children. Due to federal funding there is no cost to the participants of this training. Read more.

Resources

Early Implementation Findings from Responsible Fatherhood Reentry Projects | January 2015 (PDF) Grantees of Community-Centered Ex-Prisoner Reentry Project Work with Fathers to Strengthen Families Across six states, grantees working with ex-prisoners used activities like counseling, parental and relationship education, financial planning, job search assistance, and subsidized and transitional employment opportunities; with the goal to help stabilize fathers and their families, move them toward self-sufficiency, and reduce recidivism. Learn more about the grantees and their work when you read the full report.

Fatherhood and mental illness - This paper from Australia provides practitioners and policy-makers with a broad overview of some of the key issues identified in the growing literature on paternal mental illness. Read more.

Family Strengthening Research: FY 2014 This report provides detailed summaries of major research investments by OPRE’s Division of Family Strengthening (DFS) along with brief overviews of past projects. Read more.

Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) Research Video Series These videos highlight promising measures created by the FRPN for use in programs that work with fathers. Link

Compendium of Family Self-Sufficiency Surveys and Databases
2013 | Self-Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse The compendium provides overviews of a large number of national, state, and other large-scale surveys and administrative records databases used by researchers to study topics related to the self-sufficiency of low-income populations.  It includes several publicly accessible, easy-to-use databases that are beneficial to practitioners and policymakers. Link

Presentation materials from Three Child Support Strategies to Increase Family Self-Sufficiency (August 2014 Webinar)

Facebook Posts (Link)

• Denver 1-Day Intro to Government Grants
• The Project Fatherhood Model - Five Day Training | March 2-6 | The Children's Institute
• The making of Dark Hearts, a 20 min silent short film that depicts the dynamics that take place between two low-income non-custodial parents with children. Information on the film can be found at www.darkheartsfilm.com
• Fatherhood Research & Practice Network Research Video Series: How to measure challenges that may impact paternal engagement.
• Breaking down barriers for boys and young men of color | @urbaninstitute
• Give Dads a Chance | Kathryn Edin | Johns Hopkins Public Health
• Why no paternity Leave?
• Family Strengthening Research: FY 2014 | OPRE Report
• Early Implementation Findings from Responsible Fatherhood Reentry Projects
• Fatherhood and mental illness: Australian report provides overview of key issues identified in literature on paternal mental illness
• "Three Child Support Strategies to Increase Family Self-Sufficiency" Webinar Resources
• Compendium of Family Self-Sufficiency Surveys and Databases
• When Dads Lean Back, the Benefits Pile Up @HuffPostBlog http://huff.to/17hBJ0x via @HuffPostParents
• Are Swedish dads the best parents in the world? http://www.konbini.com/…/inspir…/swedish-dads-johan-bavman/… via @Konbini
• Paternal care is life or death to stickleback
• National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Webinar will focus on ways in which fatherhood programs can talk with fathers about mental health issues.
• Colorado Department of Human Services names Julie Krow new Deputy Executive Director for Community Partnerships
• Executive Function: What is it and why does it matter? - www.search-institute.org
• Part-time Fatherhood Coordinator position open at Families First Colorado

Events (Link)

Events in bold updated or added this week

[More]

What would you consider to be your most inspiring moment as a dad? "I am inspired by how emotionally balanced all three boys are. They are individuals who speak their mind and care for others." - Lucas Boyd, Father of Three

News

National Save Our Sons Night | Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring | Denver, CO | Feb 6th @ 5:30pm Urban Colors in association with Emanuel Place of Refuge Church will a accompany fathers and sons to see the Movie Selma and hold a round table dinner at Applebee's Restaurant where they will have a discussion about the importance of fathers, families and community in children's development. For more information visit www.urbancolors.org or emaildmeeks@urbancolors.org

New NRFC Toolkit Section: Working with the Child Welfare System There are a number of opportunities for fatherhood programs to work or partner with the child welfare system. Understand more about how the child welfare system works, and learn from programs with successful partnerships in Working with the Child Welfare System, a new addition to the Responsible Fatherhood Toolkit: Resources from the Field.

New Dates for HHS Fatherhood Grants: New Pathways for Fathers and Families
Estimated Funding: $47,490,800
Expected Number of Awards: 48
Estimated Award Ceiling: $2,000,000
Estimated Award Floor: $350,000
Estimated Post Date: 04/02/2015 (updated)
Estimated Application Due Date: 06/04/2015 (updated)

February 10, 2015 - COLORADO PRACTITIONERS NETWORK FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES MEETING

Facebook Posts (Link)

• Prisoner’s Family Conference May 6th - 8th Dallas
• National Save Our Sons Night | Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring | Denver, CO | Feb 6th @ 5:30pm
• Men, Fathers, and Work-Family Balance via @amprog
• Supporting Maternal and Child Health by Involving Fathers on Home Visits | Haji Shearer
• UK 2015 Modern Families Index identifies fathers under pressure and families that need dependable childcare
• Working with the Child Welfare System | National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
• "HUSH is out to change how teenagers, teen boys specifically, handle sex and relationships. Having seen how sex education was handled when he was in high school, Colin Adamo realized that there was a need for him to help make that difference."
• Brian Conly named new Deputy Director of the Colorado Dept of Human Services' Office of Early Childhood.
• Help couples strengthen their relationships with tips from Twoofus.org
• The Precarious State of Family Balance Sheets via @pewtrusts
• Child support bill moves in Colorado legislature
• Super Bowl Dad Ads
• Joven Noble & Xinachtli Curriculum Facilitator Training | Denver | 2/18-20
• Reading Partners | Colorado
• Kanye West recently debuted his latest video for the track "Only One," a suprisingly emotional and simple film featuring Mr.West walking and cuddling quietly with his daughter North.

Events (Link)

Events in bold updated or added this week

December 1, 2014-February 25, 2015
Bridges Out of Poverty Classes

January 29, 2015-April 23, 2015
Nurturing Fathers Class in Routt County

February 2, 2015-April 9, 2015
Free tax preparation by AARP certified volunteers

February 6, 2015
National Save Our Sons Night | Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring

February 10, 2015
COLORADO PRACTITIONERS NETWORK FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES  MEETING

February 11, 2015
Webinar: Characteristics and Experiences of Low-Income Hispanic Families and Households

February 14, 2015
My Brothers Keeper Youth Kick off Summit

February 17, 2015-February 20, 2015
16th Annual National Families & Fathers Conference

February 18, 2015-February 20, 2015
Joven Noble con Palabra And Xinachtli Rites of Passage Program Facilitator Curriculum Training

February 19, 2015-February 21, 2015
Dad 2.0 Summit

February 26, 2015-February 27, 2015
3rd Annual National Teen and Youth Fatherhood Conference

February 28, 2015
Reaching Fathers in the Community presented by Father's United

[More]

What kind of dad do you strive to be?
"I strive to be like my dad. He taught me how to be a good provider for my family and teach my child to respect her elders, be kind to others and learn about our culture and traditional ways. I want to fully hand that down to my daughter so it will continue onto the next generation." - Dale Yazzie

News

COLORADO PRACTITIONERS NETWORK FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES Meeting Tuesday February 10th ~ 2:00 – 4:00  pm  (link)

Joven Noble con Palabra And Xinachtli Rites of Passage Program
Facilitator Curriculum Training (link)

New Resource from the National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families | The OPRE-sponsored National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families just launched a new website  (hispanicresearchcenter.org); released a research report, The Complex and Varied Households of Low-Income Hispanic Children; and announced a webinar scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 at 1:30pm ET. The webinar will focus on family formation, household structure, and complexity among low-income Hispanic families.

Free tax preparation by AARP certified volunteers. (link)

The Internal Revenue Service and the Free File Alliance today announced the launch of Free File, which makes brand-name tax software products and electronic filing available to most taxpayers for free. Free File is available at IRS.gov/FreeFile

SAMHSA Fund Development training for Community and Faith Based Organizations - Denver (link)

Facebook Posts (Link)

• Webinar: Characteristics and Experiences of Low-Income Hispanic Families and Households | Wed, Feb 11, 2015 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM MST
• Tax Credits for Working Families (TCWF) Releases Four-Part Interview with Professor Kathryn Edin
• Hispanic Voices Shines Light on Issues Facing Hispanic Children and Families http://shar.es/1bPp1r via @ChildTrends
• Center for the Study of Social Policy's Strengthening Families Evaluation Portal
• Move Over, Mom, It's Dad's Turn In Ads - Fatherhood Featured Prominently, Positively in Host of Spots
• To Be a Dad (Extended Cut)
• To Be a Dad - Here's to those who choose to be dads. One bold choice leads to another. Good stuff from Toyota
• To Achieve Big Results From Social Policy, Add This
• Baltimore Responsible Fatherhood Project works with dads on their relationships with their children
• EITC - A cash lifeline for Boston’s working poor via @BostonGlobe

Events (Link)

Events in bold updated or added this week

December 1, 2014-February 25, 2015
Bridges Out of Poverty Classes

January 29, 2015-April 23, 2015
Nurturing Fathers Class in Routt County

February 2, 2015-April 9, 2015
Free tax preparation by AARP certified volunteers

February 6, 2015
First Annual National Save our Sons Night (NSOSN)

February 10, 2015
COLORADO PRACTITIONERS NETWORK FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES  MEETING

February 11, 2015
Webinar: Characteristics and Experiences of Low-Income Hispanic Families and Households

February 14, 2015
My Brothers Keeper Youth Kick off Summit

February 17, 2015-February 20, 2015
16th Annual National Families & Fathers Conference

February 18, 2015-February 20, 2015
Joven Noble con Palabra And Xinachtli Rites of Passage Program Facilitator Curriculum Training

February 19, 2015-February 21, 2015
Dad 2.0 Summit

February 26, 2015-February 27, 2015
3rd Annual National Teen and Youth Fatherhood Conference

February 28, 2015
Reaching Fathers in the Community presented by Father's United

March 19, 2015
SAMHSA Fund Development Training for Community and Faith Based Organizations

March 24, 2015-March 26, 2015
Center for Urban Families' 2015 PLI Summit: Pathways to Stability and Economic Success for Fathers and Families

April 14, 2015
COLORADO PRACTITIONERS NETWORK FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES MEETING

May 12, 2015-May 14, 2015
2015 Federal Regions 8 & 10 Community Action Conference - Denver

June 9, 2015-June 12, 2015
17th Annual International Fatherhood Conference: "Responsible Fatherhood: Building Our Future Through Innovation, Evaluation and Accountability"

June 15, 2015-June 17, 2015
2015 Colorado Advocacy in Action Conference

Don't forget to check our listing of ongoing classes!

What is the most important piece of advice you’ve received about fatherhood?

“To be a good dad, you also need to be a good listener.” I give this advice to other dads now.

So often, dads get caught up in other things and it’s hard to listen. Being a good listener also goes back to giving your children your time. You can’t listen to your kids if you’re not present in their lives"  - Demetrious Jenkins, father of five

News

OJJDP FY 2015 Second Chance Act Strengthening Relationships Between Young Fathers and Their Children: A Reentry Mentoring Project (OJJDP-2015-4053):  This initiative will support the successful and safe transition of young fathers from secure confinement back to their families and communities. Grants will support mentoring and transitional services to offenders who are young fathers reintegrating into their communities. Mentoring and transition services should start during secure confinement and continue through the transition back to the community and post-release. Closing date: 3/2/2015 10 Awards with a $420,000 ceiling per award.  Read more.

HHS updates Responsible Fatherhood Grants timelines

• Estimated Funding: $47,490,800
• Expected Number of Awards: 48
• Estimated Award Ceiling: $2,000,000
• Estimated Award Floor: $350,000
• Estimated Post Date: 03/24/2015 (updated)
• Estimated Application Due Date: 05/26/2015 (updated)

OFA has issued a Dear Colleague letter describing job-driven training resources. The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) encourages its grantees and partners to make TANF and other employment and training programs more job-driven. OFA has issued a Dear Colleague letter describing job-driven training resources, with a focus on steps that programs can take to engage employers and use labor market information to help improve employment outcomes for TANF recipients and other low-wage workers.The letter contains links to The Job-Driven Training Checklist, the Ready to Work: Job-Driven Training and Opportunity Report and more.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Free File Alliance have announced the launch of Free File, which makes brand-name tax software products and electronic filing available to most taxpayers for free. Free File is available only at IRS.gov/FreeFile

Resources

Toxic Stress in Low-Income Families: Understanding Long-Term Effects (webcast) Office of Family Assistance, Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative

Building Foundations of Resilience: An Overview of Promising Approaches to Buffer the Effects of Toxic Stress in Young Children

Facebook Posts (Link)

• Doctoral student seeks fathers to participate in survey on Black fatherhood
• Department of Justice released a solicitation for grant applications that support the successful, safe transition of young fathers back to their families and communities after confinement. This may be a great opportunity for your partners in the field. Deadline is March 2.
• Dove Targets Dads in Super Bowl Ad
• My Brothers Keeper Youth Kick off Summit - Denver Feb 14 | 10:00 AM - 2:00
• The National Movement for America's Children has re-branded as Connect the Dots
• Let child support go to kids, not government |Denver Post Editorial Board
• Julie Krow, Colorado Department of Human Services Director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families, has accepted a new position as the Chief Operating Officer of the Community Crisis Connection
• Results for America an initiative of America Achieves
• Child Trends’ What Works/LINKS database (Lifecourse Interventions to Nurture Kids Successfully) is a searchable register of over 650 programs that have had at least one randomized, intent-to-treat evaluation to assess child or youth outcomes related to education, life skills, and social/emotional, mental, physical, behavioral, or reproductive health.
• The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) encourages its grantees and partners to make TANF and other employment and training programs more job-driven.
• Toxic Stress in Low-Income Families: Understanding Long-Term Effects
• Nisha Patel, new Office of Family Assistance Director
• Fathers who spend time with their kids make happier employees
• Hands-on dad isn't a new phenomenon
• Can research from other disciplines inform #HeadStart about using data for continuous quality improvement? Read this new report from Urban Institute to learn more
• The Civic Canopy webinar series: Continuous Quality Improvement

Events (Link) Events in bold updated or added this week

December 1, 2014-February 25, 2015
Bridges Out of Poverty Classes

December 18, 2014-January 23, 2015
CRC Nonprofit Leadership & Management Program - Application Deadline January 23, 2015

January 24, 2015
Colorado Foster Care and Adoption Film Festival

[More]