Fathers Find Fun at Philly Fatherhood Festival

Van Williams, senior management analyst in the HUD Philadelphia Regional Office, enjoys reading and being read to.

"It was really fun to read to the youngsters," said Van Williams, senior management analyst in the HUD Philadelphia Regional Office. "They were enthusiastic and eager to be read to and to read to me."

The Reading Corner, whose books were donated by the U.S. Department of Education, was just one element of the 6th Annual Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival, sponsored in part by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The event welcomed fathers and father figures from all backgrounds on June 18, 2011, bringing families together and providing economic and healthcare resources to fathers seeking support.

"There was so much positive energy at the event and it personally made me feel extremely blessed to have a father whose support and guidance have made a huge difference in my life," said Monica Hawkins, Division Director for the Philadelphia Office of Public Housing who also participated in the activities.

Philadelphia's Fatherhood Festival was one of nearly 200 events being hosted by housing authorities across the nation on June 18 as part of President Obama's Fathering and Mentoring Initiative: Strong Fathers, Strong Families. NFL and NBA athletes came to join in the fun at some of the events in the 34 participating states. All locations offered support in the form of employment resources, healthcare consultation and legal counseling in order to help fathers in need.

Modeled after New York City Housing Authority's 2010 Fatherhood Initiative, a day-long event that kicked off ongoing workshops and bonding activities for fathers and children, Philadelphia's Fatherhood Festival gave local dads a chance to bond with their children while giving them support.