The Berrien County Health Department is inviting local dads, father figures and their families to the third annual Dad’s Day in the Park event Saturday, July 26 at Union Park, 1250 Union Ave.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will enjoy free food while supplies last, activities, raffles and prizes from local businesses. They also will get information about educational and employment opportunities as well as health and wellness resources – all while connecting with other fathers and children.
Father-appreciation bags and an event T-shirt will also be handed out to the first 100 dads at this free-to-attend event.
“Dad’s Day in the Park is dedicated to celebrating and uplifting all local father figures and their children,” said Charlie Patterson, a Michigan Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program case manager at BCHD. “This is a special event where dads and kids can enjoy each other’s company and learn about all the services we offer to set both dad and child up for success. We want fathers, especially young dads, to know they have resources and support in the community.”
The event is organized by BCHD’s Mi-APPP te3rdam, which works closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to address teen pregnancy and parenthood in the community.
Mi-APPP provides parenting support services to teens and their families through one-on-one case management and support for education, housing and more. The program is open to individuals 21 and younger who are parenting or expecting a child and living in Berrien County.
Mi-APPP focuses on young dads through its Son to a Father initiative, which provides participants opportunities to connect with other young dads in the area and discuss fatherhood.
For more information about Mi-APPP, visit https://www.berriencounty.org/708/Michigan-Adolescent-Pregnancy-Parenting-.
Community members who have questions about Dad’s Day in the Park are encouraged to contact Charlie Patterson at 269.252.1400 or cpatterson@bchdmi.org.
