Father Corps Retreat; Presentation: The Mask You Live In (Masculinity Development & Respect for Women)
The Alameda County Fathers Corps, established in 2013, is a collaboration between First 5 Alameda County, Alameda County Public Health Department, and Alameda County Social Services. The Fathers Corps is designed to increase involvement of fathers in their children's lives by focusing on factors specific to the needs of men and the challenges they face in fulfilling their role as fathers. Since June 2014, the Fathers Corps has graduated from its learning community an energetic team of 49 male Father Engagement Specialists and 15 male Father Engagement Mentors. After participating, Fathers Corps members reported work-related improvements in a number of areas including increased knowledge of child development; feeling more supported in their work with fathers of young children; and feeling more connected to other male providers in the community.