New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with other city officials, has rolled out a comprehensive fatherhood initiative dubbed "Empowering Fathers, Thriving Children: A Citywide Fatherhood Plan," aiming to reinforce father-child engagement across the city. In a coordinated effort, the city has also introduced "Father Friendly Summer," a digital hub providing resources and event information designed to support fathers and promote paternal involvement in children's lives, according to the Mayor's office.
Mayor Adams, a proud dad himself, emphasized the significance of nurturing fatherhood, remarking in a statement obtained by the Mayor's office, "I’ve done many things in my life, but being a father is my greatest accomplishment." He added, "Our new ‘Fatherhood Plan’ and the ‘Father Friendly Summer’ digital hub are bold steps toward ensuring every father in New York City has the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive because when fathers thrive, children thrive — and so does our entire city." His administration's proactive stance is clear, setting out to celebrate fatherhood at the inaugural "Dads at Gracie" event at Gracie Mansion where storytelling and community were at the forefront.
Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar, alongside Mayor Adams, emphasized the vital role paternal figures play in strengthening the city's social fabric. "My father was an anchor in my life, and I’ve seen how deeply fathers like mine can impact our communities," Almanzar told the Mayor's office. She highlighted that the initiative seeks to engage fathers inclusively, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Keith Howard, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), spoke to his personal journey as a single father positively impacted by paternal support networks, specifically the Real Dads Network. According to Howard, who now spearheads the city's “Fatherhood Initiative,” Mayor Adams has made groundbreaking investments, making it possible for the array of services offered to serve a larger number of dads, including non-custodial, custodial, and those who are incarcerated. "The knowledge and support I received helped me become a better father and raise my children, Maya and Tyler, in a loving, nurturing environment," Howard said in a statement from the Mayor's office.
The Father Friendly Summer Hub is set to provide fathers with a curated list of free, family-friendly events throughout the city, streamlining the process for dads to engage in meaningful activities with their children. This initiative is part of a citywide effort to enhance family well-being, educational opportunities, and holistic child and family development. The overall Fatherhood Initiative, overseen by the DYCD for over two decades, has supported numerous fathers, acknowledging the empirical evidence that shows children with involved fathers are less likely to enter the criminal justice system and tend to achieve better academic outcomes.
Earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced a $7 million expansion of the Fatherhood Initiative, furthering his administration's commitment to making New York City an ideal location for families. This expansion is part of a broader initiative that also includes the ambitious "After-School for All" program. Mayor Adams is keen on ensuring public school students from kindergarten through eighth grade have access to equipped and supportive after-school environments, with plans to increase funding to $755 million in the upcoming school years, as per the report shared by NYC.gov.
