by Darrell Irions
On June 18, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) in Florida hosted Father’s Day 2011 to celebrate responsible fathers and to encourage the region’s families with low incomes to come together in support of good parenting. Hosted in partnership with the Clearwater Housing Authority, the event included a number of activities that encourage family unity, including arts and crafts and inspirational speakers. Children also received free books from the St. Petersburg Department of Education Read it LOUD Program.
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority and its CEO Darrell Irions believe that celebrations of responsible fatherhood not only encourage healthy and communicative relationships between children and parents, but also help spread a message that the CHA and the SPHA both stand behind: America needs dads.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) called for all housing authorities around the country to host Father’s Day events in 2011, particularly in the wake of President Barack Obama’s recently launched initiative to encourage involved parenthood and mentoring, Strong Fathers, Strong Families.
“Children with involved fathers grow up happier, healthier and better prepared to succeed in life,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Our hope is the resources provided at these events will leave fathers feeling stronger and better prepared in their desire to be the best parents they can be.”
The events also featured complimentary food and drinks from local restaurants, resource and information booths, entertainment from the Royal Theatre Boys & Girls Club Arts Academy, and raffle prizes for restaurants, shops, school supplies, and gym passes.
In 2011, almost 200 housing authorities in 34 states participated in the annual event, many of which partnered with the Legal Services Corporation, the National Fatherhood Initiative, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.
On June 18, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) in Florida hosted Father’s Day 2011 to celebrate responsible fathers and to encourage the region’s families with low incomes to come together in support of good parenting. Hosted in partnership with the Clearwater Housing Authority, the event included a number of activities that encourage family unity, including arts and crafts and inspirational speakers. Children also received free books from the St. Petersburg Department of Education Read it LOUD Program.
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority and its CEO Darrell Irions believe that celebrations of responsible fatherhood not only encourage healthy and communicative relationships between children and parents, but also help spread a message that the CHA and the SPHA both stand behind: America needs dads.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) called for all housing authorities around the country to host Father’s Day events in 2011, particularly in the wake of President Barack Obama’s recently launched initiative to encourage involved parenthood and mentoring, Strong Fathers, Strong Families.
“Children with involved fathers grow up happier, healthier and better prepared to succeed in life,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Our hope is the resources provided at these events will leave fathers feeling stronger and better prepared in their desire to be the best parents they can be.”
The events also featured complimentary food and drinks from local restaurants, resource and information booths, entertainment from the Royal Theatre Boys & Girls Club Arts Academy, and raffle prizes for restaurants, shops, school supplies, and gym passes.
In 2011, almost 200 housing authorities in 34 states participated in the annual event, many of which partnered with the Legal Services Corporation, the National Fatherhood Initiative, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.