[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MERCED COUNTY ALL DADS MATTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor All Dads Matter of 
Merced County. Administered through the Merced County Human Services 
Agency, All Dads Matter takes a proactive approach to social services 
by encouraging fathers to be active in the lives of their children 
through support programs and educational efforts. Since its inception 
13 years ago, All Dads Matter has provided resources to new fathers to 
create healthy and cohesive families.
  Research shows that children with engaged fathers or father figures 
have higher chances of positive developmental, social, and academic 
outcomes. All Dads Matter partners with stakeholders in education, 
healthcare, and other social services to create programs to meet 
specific family needs. Through its boot camp for new dads, men's 
support groups, and various workshops, All Dads Matter gives men the 
tools to act as positive role models for their children. It also helps 
dads overcome challenges, such as understanding the relational needs 
and socialization processes of fatherhood, and seeks to give men the 
confidence to advocate for their families.
  All Dads Matter has received accolades for its efforts to support 
fathers and is an outstanding example of how to serve families in 
America's rural communities. It has received awards and recognitions 
from Harvard University's School for Human Services, the California 
Association of Counties, and the California State Department of Child 
Support. Such honors highlight the vital role that All Dads Matter 
plays in building stronger family units.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring All Dads 
Matter by recognizing the positive work they do for Merced County 
fathers. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor them on the 
eve of the Fatherhood Summit in Merced. I wish them, as well as the 
Merced County Human Services Agency, the best as they continue to 
strengthen our community through building strong families.

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