Teen fatherhood challenges will be addressed in a free symposium purposed to focus on teen fathers and their families on June 26th at the Parklawn YMCA, 4340 North Sherman Boulevard, from 10 AM until 3 PM. The forum, hosted by The Milwaukee Fatherhood Collaborative (MFC), Wisconsin Donor Network and Parklawn YMCA, will target fathers ages 13-25 and address child support, healthy relationships, employment and money management. The main objectives of the symposium are to focus on and provide solutions to common challenges faced by teen fathers.

The MFC is a network of support and social services dedicated to influencing and strengthening at-risk fathers— specifically teen, incarcerated and divorced fathers. Founded in 1999, the MFC is a grassroots, Milwaukee based network of 25 services and agencies, including New Concept and Vincent Family Resource Center.

“Many of society’s problems, like teen pregnancy, juvenile violence and substance abuse, could be rectified if we restore the role of the father,” said W. Curtis Marshall, Public Health Educator, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. “The Milwaukee Fatherhood Collaboration focuses on reconciling the father to the child while strengthening the father and family and providing them with wealth of resources,” said Marshall.

During the symposium free lunch and childcare will be provided. Additionally, three barbers from RPZ Clippers will be providing free hair cuts to the young fathers and their sons. The dads will participate in a job resource fair, and they will also enjoy a talent showcase and poetry slam.

“We want these fathers to walk away from the symposium empowered and aware of readily available resources,” said Marshall. For More information and to register please contact Sonia Maldonado at 414-449-2870.

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Popular Interests In This Article: Milwaukee Fatherhood Collaborative, Parklawn YMCA, Symposiums, Teenage Fatherhood, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Wisconsin Donor Network