The Million Father’s Club hosted an “Introduction to Responsible Fatherhood Conference” presented by NYS Assemblyman William Scarborough on March 28 in St. Albans (Queens), NY. Region II’s Barbara Andrews delivered remarks about ACF’s African American Healthy Marriage and Responsible Father- hood Initiatives. ACF provided for the participation of Charles Lee Johnson, who spoke about the 10 Rites of Passage. Enthusiastic participants received a wide range of materials at the ACF display, attended a panel discussion and took part in workshops on a variety of topics. The goal of the Million Father’s Club is to create a city-wide coalition to address and inform policies and practices that impact males and the development of healthy family rela- tionships.

The Keynote Speaker of the conference was Charles Lee-Johnson, CEO and Executive Director of the California based organization, The National Family Life and Education Center, home to The 10 Step Rites of Passage Program, a life changing program that teaches at risk youth and families to become productive contributors to the communities in which they live. The US Dept. of Health and Human Services, Region II , a key contributor to Charles Lee-Johnson's speaking engagement, had Barbara Andrews also of Region II introduce the dynamic speaker, who captivated the audience, empowered fathers and inspired many to do more for their families and community as they left the facility. Mr. Lee-Johnson emphasized the importance of fathers in the lives of their sons and daughters. Almost two in three children, 70%, are born into single parent households. Children raised in single parent families are more likely to engage in delinquent and criminal behavior, greater chance of substance abuse early in life, drop out of school and not attend college,

Dr. Gerald Deas, Frank Olton, 1st Deputy Commissioner of the Human Resources Administration Office of Child Support Enforcement, Referee Dean Richardson-Mendelson, Family Court Referee for NYS Office of Court Administration, Darcel Dillard, founder and co-president of Full Circle Health Life Enrichment Center and Harry Sigmone III, Queens Deputy Director for Family Service Units and Family Preservation Program for NYC Administration for Children's Services joined Assemblyman Scarborough on the panel to address issues and concerns of fathers.

                                                                                                                      Photo Credit:  Juliet Kaye