The Alvin Galloway Show Special Series - 21st Annual Families and Fathers Conference, February 24-27, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, featured Assistant Secretary Lynn A. Johnson, and Director Clarence H. Carter, hosted by the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA). We extend a heartfelt sense of gratitude to Assistant Secretary Johnson and Director Carter for taking the time for this exclusive interview, and the talents of Mr. Alvin Galloway for the executive producing of this two-part interview series. 

Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson, for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, was honored at the Fathers & Families Coalition of America's 21st annual conference. Additional interviews include Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America, as well as, Mr. Clarence H. Carter. He is the Director of the Office of Family Assistance and the Acting Director of the Office of Community Services at HHS' Administration for Children and Families. Listen to these broadcasts, as the three interviewees, discuss their responsibilities, vision, how we all can improve the outcomes for children and families.

Assistant Secretary Johnson was presented with the Honorable John S. Martinez National Leadership Award. This award is named after the late Connecticut State Representative, President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, and a founding member of the Board of Directors for Fathers and Families Coalition of America. Over the past 16-years, FFCA has bestowed this national award to numerous leaders who bridge from local, state, or national leadership. Rep. Martinez was a champion of champions who went beyond political affiliation, economic or social status to focus on policies to improve the lives of those who he represented in the State of Connecticut and the United States. The most recent honorees of this national award include the Honorable Holly J. Mitchell, California State Senator(2019), and the Honorable Maxine Waters, U.S. Congresswoman representing California's 43rd District(2018). 

The 2020 National Award was presented at the closing Drs. Ramon and Yolanda Nieves Gala. FFCA honored for her leadership in making a difference from her home state of Colorado and throughout the United States. The U.S. Senate confirmed Assistant Secretary Lynn A. Johnson on August 28, 2018. Before joining the Trump administration, Ms. Johnson served as the Executive Director of Jefferson County Human Services in Colorado, overseeing the county's Head Start program, as well as programs on the workforce, career and family services, child welfare, justice services, and community assistance.

#socialworkmonth #fathersandfamiliescoalitionofamerica

Are you the change you wish to see in the world? March 2020, has certainly taken on new challenges globally but a time of reflection. I write this note to share a few points moving forward during a glance int he rearview mirror of life and purpose. I wanted to become a social worker as a teenager. Now, the field is not one with a lot of Latinos, but there was this person who was "being the change he wanted to see in the world," in Mr. Hiram Rivera-Toro, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Over the decades, I can look back using a handheld mirror to see the influence of his passion helping youth, just like me, and a lifelong legacy shift in the lives of tens of thousands Hiram still posses today. Many children, youth, young parents, families, and older adults globally are seeking for #socialworkstrong professionals and organizations to find their destiny. 

Looking in a full-length mirror, in the reflection, are you making a difference in the world. Who has impacted your life? How have you made an impact in the lives of others? Unknown to you at the moment or ever. March is  #socialworkmonth, and I want to share the talented #socialworkers and others who have made lasting impacts on the development of Fathers and Families Coalition of America. 

The FFCA Community is established by helping professionals of early childhood education and primarily social work. The platforms of professional development allow FFCA to further   #strengtheningfamilies initiatives. We have incorporated an array of #therapist #healthcareprofessionals #practitioners #mentalhealth #earlyheadstart #headstart and others who are making #makingadifference in the #lives of parents and #youngpeople.

We value the professional field of social work. As a graduate of the School of Social Work at the Arizona State University, I understand there still is a need to establish valuable education and professional development opportunities for social workers and others to create men's studies and or father engagement strategies similar to women's studies, family development, and other curricula as we have a change in family formation globally.

Our very modest Early Bird Rate now extended due to the support of conference sponsorships. The ability to work with foundations and others will help you, and others attend the convention that starts February 24th (Pre-Conference Institute) and continues with our Opening Day, February 25th. The closing will be an exceptional event on our third and last day with the Drs. Ramon & Yoland Nieves Family Affair Gala. Please use this opportunity to share the fantastic news the grant to our organization, now reinvested to our stakeholders, constituents, and new attendees and guests.

Walk Away with New Relationships the Will Get You To The Next Level 2020

Join Us Tuesday Night
Fathers & Families Coalition of America Presents
The Next Level 2020 Opening Night Reception
The 21st Annual Families and Fathers Conference
February 24th-27th, 2020
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90045

We are honored to announce that our new partnership with Barnes&Nobles Bookstores with Fathers and Families Coalition of America will host The Meet the Authors as part of our Opening Night Reception. FFCA will include exceptional entertainment as a time for attendees to enjoy, network, access resources, and build new relationships. The Opening Night Reception is open to the public, family, and friends of attendees. However, all non-conference attendees must be registered for the Opening Night Reception using our online registration system.

VIEW OUR CONFERENCE PROGRAM  AND REGISTER TODAY

Region 5 Fall Symposium 2019

Friday, October 18, 2019

3:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. Registration
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meet & Greet (Drinks and Snacks)
6:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. Speaker: Jeffery M. Leving, LTD

Saturday, October 19, 2019

8:00 a.m - 9:00a.m Registration
9:00 a.m - 12:00p.m Advanced Practitioner Credential Part I
12:00 p.m - 1:00p.m Lunch Provided
1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m Advanced Practitioner Credential Part II
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Mgr's Reception (Drinks and Snacks)

SYMPOSIUM LOCATION

Kick-Off for The 21st Annual Families & Fathers Conference

Thursday, July 25, 2019
Homeless Prenatal Program
2500 18th Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room
San Francisco, California, 94110 USA
Virtual Attendance Text to 31-996 Next Level
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sign up here

WORKER & FAMILY SUPPORT

The Worker & Family Support Subcommittee authorizes and oversees a range of critical supports for workers, children, and families. On Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - 2:00 pm the Worker & Family Support (116th Congress) met with a call to action to examine the construct of policy related to the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood appropriation.  the Committee on Ways and Means submission for the record page. To submit a statement or letter for the record of a hearing or request for written comments, please follow these instructions here. All responses are due, today, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. 

Fathers & Families Coalition of America submitted the following and we encourage others to submit today!

http://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/images/FFCAPOLICY/Committee-Submission-for-Celebrating-Fathers-and-Families-Federal-Support-for-Responsible-Fatherhood.pdf

Policy Drives Practice - Be A Driver!

Fathers and Families Coalition of America, we address issues essential to the well-being of our nation’s children and families through family engagement, building healthy communities and at the core, policies that support parents, not just dads but all parents. When you join the Fathers & Families Coalition of America, we facilitate beyond a great national/internationally attended conference with a focus on social policy and connecting others to support each other. 

Join Fathers & Families Coalition of America for an extraordinary Call to Action! Mark your calendar for the following important dates as it is related national policy on Fathers in America!

Friday, June 7th, 11:00 am EST,  National Open Call- Unifying Voice on Fatherhood Initiatives. FFCA will lead with hundreds of leaders throughout the nation to prepare for  The House Ways and Means Worker, and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis announced today that the Subcommittee would hold a hearing, titled “Celebrating Fathers and Families: Federal Support for Responsible Fatherhood” (Sign up here to get all information)

Tuesday, June 11th, at 2:00 pm, EST “Celebrating Fathers and Families: Federal Support for Responsible Fatherhood” in room 2020 Rayburn House Office Building, as well as the Ways and Means Subcommittee YouTube Channel. (see below for details or here)

Parents in Recovery Training
June, 6th & 7th, 2019

Fathers & Families Coalition of America is sharing specialized training for those who work with parents in the healing process from addiction disease.  The Fatherhood Project, located in Boston, Massachusetts at The Mass General Hospital, is making a unique west-coast training opportunity in Phoenix, Ari. The Fatherhood Project is an evidence-based, innovative program Parents in Recovery. The program curriculum is designed to teach advanced parenting skills in a supportive environment. Registration fees start at $99.00. The training is to show other frontline providers working with mothers and fathers in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (Opioids, other drugs, and Alcohol). Participants will leave with a model to implement in their agency or practice. One of the most exciting parts of the training, The Fatherhood Project conducts an active group of volunteers in recovery as an innovative teaching strategy. The Fatherhood Project Model, "Parents in Recovery," has been successful in Minnesota and now comes to Phoenix, Arizona June 6th & 7th. Continued Education Units are available for practitioners. For more information, please visit The Fatherhood Project at www.thefatherhoodproject.org.

Social Policy

Fathers and Families Coalition of America, we address issues essential to the well-being of our nation’s children and families through family engagement, building healthy communities and at the core, policies that support parents, not just dads but all parents.

Join Us Second Policy & Call to Action Meeting

Fathers and Families Coalition of America, with national peers, have set a tentative schedule for Thursday, May 9th, as we discuss particular models that have successfully developed statewide efforts inclusive government at all state, county, municipality levels. How to examine the attached strings" to avoid thwarted efforts of a commission/coalition/network? How to build networks/commissions/coalitions with the active and leading voices from key leaders such as: Grassroots entities, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, the private sector, social networks, e.g., rotary, current associations such as and not limited to state-wide associations of child welfare, Head Start, child support, behavioral health agencies, social workers (NASW local), etc., education, and practitioners? How can we start interconnecting with the current states with colleagues who signed up?

The goals for Thursday, May 9th include:  (1) Continued expansion of requested information, (2) Initiate a system of communication (3) Define key stakeholders in each state-local potential team to form a narrowed group and messaging, (4) What efforts could we engage with the policy leaders  in the current fiscal year? This is an open opportunity for leaders who want to strive for excellence in strengthening families initiatives. 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, also known as Child Abuse Prevention Month in America, dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse since 1983. Fathers and Families Coalition has been a champion to address the impacts fathers have on the prevention of child abuse. We hope to share a story of love that manifested towards healing. Listen to the story of just one of several leaders who are guest lecturers at Fathers and Families Coalition of America, Ms. LaTasha C. Watts, Founder and CEO of the Purple Project as she shares her journey of pain that ended with an embracing love of her father.

State Planning Mini-Grants on Fatherhood
The FRPN plans to issue up to 12, $10,000 grants to support state planning projects to develop, augment or sustain initiatives to promote father inclusion in policies and practices in state agencies, departments, and programs that serve families. Awards to a single administering agency such as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, a state or local government agency, a public or private university or a research organization. We will accept applications (one per state) on a rolling basis through December 31, 2018.

Planning groups must include the State Child Support (IV-D) director or his/her designee, a researcher with a focus on fatherhood or family policy and at least one other high-level state official.

Download the application. Please direct any questions to Jessica Pearson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More information about this funding opportunity and the benefits of state-level initiatives to engage fathers from the National Child Support Enforcement Association (here).

Register Now for Reduced Rates
20th Annual Families and Fathers National Conference,
March 4-7, 2019, at the Hilton LAX Hotel
Los Angeles, California
Learn More: http://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/national-conference.html

The 20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference offers to staff and community partnerships require professional development to enhance the engaging evidence-based to promising practices working with fathers. Community programs and your partnerships can leverage the 20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference many of the selected faculty are available to support and enhance a competent, skilled, and professional child welfare, Head Start, Fatherhood Practitioner, and other Child & Family Services workforce with workshops, featured speakers, and advanced training seminars for practitioners.

Dr. Rosina McAlpine, of Australia, is one of the many dynamic speakers to support attendees to go beyond providing services and go towards transformational and best-practices. Join Dr. McAlpine at  20th Annual Families and Fathers Conference with superior faculty teaching appropriate practice working with fathers and improving important child and parent outcomes, such as mental health, substance abuse, and child safety and well-being for practitioners working with parents of young children, children, mothers, and fathers.

The months of September and October have provided new partnerships and impacts globally. After leaving a policy event in Pennsylvania hosted by the Pennsylvania FFCA Affiliate and our Region-3 Lead for FFCA, The Commission's Dr. Rufus Sylvester Lynch, ACSW, I reflected on the power of partnerships. In my position as President and Chief Executive Officer with several affiliates all over the United States as well as humbly in Africa, Australia, China, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom we are provided information and opportunities that I believe sharing with others. In September, we were able to be a featured panel speaker for the U.S. Black Congressional Caucus Conference in Washington, D.C. FFCA also added a new international FFCA Affiliate from Australia.  Fathers and Families Coalition was honored to have Win-Win Parenting from Sydney, Australia join as one of our international affiliates. Humbled by the comments of both U.S. and other global leaders that stated they had followed Fathers and Families Coalition of America to partner with FFCA to improve their programs. One brief example most recently, Mr. Alex Borchardt, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom that through social media has connected to FFCA for many years, "I have long wanted to compare notes one what FFCA and Families Need Fathers do" is an example of going beyond the comforts of limited partners to enhance the influences and strengths of partnerships. 

In October, FFCA added a new organizational member from Bakersfield, California.  Fathers and Families Coalition of America added two more affiliates. One of the new members is a proven mentoring agency in Lagos, Nigeria. The Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN) is a Non-Governmental Organization established to advocate, give life & living direction to boys in an ever-increasing world of gang violence, cultism, and other vices. Mr. Ola Akinwe Founder is the Fathers and Families Coalition of Nigeria Executive The other latest branch is a champion for children who sadly need protection from abuse and neglect in Orange County, California. When we have agencies asking to join as The Raise Foundation did this month, a dedicated to stopping the cycle of abuse through education, advocacy, community collaboration, and comprehensive services for families and children, it is humbling with responsibilities to ensure we champion these new, existing and future champions of strengthening families globally.  One of the duties of our members and stakeholders is assuring the most exceptional professional development national conference. In October, we have others ask if they can join the platform of presenters from Scotland, Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, Australia, and throughout the United States. The preliminary program released in October, is yet, another example of our commitment to give others our best and a place where diverse professionals' collective influnce will partner with others for the focus of working together to enhance working with parents, children, families and communities.

Why is the collaboration so crucial for agencies working with families? 

Why is there a growing need for formal partnerships, coalitions, commissions, networks, etc.?  

One of the essential answers to these two questions, the ability to increase your sphere of influence. Regardless of how much funding an agency has, not one agency alone can catalyst change without partnerships. No matter how successful organizations and leaders are, there is a limit of how many people they can communicate with, and therefore influence, a finite number of people. But when that same nonprofit collaborates with another entity, their two, three, four, or in the case of Fathers and Families Coalition of America with over 20 solid affiliates and a total of 50 affiliate agencies with spheres of influence. The combined weight can expand the full ability to bring wholeness for practitioners, policy and social justice, community networking and foster the environment of changeability to advance their shared goals and their missions. Another significant contribution of the coalition relationship is honesty. The honest feedback to share with others to have focused on effective outcomes for the group. In Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, FFCA's Region-3 lead demonstrated bringing people together for the opportunity to build on synergy with honesty from peers that advancing purpose cannot advance personality related priorities. One of the more critical aspects of FFCA is it is not about a person but diverse leaders' needs to cultivate change for their communities.  By establishing relationships through honesty and a collective process, it brings new opportunities from added spheres of influence as aforementioned. 

Fathers and Families Coalition of America is extending a minimal opportunity! Upon notice of an award to help reduce conference registrations, we have opened for fifty individuals to have a reduced conference fee by $100.00 for the full-conference attendees only. You must either be a parent of children 0-5 or from an agency serving parents to be eligible. The discounted fee of $100.00 is just for full-conference registrants. Additional eligibility includes using our Preliminary Conference Program's Registration Page, completed with payment and sent by email only to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will only allow fifty-special discounted registrations received and secured payment this month alone. 

Did you know? The registration includes all general sessions, opening night event, meet the authors event, Wednesday evening events, and in 2019 it includes our closing gala. Please review the Preliminary Conference Program. We advise you not to wait and or submit a nonsecured payment registration because this is a limited opportunity from FFCA. The special discount will close on 10/31/18 or when the first fifty-completed registrations are emailed to FFCA(anyone who applies after the deduction ends,  will be notified - dDo not miss out!).

Additional information to help you with your attendance includes how to secure our discounted hotel rooms at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel and our Conference Page.  In 2019, we will host presenters from Australia, Scotland, England, Puerto Rico, and throughout the United States. The conference offers impressive tracks, featured experts, and great extra activities daily complimenting specialty training and certificates.

Thursday, November 15th, and Friday, November 16th 

EVENT FEES:

Early Full-Event Registration $149.00 
Early One-Day Registration $79.00

Register Here:  https://www.regonline.com/sandiegoadvancedpractitionerparentsymposium 

Advanced Practitioner Credential

Mark Perlman, Nurturing Father’s Program (NFP) author and trainer, will host this training workshop for men and women from around the country who want recognition as providers of facilitation, training, and consultation for this successful program.  Join this unique gathering of inspired parenting, fathering, and family advocates as we learn, laugh, grow and celebrate together, and build a national network of NFP Facilitator and Consultant / Trainers.  Consultant / Trainers will receive a certificate of recognition which authorizes them to present NFP Facilitator Training and receive a 10% discount on materials. 

Visit the Nurturing Fathers Website Here

Become a Facilitator and Recognized Consultant / Trainer for: