INTRODUCTION

Since 1994, National Fatherhood Initiative has worked to improve the well being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers. It has done so by:

• Educating and inspiring all Americans—especially fathers—through public awareness campaigns, careful research, and providing other resources;
• Equipping and developing leaders of national, state, and community fatherhood initiatives through curricula, training, and technical assistance; and
• Engaging every sector of society through strategic alliances and partnerships.

The Opportunity

To this end  National Fatherhood Initiative announces availability of up to 100 awards, each in the amount of 250 Daddy Packs™ valued at $2,500.00 for local healthcare facilities, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and other grassroots fatherhood and family-strengthening agencies. Through a competitive bidding process, top applicants will receive the Daddy Pack™ resources for the specific purpose of distributing to new or expectant fathers they serve.

What is a Daddy Pack™

The Daddy Pack™ is a resource designed especially for new and expectant dads. It contains skill-building brochures and an interactive CD-ROM, Directions for Dads™. Directions for Dads™ is an ideal way for new dads to build their fathering skills in the privacy of their homes or offices, progressing at a pace that is comfortable for them, and selecting the information that is most useful for them at their particular stage of fatherhood. The Daddy Pack™ is available in English and in Spanish. The interactive Directions for Dads™ CD-ROM takes the user on a trip down the “fatherhood freeway,” helping him to navigate the twists and turns he might face along the way. The CD includes a wealth of information that helps dads raise healthy and happy children.
The three brochures contained in the Daddy Pack™ are:

• “So You’re a New Father (Or About to Become One)”
• “10 Ways to Be A Better Dad”
• “Keeping Your Child Safe”

These attractive and concise brochures cover practical tips—such as how to hold a baby, what to do when a baby cries, and how a father can begin developing a relationship with his child.

The feedback we have received from fathers who have used the Daddy Pack™ has been very encouraging. Nearly 100 percent of survey respondents have indicated that the material in the pack was helpful.  Moreover, 95 percent said they felt more connected to their child as a result of using the Daddy Pack™.  And nearly 94 percent said they were interested in learning more about how to care for the health and safety of their children, which suggests the need among fathers for National Fatherhood Initiative’s Doctor Dad™ workshop.