by Lorena Gonzalez

Luis Zayas, Lisa Cummins, and I, were invited to take part in the launch of President Obama’s next phase of the Fatherhood Initiative, introduced last year to engage fathers throughout the country in the lives of their children and families.

Obama’s plan includes the establishment of a Fatherhood, Marriage and Families Innovation Fund to support the best and most successful initiatives in states and communities offering services such as job training, parenting skills classes and domestic violence prevention. The plan also calls for helping dads get caught up on child support payments and finding transitional jobs for ex-offenders and low-income, non-custodial fathers. In addition, the Justice Department will create a Fathering Re-Entry Court to reach dads as they’re leaving the criminal justice system  to help them find jobs, make child support payments and reconnect with their families.

A panel of individuals at the event highlighted the personal impact of their own fathers. One told of his father driving him back and forth to college classes, and the impact that quality time had on his life.

“The key message I think all of us want to send today to fathers all across the country,” President Obama said, is that “our children don’t need us to be superheroes. They don’t need us to be perfect.  They do need us to be present.  They need us to show up and give it our best shot, no matter what else is going on in our lives.  They need us to show them -- not just with words, but with deeds -- that they, those kids, are always our first priority."

Guests at the event were invited to bring their children with them to the event. Dr. Luis Zayas, NAHF Research Committee chairman, was asked to sit with his son on stage. “It was such an honor to share this moment with my son,” Zayas said.

Top Photo:  Dr. Luis Zayas pictured on back row with his son during President Obama's fatherhood speech.

Bottom Photo:  President Obama interacts with fathers and sons.

Joshua DuBois, the Director of the White House Office for Neighborhood Partnerships, and Stephanie Valencia, the White House Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement, discussed the importance of the Hispanic community, and asked for our input and engagement in the Administration’s activities. 

With the upcoming celebration of Father’s Day, Mr. DuBois talked about the Administration’s  efforts to provide opportunities and supports for fathers and families.  He invited Hispanic leaders to join the effort to support fatherhood initiatives in our communities. 

Following the White House presentation, conference call participants were invited to share comments and questions.  The common theme among these comments focused on, 1) the need to increase funding for existing father, marriage, and family programs, and, 2) the importance of  incorporating family components into fatherhood initiatives.

Some 80 organizations affiliated with the National Alliance for Hispanic Families participated in the call.  We look forward to keeping our network informed of similar opportunities as we continue to help Hispanic families reach their greatest potential.