On June 11, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside the Children’s Cabinet and the Department of Youth and Community Development, launched “Empowering Fathers, Thriving Children: A Citywide Fatherhood Plan” to bolster father engagement and child development. The initiative includes the “Father Friendly Summer” digital hub, offering free family events and resources, and was celebrated at the inaugural “Dads at Gracie” event. Building on a $7 million expansion of the Fatherhood Initiative, the plan aims to double the number of fathers served to 3,000, providing parenting skills, employment support, and mentorship. This strategic framework underscores the Adams administration’s commitment to strengthening families, reducing criminal justice involvement, and fostering educational and economic opportunities for NYC’s fathers and children.
Mayor Adams Announces Fatherhood Plan to Help New York City Fathers and Children Thrive
June 11, 2025
Mayor Adams Launches Father Friendly Summer, Online Hub Featuring Free, Family-Friendly Events and Citywide Resources for Fathers
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Children’s Cabinet Executive Director Ahsia Badi, and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard today unveiled “Empowering Fathers, Thriving Children: A Citywide Fatherhood Plan.” The fatherhood plan is a framework outlining how New York City will strengthen father and father-figure engagement, expand parenting support, and ensure every child benefits from the presence of a caring dad or father figure in their lives, including by obtaining educational and vocational training, supportive programs for fathers involved in the criminal legal system, mentorship, and more. As part of the effort, the city launched “Father Friendly Summer,” a new digital hub offering free events, resources, and updates on how city agencies are building father-friendly programs citywide. The launch will be celebrated at the first “Dads at Gracie” celebration of fatherhood tonight at Gracie Mansion, where storytelling, hands-on activities, and community connection will be featured.
“I’ve done many things in my life, but being a father is my greatest accomplishment. The role of fathers in our families and in our communities is invaluable, and this administration is committed to making sure all fathers and father-figures have the tools needed to show up for their children and their families,” said Mayor Adams. “Our new ‘Fatherhood Plan’ and the ‘Father Friendly Summer’ digital hub are bold steps toward ensuring every father in New York City has the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive because when fathers thrive, children thrive — and so does our entire city.”
“My father was an anchor in my life, and I’ve seen how deeply fathers like mine can impact our communities — simply by being powerful agents of stability and growth,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “This initiative is about more than support — it’s about recognition, inclusion, and ensuring that every father, no matter his background or circumstance, has a place in the fabric of New York City’s future.”
“The role of fathers in our families, neighborhoods, and society cannot be overstated. We are committed to ensuring New York City sets the standard for how communities support and uplift fathers,” said Children’s Cabinet Executive Director Badi. “The Children’s Cabinet has been working in partnership with city agencies to make strides at being father friendly, and the results have been amazing.”
“Before I became DYCD commissioner overseeing the ‘Fatherhood Initiative,’ I was a single father of two who personally benefited from the services of the Real Dads Network. The knowledge and support I received helped me become a better father and raise my children, Maya and Tyler, in a loving, nurturing environment,” said DYCD Commissioner Howard. “My fellow dad, Mayor Adams, has made groundbreaking investments in the fatherhood program. These investments enable our nonprofit partners to serve twice as many dads and expand services for fathers who are non-custodial or custodial, and for those who are incarcerated. DYCD is excited to join the Children’s Cabinet in launching the citywide fatherhood plan and an online father-friendly hub. Together, the goal is to elevate fathers and father figures throughout the greatest city to raise a family.”
Dads at Gracie highlights the city’s dedication to supporting strong, lasting bonds between fathers and their children — and recognizing the vital role fathers play in shaping New York’s future. The city’s new report underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to family well-being, educational opportunities, and holistic child and family development. As part of the plan, the city launched the Father Friendly Summer Hub, a centralized online hub for fathers to find a curated list of free, family-friendly events and information on how city agencies are integrating father-friendly policies into their programs. From park outings and trips to the library to parenting workshops, New York City is making it easier than ever for fathers to connect with their children and their communities.
DYCD has operated and overseen the “Fatherhood Initiative” for over 20 years, supporting an average of more than 1,000 fathers and families over that time period. The program is informed by proven studies that show children with involved fathers are less likely to enter the criminal justice system, and that an active and nurturing style of fathering is associated with improved verbal skills for infants, greater patience for toddlers, and better intellectual functioning and academic achievement among adolescents. The Fatherhood Initiative offers dads and their children up to six months of case management — with follow-up services as needed for up to one year — and service plans that address the following core areas: parenting skills development, effective co-parenting with the child’s guardian, employment, education, child support, and child visitation and placement. DYCD also partners with other agency fatherhood efforts, and coordinates annual Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Dads Take Your Child to School Day events.
Today’s announcement builds on the work the Adams administration has done to dramatically make New York City the best place to raise a family. Earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced a $7 million expansion of the Fatherhood Initiative, which helps fathers reconnect with their children, provide financial support, and develop parenting skills. The additional funding will help double the number of fathers served from 1,500 to 3,000 within the next two fiscal years. Earlier this year, Mayor Adams also announced a historic and new commitment to create and fund “After-School for All,” so to all public students from kindergarten through eighth grade can have a safe place to learn and participate in activities after school. Mayor Adams plans to bring funding for universal after-school up to $755 million in the next three school years.
Sources: nyc.gov , Big New York news
