Urban Influence Magazine interviewed our founder, Kashaun Cooper, for a feature article in their Summer 2010 issue.  Click on the logo above to visit the original article online.

1.) What is the ultimate goal of FathersRock?

The ultimate goal of Fathers Rock is to restore the integrity of the bond between fathers and their children as well as developing them into leaders of their communities.  We use a positive seed planting philosophy and character development techniques in our strategy to combat the negative impact of the lack of leadership in fatherless homes and their related communities.

2.) With a high percentage of young black men in the prison system, how does FathersRock plan to sustain making a positive impact in the Black community and maybe even other communities?

FRI is developing programs that will address this issue for all communities, regardless of race, religion, or creed, from many angles.  We are in the process of assessing the gaps.  So far, we have established that our programs will focus on restoring and strengthen the relationship between the father and his children by assisting the families with transportation for visitation, providing effective rehabilitative re-entry programs for former inmates, and we are working on developing projects that will allow inmates to have an income that will provide some financial support for their families.

3.) What distinguishes FathersRock from other organizations that strive to change the lives of youth?

Fathers Rock is a community driven organization that takes advantage of virtualization in order to identify the gaps in services needed in communities more quickly.  This allows us to put programs in place where they are needed most based on feedback from individuals living in those situations.  We don’t wait for statistics to be published before we take action.  The way that our organization is structured allows us to be agile and respond to the needs of individual communities more quickly.

This is not just another Sunday.  Gifts for Dad that really rock are gifts that make him feel proud.   Proud of you?  If that’s a hard pill to swallow than maybe this a day to redeem yourself a bit.  You want to give Dad something different, something cool.  Need a little help?  Okay, that’s why I’m here.

What are Dad’s interests?  Name them. Fishing, gardening, football, computer, golf, music, cocktails, motorcycle, travel, etc.

Now find a gift to match that interest. When searching online be as specific as you can.  Instead of typing in your browser  “gifts for Dad”,  try typing in phrases like “gifts for gardeners” or  “gifts for music lovers” or “wine gifts and accessories”or “golf gifts online”.  A search like this will yield more choices in Dad’s area of interest.

Personalized mens gifts are fantastic fathers day gifts. They are also called “engraved” gifts.  An example would be this:  Suppose your dad loves his garden and he loves to show it off.  Ask the neighbors, they’ll tell you.
Okay, seriously you can get personalized garden stones!  Say “Happy Fathers Day Love, Owen.  Or “Thanks Dad” Or simply, “I  I love You Dad”.  Imagine the pride he will feel each time he looks at that!

Is your father an older Dad? The garden stones will be much appreciated as well as a small garden statue of his favorite little animal.  Want something even better?  A solar garden fountain would add a whole new element to his favorite spot in the yard.

Other personalized gifts for men that will “wow” him might be a personalized bar sign for the family room, martini sign, poker sign, Irish pub signs, coasters, wine stoppers, humidor, cufflinks, dog tags, pens, wine or shot glasses,  NFL mugs, computer bag, duffle bag, rings, luggage tags,  watches,  and so much more.

Let’s move on.  For the “cool” dad who  loves football. Did you know you can get grill covers, tank covers, pool floats and lots of accessories with this or his favorite football, baseball, basketball team?   I know!

Gifts that rock are also those that  are “inclusive”. Invite Dad to a special outing.   This gift is totally about him and what he loves to do.   Resist the temptation and don’t make it about what you love to do.  I’m talking about a baseball game,  a concert, a fishing day, a lobster restaurant, dinner theatre, a play, trip to NYC sightseeing, a hike, a scenic boat ride, parasailing, etc.

Make it count. Just spending time with him this way will make him sit back, smile and say  “It just doesn’t get any better than this!”

About the Author

Have fun celebrating Dad and finding the perfect Fathers Day Gifts.

I enjoy working as a lab courier by day and webmaster by night. I love what I do. I also enjoy gardening, birding, dancing, nature, walking and American Idol. Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/who-could-forget-their-high-school-graduation-creative-graduation-gifts-2236800.html#ixzz0o8Ph5Mt7 Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Fathers Day Gifts and Ideas That Rock!

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The Official Father’s Day Festival

Event Website to learn more.

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Doctor Jeff
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You could win a professional photo shoot by submitting a photo of you and your father here… Let us know if you win!

The 10 photos in the final round have a chance to win a $1,500 Nautica wardrobe and a professional family portrait up to the value of $3,500.

Nautica's Faces of Father's Day Contest

James ‘Jim’ Sanders will be honored at the 1st Annual Father’s Day Festival.

Message from his family to Craigslist Sellers: Meet buyers at the police station, fire station, a public place.

The story

Widow’s Response: Charlene Sanders is a woman of great faith who says she will carry on the mission of her late husband, Jim Sanders.  ”That is my mission now,” she says from Bethany Baptist Church where she worships. “To finish what my husband started with witnessing (for Christ). He wanted to see people come to Christ, even murderers.”

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Kim Scott

kscott@fathersrock.com

P: 866-611-1658 ext 5

Now Let’s Celebrate Father’s Day!

Baltimore, MD – (May 17, 2010) Last week, millions celebrated Mother’s Day in a big way with flowers, candy and dinners.  Fathers Rock invites you to celebrate Father’s Day with the same passion at the Fathers Rock 1st Annual Father’s Day Festival!  We will celebrate Father’s Day 2010 at Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland.  The festival will be held on Sunday June 20, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m..

The Annual Father’s Day festival is a family friendly event designed to honor and appreciate fathers and father figures.  This event will be filled with entertainment, food, art, games, and special exhibits that reflect the diversity of great fathers.  Fathers Rock will honor ten fathers and/or father figures for their outstanding positive impact on to their children, families and community.

Our special guest and celebrity honoree is national recording artist Case.  Case, father of two, will be speak at 3:00 p.m.   He will then join nine other fathers as they receive the Fathers Rock Appreciation Award at 4:00 p.m..

Limited sponsorship, retail and food vendor spaces are still available.  Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, vendor should also visit the Fathers Rock, Inc. Father’s Day Festival website for information and applications.  The deadline for application submissions is Friday, May 28th.

We welcome volunteers and virtual volunteers to assist with the festival.  Fathers Rock is also open to media sponsors and offers of like-kind donations.  Visit the festival’s website at http://fathersday.fathersrock.com or call (866) 611-1658 to learn more.

About Fathers Rock, Inc.

Founded in 2009, Fathers Rock is the premier non-profit [501(c)(3)]organization dedicated to appreciating fathers and father figures. Fathers Rock’s mission is to strengthen the presence of Fatherhood in the community by recognizing outstanding Fathers and Father Figures.  Honorees have proven to bear a strong, positive impact on their families and communities.  Our goal is to fulfill our mission through educating, encouraging, and supporting fathers in order to combat the staggering negative statistics of mental and physical health problems that are directly connected to children’s development.