Jun 12 2012
Celebrating strong fathers and strong communities
Posted by: Kevin B. Gilnack, Campaign Manager
Last Saturday, The Caring Force was proud to exhibit at Fathers Family Fun Day with about a dozen other providers, state agencies, and other community organizations.
The event marked a great introduction into Father's Day (which is coming up on June 17) by recognizing the vital importance of fathers who are strong enough to be there for their families and nurture their children.
During the event, DCF Commissioner Angelo McClain and event organizer John Laing talked about the importance that Nurturing Father programs make in the lives of families every day. By sharing some of the personal goals and testimonials he had heard at a recent graduation, Commissioner McClain helped make the impact of these programs real for attendees in a very powerful way. Sharing authentic personal stories is a critical step in reshaping the way our elected officials, media, and neighbors view human service programs and the investments we make in them, which is why we also encourage you to share your own story!
I was also proud to join the dozens and dozens of men who attended in taking the Jane Doe, Inc. White Ribbon Day pledge to end violence against women, which was administered by 2012 White Ribbon Campaign Co-Chair, DCF Commissioner McClain. I hope you'll join me in helping be part of the solution. Check out the simple, but important pledge below and learn more from Jane Doe, Inc.
“From this day forward, I promise to be part of the solution in ending violence against women.”
— Massachusetts White Ribbon Pledge.
Throughout the event, we were thrilled to meet almost 50 new membersof The Caring Force -- all of whom were entered into a raffle to win one of our fabulous t-shirts -- and talk to them about the value of human services in their lives. It was also a huge privilege to meet nearly new voters who came and registered to vote through The Caring Force. The picture to the right is of the first two voters we met during the day, and if you want to see other images from the day, be sure to check out our Facebook album!
As we approach Fathers Day, I wanted to share this wonderful experience with you as a shining example of the way community-based services, like the nurturing father program, help make communities stronger. And, perhaps more importantly, it's a great opportunity to recognize all of the strong, caring men who work in, receive services from, or otherwise support human services and stronger communities.
Can you help us celebrate Father's Day by leaving a comment below and share a story from your life that highlights the role of strong, caring men in your work in human services or in your community?