Queens Community Celebrates Opening of Forestdale Fathering Initiative Office
June 11, 2009-- The rainclouds held off today for the jubilant opening ceremony of the new Forestdale Fathering Initiative office in Jamaica. Parents, local politicians, Forestdale staff and other well-wishers gathered outside the storefront office that will serve as a walk-in center for men who want to learn more about parenting and relationship issues. The new space will also house the 12-week Fathering Initiative program, which combines parenting and anger management classes, group discussion, and job training for fathers who want to take a responsible role in their children’s lives.
The crowd was welcomed by Mike Giliam of My9 News, who served as the ceremony’s emcee. Anstiss Agnew, Executive Director of Forestdale, stepped to the podium to introduce the Reverend Alfonso Wyatt of Allen AME Cathedral, who gave the invocation. Other guests included Yvonne Reddick, District Manager of Community Board 12 in Jamaica; representatives from the offices of State Senator Shirley Huntley, City Council member Leroy Comrie and City Council member Jim Gennaro; and Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne Mullgrav, a longtime supporter of the program. Phil Craig, a graduate of the Fathering Initiative, spoke about the rewards of becoming a dedicated father to his daughter.
“Some fathers have never seen or been part of a healthy father-child relationship, which usually translates into them having a challenging time fathering their own children,” said Scott Leach, Director of the Fathering Initiative. “Our role is to teach young fathers how to relate to their children and to equip them to be the best they can possibly be.”
The keynote address was given by journalist and former ESPN radio and television host Stephen A. Smith. Raised in Hollis, Queens, Smith spoke frankly about his struggle to reconcile with his father, who was absent for much of Smith’s childhood. He praised the resilience of single mothers, while affirming that fathers have an indispensable role to play in the wellbeing of their children.
The Fathering Initiative office is located at on 159-17 Hillside Avenue, convenient to the F train and the Q65, Q68 and Q43 buses. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. If you have any questions about the program, please call 718-263-0740.
