Vineyard Family Services

Fathers in Focus Summit

Megan Pickering — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:37:03 +0000

You are cordially invited to the Fathers in Focus Summit hosted by Vineyard Family Services in collaboration with the Shelby County Children’s Policy Council and the Office of Cam Ward. This is a free event! Registration is requested–call (205) 533-7852 or email Megan@VineyardFamilyServices.org

Fathers in Focus Summit–August 21, 2008

8am–1pm (Breakfast and Lunch Provided)

Summit will be held at the 4H Center in Columbiana, AL

Networking Opportunities will be available!

Presentation by A National Fatherhood Initiative Speaker

Learn how issues related to Fatherhood effect us all and how you can affect positive change for local Fathers

New Website

admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:07:58 +0000

We are excited that you stopped by to see our new website. Our hope is for this site to become a true community resource. Feel free to look around, and if you see anything that you think needs improving, please let us know.

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

Megan Pickering — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:47:54 +0000

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham partners with Vineyard Family Services to provide their Fostering Helps! Program. You can learn more about them by visiting their website.

The Inverness Vineyard Church

Megan Pickering — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:42:58 +0000

The Inverness Vineyard Church is a proud sponsor of Vineyard Family Services by providing a portion of their tithes to the agency.

It also serves

as the host of

VFS’ offices and programs.

Bonedaddy’s BBQ

Megan Pickering — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:41:39 +0000

Bonedaddy’s is a proud sponsor of Vineyard Family Services Board meetings. We go for the great food and wonderful atmosphere, and you should too! For more information, visit them at their website.

Alabama DHR

Megan Pickering — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:40:54 +0000

The Alabama Department of Human Resources also partners with Vineyard Family Services to provide their F.I.T. DAD Program. They provide a multitude of resources for you as an Alabama citizen. Please visit their website for more information.

Children’s Trust Fund

Ward Williams — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:35:44 +0000

The Children’s Trust Fund partners with Vineyard Family Services to provide their F.I.T. DAD Program. To view more of their wonderful work within the state of Alabama, visit them at their website.

Fatherhood

Megan Pickering — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:24:55 +0000

Here are some resources to help you with fathering issues.

VFS Programs are Successful

Megan Pickering — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:22:51 +0000

* Prior to our Fatherhood program, 83% of the fathers reported their commitment level to
making full child support payments as “poor.” After the program, 100% reported their
commitment level as “good,” or “excellent.”
* Prior to our Fatherhood program, 67% of the fathers reported their ability to use several
forms of positive discipline as “poor” or “fair.” After the program, 83% of the fathers reported
their ability as “good” or “excellent.”
* Since August, we have taken in over $35,000 in child support payments–money
that helps custodial mothers and children to exist.
* 40% of our Foster Families have reported an increased ability to handle potentially volatile
situations.
* 80% of our Foster Families have reported an increased ability to navigate the Alabama
social service system.

Why Fathers Are Necessary

Ward Williams — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:17:09 +0000

Fathers are irreplaceable!

In 2006, the Federal Government spent 99.8 billion dollars to support programs that benefit father absent homes.
Children from father absent homes use mental health services at a greater rate which effect health insurance costs
Father absent families receive State Health Care, Earned Income Tax credits, TANF assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, Head Start, Public Housing, are involved with the Juvenile Justice system, and are incarcerated at a much greater rate than homes where fathers are present .
Children with satisfying relationships with their fathers are less likely to suffer from depression.
For predicting a child’s self esteem, it is sustained contact with the father that
matters to sons, but physical affection from fathers that matters to daughters.
Children who have fathers who regularly engage them in physical play are more likely to be popular with their peers.
Children from father absent homes are 5 times more likely to be poor.
Today children from fatherless homes are 7 times more likely to become
pregnant, 2 times more likely to drop out of school, 2 times more likely to be sexually involved early.
Children from father-absent homes have a 75% higher chance to suffer physical and/or emotional neglect/abuse.