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The Evanston Fatherhood Initiative

documentary film screening & discussion

Data clearly indicates the need to have engaged fathers to support early childhood development. Come learn about the Fatherhood Initiative to support how fathers can learn, connect, and grow together.

FACTS:

• Children with engaged fathers are 60% less likely to be suspended or expelled from school.
• Children with involved fathers are:
  • 2x's as like to go to college or find stable employment
  • 75% less likely to be a teen parent
  • 80% less likely to be incarcerated
  • 50% less likely to suffer from depression

Stephen Vick, Executive Director of the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, will lead a discussion after the 30-minute film.

The documentary is the result of a growing initiative to provide fathers of children ages 0 – 3 with community connection, parenting resources and social-emotional support. It intends to highlight how the community can better engage fathers in early childhood education by addressing societal and systematic issues and dispelling myths and stereotypes that inhibit father connectivity.

The fatherhood initiative began in 2017 as a weekly support group that provided mentorship and a venue for discussion. As participation grew, it expanded to include highly attended open mic sessions and community picnics, which allowed for more open dialogue and expression. The documentary follows fathers who participated, as well as organizational leaders, who are working to shift societal notions of fatherhood and develop strong relationships between men and their children starting at birth.

“As advocates for the importance of early childhood development, we see research that shows how fathers play a critical role in positive growth,” says IWSE Executive Director Stephen Vick. “It is essential that we work with providers and the community to change the current narrative. Fathers want to learn and connect, they need to be recognized as primary caretakers.”

The Evanston Fatherhood Initiative project is funded by Evanston Cradle to Career and The United Way.

Partner organizations in the initiative are Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, Family Focus Inc., Youth Job Center, YWCA and City of Evanston Parks, Recreation & Community Service.

Registration suggested but not required. Drop-ins welcome!

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