(Posted 2024 June)

During Fatherhood Awareness Month in June, come celebrate all the special dads in our region at the Sixth Annual Northern Virginia Fathers Matter Cookout on June 22, 2024, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. All dads and their families, community partners, as well as children and families’ professionals are invited to this event. Don’t miss this free, fun community event, rain or shine in Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Shelter A, Fairfax Station.

What to Expect?

• Families will get to spend time together enjoying nature hikes, a tot lot, frisbee toss, games, arts and crafts, and giveaways.
• Bring your appetite for hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on the grill and assorted snacks, desserts, and beverages. 
• Fairfax County Providence District Supervisor, Dalia A. Palchik will present the proclamation of June as Fatherhood Awareness Month. 
• Admission to Burke Lake Park is free. All food and beverages are free. Dads can just relax and leave the grilling to us! 

Register online by June 16, 2024, to help us plan. Non-Fairfax County residents will have to show this downloadable flyer at the front gate for free admission

The Fathers Matter Cookout promises to be bigger and better than ever this year with the coordination and sponsorship of three local governments. Staff who work in the Fatherhood Engagement programs with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Loudoun County Family Services, and Arlington County Department of Human Services are the masterminds behind this event. 

Fatherhood Engagement Unit Supervisor Bennie Herron said, “We can’t wait to see the community at the cookout on June 22. In keeping with our mission, we want to encourage dads to develop positive family relationships by spending time together making memories.”

The mission of the Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Father Engagement Unit (FEU) is to help strengthen families by supporting all Children, Youth and Families programs in effectively engaging fathers and involving them in service planning and decision-making for their children. To that end CYF utilizes staff training, father engagement strategies, father-inclusive policies, father-friendly services, and collaboration with systems-of-care agencies and community-based organizations. You can learn more about the Father Engagement Unit online.
 

This posting is part of the Department of Family Services' Community Corner where you’ll find timely information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your friends and family. Don't miss out on future postings! Sign up today!

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