2014 Fatherhood Conference

April 17, 2014

San Mateo History Museum

9:00 am - 2:30 pm

Registration & Networking - 8:15 to 8:55

 (Registration includes admission, morning coffee/tea and lunch)

(Participant biographies will be e-mailed to attendees prior to the event)

Parking Information: Click on link for downtown Redwood City Parking information

http://www.redwoodcity.org/bit/transportation/parking/Overview.html

Program

Opening Remarks

John Fong, Fatherhood Collaborative, Vice-Chair

Carine Verdusco, Fatherhood Collaborative, Executive Director

Keynote Speaker

Ralph Harper, Author, Stepped Up: The Urgency of Fatherhood

(See below for additional information)

Panel Discussion

How Public Agencies and Community Organizations are Supporting Fathers and Fostering a “Father-Friendly” Approach to Services

Facilitator

Marshall Wilson, Communications Director, San Mateo County

Panelists

Gary Beasley, Children and Family Services Manager, San Mateo County

Anne Campbell, Superintendent of Schools, San Mateo County

Robert Foiles, Presiding Judge, San Mateo County

John Keene, Chief of Probation, San Mateo County

Robert Sanchez, Attorney, Department of Child Support Services, San Mateo County

Jacob Stone, Program Director, First Step for Families

InnVision Shelter Network

Lunch

Provided by Portobello Grill

Program Presentations and Audience Q & A

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area"

Daniel Cavaliaye, Vice President of Programs

"Alameda County Fathers Corps"

Kevin Bremond, Program Officer, First 5 Alameda County, Co-founder of the Alameda County Fathers Corps

"The Institute for Human and Social Development"

 Dalenna Smith, Family Services & Health Manager, IHSD

Documentary Presentation

Daddy Don't Go

Producer/Director - Emily Abt

Community Call to Action

Patrick Ledesma, Fatherhood Collaborative, Chair

Closing Remarks

John Fong, Fatherhood Collaborative, Vice-Chair

Keynote Speaker: Ralph Harper, author of "Stepped Up: The Urgency for Fatherhood"

Author Ralph Harper shares the unique relationship he forged with his stepson, Cody, while deftly weaving their personal tales into the larger portrait of what fatherhood means in today’s society. Highlighting the increasing incidents of children being raised without a father at home, Harper examines the far-reaching consequences of what this means for future generations.

 Ralph and Cody’s story touches on a multitude of challenges that fathers face while raising their children, but surpasses the stereotypical nuclear family, by acknowledging topics such as race, the sometimes challenging role of being a male role model, issues that go hand in hand as a stepparent, discipline, divorce and separation, and the continuous struggle to teach a child the value and importance of education. Additionally, the role Ralph had with his father, while tumultuous, likely played a large part in shaping the way Ralph approached fatherhood. It is Ralph’s journey and experiences as Cody’s father that provided him with an epiphany about his own father and after many years, Ralph recognized that some of the efforts and actions of his father undoubtedly helped him be the father that “stepped up” for Cody.

The book tells each step of one particular adventure, including the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Throughout the book, Ralph urges the reader to focus not on individual stories, but on the larger lessons. Ralph shares his retrospection about some of the actions he took while Cody was growing up, sharing regrets and decisions he wasn’t sure were right, but the grown up Cody of today is proof that many of those decisions that were scary and unfamiliar territory were instinctual, and the right decisions to make.

"In this emotional debut, Harper shares in detail the unique relationship with his stepson, Cody."

Book Signing by Mr. Harper and book purchases available immediately following the conference.

1) Advance purchase of signed copies of Ralph Harper's book are available online a special rate available just for us and can be hand-delivered when he arrives! Visit stepped-up.com and enter in promotional code(s):

HARDCOVER14 – Discounted price is $16.00 represents $7.95 saving

PAPERBACK14 – Discounted price is $12.00 represents $3.95 savings

2) Or, you can purchase one of a limited quantity available through the Fatherhood Collaborative to be delivered in advance of the conference by contacting Carine Verdusco, 650-599-3849 or cverdusco@smcgov.org.

Join the online discussion!  We've created an online discussion group in the Stepped-Up community. Visit the Community Groups page and search for "Stepping-Up in San Mateo County".

 “What if one million fathers returned to the children they’ve left behind for the sole purpose of loving, staying, teaching, guiding, protecting and bonding with the children they previously abandoned?”

 *Sponsorship opportuntites are still available. Contact Carine Verdusco, 650-599-3849 or cverdusco@smcgov.org.

Thank you to the San Mateo Credit Union for your support of the Fatherhood Collaborative.