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Hi. I’m Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
On Father’s Day, many of us took the time to celebrate how much our dads have meant
to us.
At our department, it is part of our mission to help fathers across the country to be the
best possible dads they can be.
We do this not only because it’s good for their kids – but also because it’s
good for our country.
When fathers are active and engaged in their children’s lives, kids do better in school,
they stay out of trouble, and they are more likely to go on to raise strong families of
their own.
Yet, far too many children go through life without a father figure.
So we’re joining with President Obama to do our part to help dads fulfill their
roles as responsible fathers.
Last year, we announced the Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative, a challenge to communities
and organizations across the country to help dads succeed at the most important job they
have: raising America’s next generation.
So far, nearly 10,000 dads, moms, organizations and businesses have signed on to the Initiative,
joining with the President in this important effort.
And today, I am proud to announce the availability of $75 million in grants for programs designed
to help fathers meet their parenting and financial responsibilities to their children.
These grants will go to support programs across the country that teach dads strategies
for caring for and mentoring their kids, help them find good jobs to provide for their families,
and help them fully appreciate the joys of parenting.
I am also pleased to announce an additional $75 million in new funding for programs designed
to help married couples and those considering marriage to form stronger relationships.
With both of these efforts, the Obama administration is renewing its commitment to ensuring that
children grow up in supportive families and have two loving parents.
I encourage you to visit Fatherhood.gov to learn how you can get involved this year
to help strong fathers build strong families in your neighborhood.
To all the dads out there – and all the family and community members working to help
them succeed as parents – thank you for helping our nation’s children thrive, and
for helping to ensure a brighter future for us all.