All Dads Matter

Father holding son.

ALL DADS MATTER

Boot Camp For New Dads

Men's Support Group

Male Engagement Activities

"...fathers factor significantly in the lives of their children. There is simply no substitute."

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ALL DADS MATTER The Merced County Human Services, All Dads Matter Program is determined to make committed, responsible fatherhood a county priority. Research indicates parental involvement directly contributes to better school performance, reduced substance abuse, less crime and delinquency, fewer emotional, and other behavioral problems, less risk of abuse or neglect, and lower risk of teen suicide. The research is clear: fathers factor significantly in the lives of their children. There is simply no substitute. Look throughout the year for community events and trainings, such as: • Boot Camp for New Dads • Men's/Father's Support Groups • Celebration of Fatherhood • Dad TV Located: All Dad's Matter Resource Center (Fahren's Park Plaza enter on Buena Vista Drive) 3376 North State Highway 59, Suite D Merced, CA 95348 (209) 385-7521

VIDEO: Male Engagement Workshop: "Man plays with Food"

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS Boot Camp for New Dads is a three-hour workshop taught by fathers. Utilizing a man-to-man approach, veteran dads and their babies orient rookie dads who are expecting their first baby. This combination, rookies, veterans, and babies−in a room for three hours makes for great chemistry. The rookies are all eyes and ears as they watch the veterans feed, burp, change, and care for their babies while hearing their experiences and advice. A strong sense of solidarity quickly develops between these men and peaks when the veterans give their babies to the rookies for hands-on training. There are few other opportunities for new dads to obtain the insights of other men on the challenges of becoming a father. Topics include: • Perspectives on fatherhood • Supporting mom in her role as a new mother • Recognizing symptoms of Post Partum Baby Blues, depression • Crying baby checklist • Baby safety • Managing “New Daddy Stress” • Self-care Please call (209) 385-7521 for dates and locations

MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP Men’s Support Group offers a safe environment for dads to discuss issues relating to fatherhood. The All Dads Matter Men’s Support Group offers support and encouragement to fathers of our community, while offering education on a broad range of subjects relating to the fatherhood experience. Men’s Support Group are offered in English and Spanish: Spanish Parenting Classes* Monday evening, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. English Support Groups Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. *Parenting classes include: Nurturing Parenting Positive discipline Los Banos Men's Group Wednesday evening, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Westside Family Service Center 415 F Street, Los Banos, CA 93635 Location: All Dad Matter / Resource Center (Fahrens Park Plaza enter on Buena Vista Drive) 3376 North State Highway 59, Suite D Merced, CA 95348 For more information call: (209) 385-7521

"...that the most precious things a father can provide are time, attention, and love."

Tim Russert

MALE ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES The All Dads Matter Team offers a catalog of activities in conjunction with community partners (MCOE and other School Districts) for fathers to interact with their young children in a safe environment where the activities are age appropriate, fun and easy to replicate at home with minimum expense and effort. The facilitator focuses on setting the stage for dads and children to have a lasting memory. This allows the participants to have a positive experience and enhance the relationship between the children and the father figure. Catalog of Workshops offered: 1. Man Plays with Food: Man Plays with Food promotes the importance of healthy food choices. This workshop uses very simple recipes that men can use to introduce healthy foods. This workshop also promotes the importance of spending “quality time” by doing simple things like preparing a snack. Man Plays with Food supports learning by practicing skills such as counting and identifying colors all while having a great time. 2. Men on a Roll: Men, Brothers, Uncles, Grandpas, and male role models, register for a unique, creative, and fun interactive bonding workshop. Bring the kids and make lasting memories for a lifetime. 3. Silly Slimy Science: Silly Slimy Science introduces science and experimentation through a series of fun experiments. Participants will explore different properties like liquids, solids and powders. Participants will learn to measure and combine properties such as corn starch, water and water color to create a solid that is also a liquid also known as “Oobleck”!! For more information call: (209) 385-7521

OTHER PROGRAMS Helping Men Recover Helping Men Recover offers a safe environment for Dads to address issues relating to a man undergoing recovery while dealing with past trauma. The All Dads Matter Helping Men Recover program offers support and encouragement to fathers who are dealing with challenges that negatively affect their abilities as a father, while offering education on a broad range of subjects relating to trauma. This program is offered in as closed group, all those interested in participating will have to enroll prior to the beginning of each cohort. Components include: Module A: Self Module B: Relationships Module C: Sexuality Module D: Spirituality DAD TV Join in the father conversation on “DAD TV”. “Shop Talk” is Dads sharing experiences, knowledge, insights, and just everyday life. Check out this streaming video series. For more information call: (209) 385-7521

The All Dads Matter team invites you to take the first step on the journey to becoming the father you always wanted to be.

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CONTACT US Location: All Dads Matter / Resource Center (Fahrens Park Plaza enter on Buena Vista Drive) 3376 North State Highway 59, Suite D Merced, CA 95348 Telephone: (209) 385-7521 Fax: (209) 725-3848 Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 112 Merced, CA 95341

Merced COunty Human Services Agency

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