Coming up this Saturday, an intriguing presentation at West Seattle’s Southwest Community Center, just announced as part of the city’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative – read on for details:

Fathers, children, *tweens, teens, and anyone who serves as a male role model for a child are invited to a free presentation on *Father Connection: Building a Community of Fathers and Role Models* from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle St.

Father Connection draws from the book by Josh McDowell, The Father Connection: How You Can Make the Difference in Your Child*s Self-Esteem and Sense of Purpose.

Parks offers the event under the umbrella of Mayor Greg Nickels’ Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, which is setting a new direction by identify the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, which identifies and helps children who at are at vulnerable points in their lives. Specifically, it will:
· Help youth with repeat offenses re-enter society from state detention programs.
· Provide alternatives for youth who are arrested for crimes, but released because they don’t meet the admission criteria for county detention.

· Help middle-school truants and students at risk of suspension stay in school and succeed.
· Prevent victims of violence and their friends and relatives from continuing the cycle of violence through retaliation.

The event welcomes teen fathers, young adult fathers, uncles, grandfathers, mentors, and role models, and seeks to connect kids and fathers with resources that can help strengthen their relationships. These relationships can then lead to increased self-esteem and strong life skills that can help the youth make good choices and succeed as mature adults.

McDowell*s book refers to the task of being a father as *the most important job in the world,* and offers advice on subjects that include being a dad in tough times, the father as friend and refuge, the father who disciplines, and the father and respect.

The event is free, and will feature food and activities! Evento Gratis!! Comida, Activdades! Free transportation is available; call for more details! Transport disponible hame por detalles!

For more information or to reserve a spot for you and your youth, please call Jeron Gates at 206-255-4051.

Suggested reading: The Father Connection: How You Can Make the Difference in Your Child*s Self-Esteem and Sense of Purpose, by Josh McDowell.