Westchester County Presents All-day Fatherhood Conference
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino will host an all-day fatherhood conference on Tuesday, April 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains entitled, “The Power of a Father’s Presence: Challenges and Victories in Supporting Dads.” The conference, sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Social Services and nearly 20 other partners, is designed to inspire, educate and challenge men and to celebrate the critical role of a father in the lives of his children.
“Unfortunately, over the course of the past 40 or 50 years in this country, the critically important role of the father in the family has been degraded in popular media and in society, and the statistics of children of all races growing up without the loving and nurturing support of a father sadly continues to increase at a disturbing rate,” said Astorino in a release announcing the conference. “No one would ever question the critical importance of a mother and we should celebrate the role of the father in a similar manner, and set expectations very high. This conference offers fathers and providers, who work with fathers and families, key tools and support to help men become great dads to their children.”
Astorino said the conference will include several workshops for fathers and providers focusing on such topics as education, employment, handling conflicts, communication techniques, statistical evidence of the power of fathers, and how to remain an involved and effective dad during life transitions as a result of a separation.
Tony Porter, co-founder of A Call to Men, is the keynote speaker. Several other speakers are scheduled including Allan Houston, former New York Knicks’ all-star.
The conference is open to all. There is a $35 registration fee that includes a continental breakfast and lunch. For more information and to register (deadline is March 27) email information@childfindofamerica.org or call 845-883-6060.
