Health and Wellness
A New Story, Never Forgetting Who You Are
Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW
24  August 2023

INCLUDING MEN IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
 

Finding Strength In Imperfection

In 2023, I was asked as a featured speaker, keynote, and presenter about mental health's impacts on men at several national events. I want to share one of the training sessions (below) with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in partnership with the National Federation of Families to examine how we can include men in wellness programs. I believe everyone has moments in life where we are broken, and we discover how to explore new pathways to repair the cracks of brokenness through healing, resilience, and robustness. The recovery can be swift, or it can take years. Others never move beyond the chards of being broken and, thus, never heal. I use a few poems in the courses I am honored to teach. "My storehouse has burnt down; there is nothing to obstruct the moon."- Mizuta Masahide. By accepting the past, this poem glances at lessons I continuously learn. My journey in life has allowed me to get through many trials of life. I would never heal if I stayed in the essence of past injuries. Even More Beautiful - Even More Precious - Even More Resilient - Even More Present is a metaphor of Kintsugi that a funny experience reminded me of the mentoring of an 89-year-old veteran a few weeks ago. I listened like a young boy listening to his grandfather because of the wisdom he poured into me. One of the most significant barriers for men to access health care, we believe our natural strengths are that we can take care of anything, even if broken into thousands of pieces. 

Too many amazing dads for generations never seek support, leaving a legacy of struggle.

March 2019, in Los Angeles, California will bring together a remarkable assemblage of speakers and presenters with the vision to influence and affirm the power within others, leaving a legacy of giving. The 20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference is a four-day experience. The ability of the speakers to give some over half a century in service with and for others to have a better life is a testament of leadership. Following the passion for being part of the process of others' succeeding is one of the contagious elements of empowering leaders. Fathers and Families Coalition of America has the infusion of some special Featured Talk Speakers from Puerto Rico, Australia, the United States that are fortified with workshop speakers from Ireland, England, Scotland and others throughout the United States addressing how we collectively and globally can make a positive difference in the lives within our communities, nation and internationally. The honest and straightforward messages from the morning general sessions Talk Speakers will touch the hearts of attendees, simultaneously challenging us all to do better for children next-door or across the globe. In less then nine-years, FFCA has had well over fifty affiliate agencies. Remarkable, the international response to address the needs of children, which has led to affiliates from Africa, China, Australia, United Kingdom, Europe, Caribbean, and the United States to examine, "what can we do to work side-by-side with parents to policy-makers for the betterment of families and children?"

Fathers and Families Coalition of America is honored to bring a message of affirmation, resiliency, wholeness, and the power of vision to transform the lessons provided into a legacy of empowerment. Of course, our national and internationally attended conference has dynamic professional development workshop presentations. The entire program forthcoming is inspirational, and one does not miss out on getting their overflow of information and especially something creative to apply for themselves, working with others and giving to others. Ikigai (生き甲斐,) is a Japanese term for "a reason for being" and we believe that at the 20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference, attendees will have their purpose renewed, refreshed, and for some clarity with vision to be that particular part of legacy, if it is with your family, friends, co-workers, communities it all starts with you.

We invite you to invest in you and join us March 4-7, 2019 and stay connected year-round with the speakers, new network, and a community of leaders inspired to give for others to succeed, just as the following featured speakers have made their life's work as global leaders for their communities. The reason for which you and these leaders, speakers, and many stakeholders wake up in the morning to find our ikigai goes back vision to make a difference in the lives of others for positive and healthy outcomes. 

Featured Talk Presenters

New Location!

Register Now for A Reduced New Year's Rate Through January 31st!
20th Annual Families and Fathers National Conference, 
March 4-7, 2019, at the Hilton LAX Hotel Los Angeles, California. 
Invest In Yourself Today!
fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/national-conference/20th-annual-families-and-fathers-conference-registration.html
New year, new you! Invest in yourself this year with the FFCA Conference, a conference for family-building and father outreach that will empower you to help others more effectively. Fathers and Families Coalition of America is nearing the 20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference, March 4-7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California with a comprehensive program that hosts presenters from the United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Bolivia and throughout the United States.
Conference Overview 

SAVE THE DATE
20th Annual Families & Fathers National Conference 2019
March 4th - 7th, 2019
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 W Century Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90045
A closing celebration, Thursday, March 7, 2019 6:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. join us here

Senator Holly J. Mitchell 2019 Honorable John S. Martinez National Leadership Recipient

During the closing gala intended for our conference attendees, speakers, guests, honorees, and open to the public Fathers and Families Coalition of America presents Dr. Ramon & Dr. Yolanda Nieves Family Affair National Awards Gala (a red tie/red dress event). FFCA is honored to host our 2019 Honorable John S. Martinez National Leadership Award - A Champion For Healthy Families to the Honorable Holly J. Mitchell, Senator for the State of California. The most recent honoree, 2018 Honorable John S. Martinez National Leadership Recipient, was Congresswoman Maxine Waters (C.A.), and we celebrate Senator Holly J. Mitchell for the 2019 Honorable John S. Martinez National Leadership Recipient. Senator Mitchell is representing nearly 1 million residents of the 30th Senate District, which ranges from Century City to South Los Angeles and takes in Culver City, Cheviot Hills, Crenshaw District, USC, downtown L.A. and a portion of Inglewood.

Esteemed Colleagues

I am honored to share that Andrea Kane is the Vice President for Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Power to Decide will join us, Thursday, September 26th. Andrea is a long-time advocate for fathers, and exceptional professional working on a wide range of national domestic policy issues will be the guest speaker for the September Unifying Voices in Fatherhood Initiatives National Call. Mr. Michael Peeples, Director for the City of Milwaukee's Fatherhood Initiative, will be the moderator for this call. Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks. The bottom of this note includes the conference call and or video access information. 

Ms. Kane will share an urgent and time-sensitive national policy impacting the lives of millions of teen parents, families, and providers who are working with high school and college students. The array of affected providers from Zero- Three, Head Start, K12, juvenile-justice, child-welfare, homeless & runaway youth, fatherhood practitioners, etc., make time to join Andrea to learn about the reauthorization of the federal Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) $25 million annual program funding.  We will start on-time at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and end promptly at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The meeting will stay open until 1:10 p.m. and then close access; therefore, please ensure to mark your calendar and join us a few minutes early. 

On Thursday, September 26^th, we’ll have a significant opportunity to learn more about and help support the reauthorization of the federal Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). In the meantime, here is some background and an action step you can take now.

SIGN-UP FORM

Do you know how the FFCA got its start? Take a moment to listen to the birth of the FFCA, how the organization has helped others, the future possibilities, as well as what's in store for the 2020 "Next Level" 21st Annual Families and Fathers Conference.

After you listen to the broadcast, ask yourself,

"How can I take myself to the next level?"
"How can I help those around me reach their next level?"
"Do I want to miss an opportunity for growth?"

#losangeles #fathersrights #responsiblefatherhoodprojects #21stannualfamiliesandfathersnationalconference #strengtheningfamilies #familiesandschoolstogether #cssdla #winwinparentingprogram #californiaendowment #earlyheadstart #nextlevel2020 #mfts #nurturingfathersprogam #fathersandfamiliescoalition #childsupportservices #supportla #21stannualfamiliesandfathersconference #losangelescountychildsupportservices #childcustody #improvinghealth #headstart #socialworkers #familyfirst

SAVE THE DATE
20th Annual Families & Fathers National Conference 2019
March 4th - 7th, 2019 
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 W Century Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90045 
A closing celebration, Thursday, March 7, 2019 6:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. join us here

Mr. Paris Escovedo 2019 Father of the Year National Recipient

During the closing gala that is intended for our conference attendees, speakers, guests, honorees and open to the public Fathers and Families Coalition of America presents Dr. Ramon & Dr. Yolanda Nieves Family Affair National Awards Gala (a red tie/red dress event).  We are honored to host Paris A. Escovedo as a time to honor a father, mentor for children, husband, son and an amazing man who gives to others with The Honorable Stanley Seiderman National Father of the Year, Thursday, March 7, 2019, at the closing of the 20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference. Come and celebrate Paris as he receives this national award was established with the FFCA to recognize fathers who are righteous and upright men in their communities. Ethel Seiderman, then widow created criteria prior her to meeting her beloved after her passing in 2016. Since 2006, she requested this National Father of the Year Award goes to not those will greater opportunities but for those who went through have risen above their adversities to become "Righteous and Upright Men." Mrs. Seiderman wanted the nomination(s) to come from the community and share how the nominated father(s) have offered their time and talents to enhance children, youth and families. It was her request to highlight fathers who have used the influential role of fatherhood with an active lifestyle to a cause bigger than themselves by making a positive contribution to their children, as well as youth and families in their community.

Fathers & Families Coalition of America is honored to announce a special Congressional Open & Engaging Presentation/Chat Session at the Unified Voice for Fatherhood Initiatives.  

Additional guest speaker for a national call to action, A Unified Voice for Fatherhood Initiatives, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in New York City and virtual participation. We are honored to have The Office of Congressman Danny K. Davis (07-IL) Jill Hunter-Williams, Ph.D., Deputy Chief of Staff, Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), 2159 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, www.davis.house.gov join us all to discuss a few essential policy items and receive information from leaders. We ask that you register today to ensure space is available in-person and the WebEx Virtual Platform. Only registered leaders/guests will have access to this meeting open to all.

The Office of Congressman Davis with key staff from the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee on the House Ways and Means Committee, want to use this time to accomplish three items on our agenda:

1. Provide a brief on the following items that includes the Family First Act, child support, child welfare, and funded programs on fatherhood. 
2. Intention to listen to those leaders of what they believe is needed to improve, expand, or address with current fatherhood funded programs through the federal government.
3. Finally, how can the Ways and Means subcommittee as well as members of Congress or other elected offices be part of bridging local initiatives, state initiatives, and part of a national unified voice on fatherhood with the involvement of Congress?

Advanced Practitioner Credential 

Monday, February 24, 2020| 8:30 AM TO 4:00 PM (PST)
Dr. Narviar C. Barker Browne, Ph.D., LMSW-Atlanta, Georgia with  Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW-Phoenix, Arizona
CE Category: 7 Contact Hours (15 for full program)

Synopsis: The Advanced Practitioner Credential program is an integrated approach to build skills, knowledge, abilities through evolved-based and evidence-based interventions. Individuals will go through a comprehensive 15-hour program with a practicum for the final credential. The 11-Module program is fun, challenging, thoughtful and gives a lot of ah-ha moments to increase the skills and co-create a comprehensive integrative father engagement model of services. Each module builds off the previous and introduces FFCA’s unique integration of techniques for you to create a dynamic approach using some of the following blendings of interventions. 

 Strategies to increase healthy father involvement
 D.I.S.C. Personality Model working with fathers/parents.
 Skills for increased resiliency using Emotional Quotients (EQ) skills.
 Evidenced-based goal setting using Motivational Interviewing.
 Applying mindfulness engaging fathers, parents, children and staff wellness.
 Strategies for effective communication for those with individuals that experienced severe adversity and trauma.
 Culturally appropriate methods using cultural grounding techniques
 Strategies to help participants become better teachers with the styles and methods presented.
 Evaluating by using Participatory Action Research (PAR) in your program to work with families, parents, communities and your team.
 FFCA’s special practitioners skills-building as an inspirational approach from proven techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Schematic Therapy (ST); Motivational Interviewing Integrated with Cognitive Therapy (CT). These approaches are presented in a format that regardless of the level of experience, methods can use as a curriculum, group, couple or individual services.

SAVE THE DATE
20th Annual Families & Fathers National Conference 2019
March 4th - 7th, 2019 
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 W Century Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90045 
A closing celebration, Thursday, March 7, 2019 6:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. join us here

Mr. Matt Barnes - 2019 Father of the Year National Recipient

Reading the story of strength given to Mr. Barnes from his mother as she modeled perseverance, it is easy to imagine where the fire came from when Matt was playing in for UCLA or in the NBA as well as his passion as a father. Playing in any professional sport is something individuals do and not define who they are for others or their family. When nominated there were discussions about the great love to be the best dad possible. The basketball court was just the beginning for retired NBA Champion Matt Barnes whose 14- year career included roles on the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers to name a few. Having studied History at UCLA, the Sacramento native has entered the investment world as an entrepreneur with a bold vision that pushes all boundaries. Known for a fierce, competitive spirit on the court, Matt is no stranger to a challenge. While navigating the roadblocks of very public life, retirement is just the beginning. His authenticity and compassion set the stage for a compelling story where success belongs to those who give their all. One of Matt's biggest rewards are his sons Carter and Isaiah

Further demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of others, Matt founded Athletes Vs. Cancer (AVC) in honor of his mother Ann who lost her battle to the disease in 2007. With a mission to provide patients and their families with resources to allow them to fight, AVC partners with research institutions and celebrities to enhance public awareness of innovative treatment methods with the ultimate goal of prevention. 

Community Engagement
Purpose, Passion, Mentoring, and Legacy
Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW
7 February 2023

WHY IS HONORING OTHERS IMPORTANT??
JAMES C. RODRIGUEZ

Why Is Honoring Others Important?

When we recognize the impacts of others in the lives they have touched and give them a moment of celebration and recognition they matter, we also receive from giving. By honoring another, you are saying you see great value in them. How do you define honoring another person? What makes a dad more special than a father? Why should we strive to show the nominations and eventually honorees at our international conference to them that we care and that they are essential to us? In the honoring, four crucial questions are answered with millions of moments and memories. When genuinely modeled to others generations, the cornerstones of passion, purpose, mentoring, and devotion are changed because of one person, one leader, one dad, one couple, and a person committed to community service.

Too many amazing people have been invincible.

Community Engagement
Helping The Nexuses of Passion and Purpose
Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW
29 January 2023

HOW DOES YOUR PURPOSE AND WHAT THE WORLD NEED MATTER?
JAMES C. RODRIGUEZ

"How does one know if they have been called to do something special?"

I have a big smile on my face as I write this blog. Over the decades, starting as a very young, under 25-year-old single father, I never knew that one day, I would be part of something global. While serving on active duty in the military, I thought  I would do twenty years and then figure it out, especially since I enlisted at 17. Honestly, what 17-year-old or young parent knows their destiny? I am still figuring it out almost thirty years later. However, I understand that neither can truly enjoy life's greatest fulfillment, figuring it out alone. In 2023, with tremendous support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a talented group of more than team members but the lifelong adopted family who started as professionals grew into friendships and now are a collection of adopted fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and yes, that one unique cousin, I am honored to share a new direction for Fathers and Families Coalition. 

High Expectations Combined with Your Best Efforts Equals Success

Fatherhood
Let's Scream
Kenn L. Harris
28 January 2023

LET'S SCREAM FOR FATHER INCLUSION
KENN L. HARRIS

"I scream, you scream…we all scream, 'ice cream'" is a chant I remember growing up.

It is also a chant similar to what we've heard about including fathers in the work with families and communities. The challenge is that historically, this country has a de-valuing for fathers of color. In many policies in family services programs, you'll see that fathers of color have been rendered invisible, considered insignificant, and valueless in their families.

Healthy Relationships
Getting The Most Out Of Healthy Relationships
John Van Epp, Ph.D.,
25 January 2023

MY MISSION
JOHN VAN EPP, PH.D.

I believe that the greatest joys of life and some of our deepest sorrows often flow from our relationships. My counseling career extended over thirty years, most of it while running my private practice in northern Ohio. And without a doubt, most hurting people I counseled had some relationship struggles.

 Around halfway through my years of counseling, I had a growing desire to go upstream, where people seemed to be falling into the proverbial stream of relationship problems. It seemed to me that the majority of relationship issues were caused by either the slow build of unresolved conflicts or the slow leak of neglected needs. However, both could have been either prevented or resolved much earlier to avoid the critical care conditions that walked into my office.

There are many indicators that a couple will succeed in a healthy relationship when both partners lean on each other and support each other during the easy and the difficult times as best friends, building on mutual respect and trust.
Building a Model of Success

We are inviting you to join us for an end-of-year celebration. If you had a tough time in 2022, maybe losses of family, friends, or challenges of adversity. Could you consider taking one-hour for you to be replenished? We are inviting you to the Men2Men Cafe and Women2Women Cafe programs'  last cafe session for 2022 with a time of joy and laughter.

Topic: End of Year Cafe
Time: Dec 17, 2022, 08:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3164735458 

Holistically HEALarious is a holistic company specializing in laughter sessions.  Bringing in laughter therapy will lift up your end of the year. Fathers and Families Coalition of America is honored to host HEALariously healthy environment where laughter is celebrated and viewed positively will create a place of enjoyment. 

I am honored to share the OAR Leadership Institute with my co-host, Dr. Aida Diaz, former President of Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, and our organization's new Vice President, on October 4-6, 2022, at the University of Puerto Rico. I am inviting you to an overview of this program that will include a few samples of the training for Friday, August 5th at 10:30 a.m. EST. 

Learn how the OAR Leadership Program can help you take your organization, leadership, and life to the next level with a brief program overview - on August 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. EST using this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3164735458

Please visit our website for additional details about the program and enrollment process https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/programs/oar-leadership-program.html  this page includes a few of the activities in each of the four modules, leadership plan, and executive coaching sessions (post-institute). If you plan on joining, email me which activity you would like to sample for me to select and use during our time together. 

FFCA has trained diverse professionals and contracted by Child Support Services, Child Welfare, Social Services, and Community Action Agencies, as well as grant awards from the State of California Office of Child Abuse Prevention. Ultimately, this is a program of introspectiveness interconnected with inspiration. I am looking forward to sharing this model with you and others.

National Fireside Conversation

June 15, 2022
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Live Virtual Session

FFCA hosts annual policy-focused sessions and a series during our now internationally attended conference. Attendees from professional fields such as child welfare, early childhood, marriage and family therapists, social work, criminal justice, psychologists, educators, counselors, family service workers, fatherhood practitioners, public policy, foundations, and more! You can join us and give your insights into developing these crucial conversations.

Please join our stakeholder group sign-up form here if you want to be part of essential national policy briefings, cafe sessions, or national conference policy roundtable sessions.

Father's Day week is here, and the Fathers and Families Coalition of America is honored to host a National Fireside Conversation on the Impacts of Policies and Strengthening Families.

We invite you to join our featured speaker, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Il-07, Chair of a crucial sub-committee with the responsibilities of many legislations impacting millions through federally funded programs. 

Friends & Colleagues, 

I was introduced to social work, counseling, youth development services, volunteerism, and more in 1989. I was just two months shy of six years of active duty services in the armed forces when I because a counselor. I was, as they say, "raw" with no experience (academically), but there was something that stirred my spirit to help others. I started my professional career as an army combat medic, and I was involved in many community volunteer programs. However, in 1989, I decided to receive formal training as a substance abuse counselor. Wow, I learned the hard way about what is or not the skills to be the best practitioner. Over thirty years later, I continue in professional development and education to ensure I sharpen my skills and additional resources to share with others. 

Since 1993, I have been so curious about how we can help family service workers in Head Start programs, working with others, we created a 13-college credit course, Family Preservation. The Advanced Practitioner Credential's genesis is in that course with those I respected at Arizona State University, Central Arizona College, and Head Start executives. Since designing the studies in 1994,  I have instructed tens of thousands of professionals, giving away lessons learned and learning from over ninety nations with so many diverse professionals. I am very fortunate to consider myself a teacher, social worker, leader, and colleague who wants to help others go to the next level. 

I want to give a mini introduction to what I believe is a fantastic opportunity for all levels of professionals and, over the years, many parents who have participated in the Advanced Practitioner Credential Course. Over the decades, the spirit of learning and help has advanced but still, deep within my essence, is a desire to be part of something that makes a difference in the lives of others. The instructional design is something I am honored to create. However, the many strategies from founding theorists and practitioners such as Aristotle, Viktor Frankl, Shoma Morita, Shlomo Breznitz, Maria Napoli, even the Art of Flow by Steve Jobs, and many more are incorporated in this unique eleven module opportunity to know you better. 

At the end of 2021, I started the process of a complete transformation of the curricula presented by the Fathers and Families Coalition of America. The three curriculum manuals include: "Unlocking Possibilities Globally, I Am Going Anyway, and Discovering The Best Of You." The depth of these programs is you! When you take these courses, they are not just another lecture or didactic approach to instruction. Yes, there are many research and practicum principles in each module. However, you become the constant knower together as we explore possibilities to help others, starting with ourselves. 

I am sharing great news! Collaboration is a benefit for many stakeholders. In 2022, we have confirmed support for the 23rd Annual Families and Fathers Conference, as of yesterday, from the following:

• The Annie E. Casey Foundation
• First 5 California
• Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving
• Nurturing Fathers Program

The support allows giving a LIMITED amount of discounts for NEW registrations. FFCA will discount 50% off in-person attendees, going from $299 early to $149.50. We will also give a 35% discount for all NEW virtual registrations. The fee from $209 is now $104.50! The conference is a hybrid event with all sessions LIVE and NOT taped like many virtual conferences.

All specialty training programs with NEW enrollment for the Advanced Practitioner Credential, Leadership Institute, and Nurturing Fathers Program will have limited 50% discounted rates because the sponsors are all under $100! Also, we will have simultaneous Spanish interpretation for the Advanced Practitioner Credential and Nurturing Fathers Curriculum Program (NFP Spanish Trainers Manual is Available).

Thank you to our sponsors, faculty, and volunteers because with the support, we can help others attend this fantastic conference well beyond a modest registration rate. The discounts are LIMITED and will end next week!

Discount Code is Sponsors2022