When you were a kid, you thought of your dad as superman – the guy who could fix anything, from a booboo you got falling off your bike to a broken shower head or rusty bike. But, for some families, personal or financial difficulties have made it difficult to maintain a two-parent home. Luckily, these three charities are aiming to change that by helping dads stay involved in their children's lives.
1. Dad's Connection in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota. This Catholic charity helps guide and support more than 150 young fathers, many of whom are still in their teens. Dad's Connection provides parenting classes, peer counseling and mentoring services for young men who want to become the best fathers they can be. With the charity's help, many of these new dads have found a way to stay involved in their children's lives.
2. Homes for Fathers and Families. Located in the U.K., Homes for Fathers and Families, also known as HOFF, helps single fathers get back on their feet and provide stable lives for their children. The charity's founder was himself a single father, who knew the importance – and difficulty – of putting a roof over the heads of those he loved the most.
3. The Father of the Year Awards. This year, 2011, marked the 70th anniversary of the Father of the Year Awards – a benefit gala that supports a charity called Save The Children. The night honors five exceptional men for their commitment to their communities and families, with the proceeds going to help support other men.