Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that Saint Joseph Parenting Center in Stamford will receive a $666,273 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will work to foster healthy homes through fatherhood courses and parenting resources.
“Giving parents the tools and training they need to create a stable home is a crucial first step to ensuring children grow up emotionally and physically healthy,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “During this pandemic, children are spending more time at home, making it important that parents foster a safe environment for their children’s intellectual and social education. I’m thrilled that Saint Joseph Parenting Center is receiving federal resources to promote healthy marriages and healthy families.”
“We are extremely grateful to receive the Fatherhood FIRE grant as it will bolster our existing 24/7 Dads Program. As a new awardee, this funding will enable us to promote and sustain healthy marriages, strengthen positive father-child engagement, and improve employment and economic stability” said SJPC Executive Director Rhonda R. Neal. “Servicing primarily Lower Fairfield County, Saint Joseph Parenting Center’s mission is to strengthen families that are at risk of child abuse and neglect by providing parent education and resource support. “Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in child abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic as parents struggle with job loss, the stress of working from home and having to care for children who cannot go to school during the day, and other issues. This grant will enable SJPC to empower more dads with the parenting education and economic support that they need during this challenging time – and beyond – in a safe and accessible way using our new virtual online platform.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, The Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs work to strengthen families, promote responsible parenting, and improve family economic stability. The program’s goal is to foster economically secure households and communities for the well-being and long-term success of children and families through building stronger relationships, marriages, father-child engagement, and families. Click here to learn more.
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