BALTIMORE (JUNE 15, 2011) – The Charles County Department of Social Services will host a Father’s Day Banquet for approximately 50 current and former participants of the New Beginnings program on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Department of Social Services, 200 Kent Avenue LaPlata, Maryland.
New Beginnings is a cooperative initiative between the departments of social services, the Charles county health department, and the courts. It is a 12-week program that provides non-custodial fathers with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to become more responsible and involved parents and helps them to become financially supportive dads.
“Many men have significant barriers that prevent them from being responsible fathers,” said Karen Butler, director of the Charles County department of Social Services. “These barriers range from literacy and mental health to unemployment and substance abuse. This event acknowledges the hard work these dads have done to address their individual barriers and provides an opportunity for the fathers and their children to enjoy an evening of fun and interaction activities.”
The participants meet every Thursday at the Department of Social Services from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The evening group meets at the Charles County Department of Health/Substance Abuse on Mondays 6 – 8 p.m. for fathers that are currently working in the day. Some of the group session topics include; Family of Origin, Understanding Your Self, Physical and Mental Health, Fathering and Family Roles, Balancing Work and Family. In addition to the group session a number of guest speakers, within the community provide resources and opportunities for the dads.
Charles County Department of Social Services is a field office of the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR), the state’s social service provider. DHR collaborates with 24 local jurisdictions to: provide foster care, adoption, and protective services to children; collect and distribute child support payments; provide protective services, case- management, supportive housing, in-home aide services, and respite care to vulnerable adults; and provide temporary cash, food stamps, and medical assistance to families. It also funds programs for homeless persons, refugees, and migrant workers. Last year, DHR served over one million people in need.
