Dads Unlimited Ideas

On Wednesday, January 20th the Power of 10 group Fathers of Daughters met with Wendy Schwalbe from Parent – Connection Family Services to discuss the needs in the community, current programs and future opportunities.

Parent Connection – Family Services currently offers free programs for dads in the Oshkosh area called “Dads Unlimited.” The program offers baby basics classes, a dads & kids play group, home visitations, family wellness workshops, and a teen parent program.

Wendy shared future ideas of hosting “daddy & daughter dates” and launching an awareness campaign before Father’s Day that included an essay contest focused on how children see their fathers as heroes.

The fathers were very pleased to learn more about the programs offered and see a lot of potential to grow this into something BIG. Keith, a Fathers of Daughters group participant, stated “I am so proud to be part of this initiative.”

The next step is to fine tune their ideas for the programs in order to create social change in the lives of fathers of daughters.

To see the program's already available through "Dads Unlimited" visit the Family Services website at www.familyservicesnew.org.

*Submitted by: Mindie Boynton, Women's Fund Communications Committee*

Strong Moms, Strong Communities

Our second Power of 10 group, Working Moms, brought everything to the table—from the challenges of achieving professional growth and finding personal time, to dealing with parental guilt. Dozens of innovative ideas were tossed around to help alleviate the day-to-day pressures on today's working mothers.

Could we create a mom-to-mom bartering site?

Could we offer sick-child care?

Could we add an extra hour to the day?

At first it seemed like a daunting task, but soon a single "theme" began to surface.

Our group discovered that many working mothers today lack a sense of community. They may be seperated from their extended families, or unable to find a support network of their peers. They often feel isolated or alone, and don't always have the time or energy to seek out the resources they need. They need a place to connect with other moms, discuss parenting issues, and find support. They need a community of people who understand what they're going through.

In November, the group awarded $10,000 to the Oshkosh Community YMCA to create an entirely new program for mothers in our community. The 'Strong Moms' program will debut in January 2009, and cover issues ranging from healthy meal planning, stress management, kids and technology, age-appropriate discipline and more.

Mothers interested in the 'Strong Moms' program can contact YMCA staffer Shauna Coleman at (920) 230-8449 x106 or shaunacoleman@oshkoshymca.org.

Submitted by: Samantha Zinth, Women's Fund staff