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LaVar Young, Director of Newark Now's Newark Comprehensive Center for Fathers, and son walk to school on the first day.

LaVar Young, Director of Newark Now's Newark Comprehensive Center for Fathers, and son walk to school on the first day.

Newark Now Father’s Now Program and Black Star Project sponsor the national initiative in Newark

NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 31, 2009 - On September 3, 2009, the first day of school in Newark, NJ, hundreds of men throughout the City of Newark have volunteered to walk their children to school and stay involved during a year-long special commitment.. Newark Now Father’s Now program has partnered with The Black Star Project to promote the national initiative in Newark and encourage male caregivers (fathers, step fathers, foster fathers, grand fathers, uncles, brothers, god fathers, cousins, and other significant care givers) to take their children to school on the first day of school for the 2009-2010 school year. There is still time for men to officially join this movement for Fathers and children by visiting, www.newarknow.org. Simply download the registration form and return it to Newark Now Father’s Now at 973-732-0714.

“Men walking or driving their children to school sounds like a simple task, but it means so much more. Research shows that children whose fathers take active roles in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. The time that it takes us to transport our children to school is invaluable, that short period of time sets the tone for our children, and often dictates the type of day a child will have,” adds LaVar Young, Director, Newark Now Father’s Now Program at the Newark Comprehensive Center for Fathers.

In addition to committing to walk their children to school on September 3rd, Fathers have also committed to staying involved in their child’s education by:.
• Improving their own work and life skills
• Acquiring more education for themselves and become a role model for their children.
• Supporting their children academically, spiritually, emotionally and financially
• Dedicating themselves to their family
• Building, cleaning and maintaining their community
• Becoming entrepreneurs and developing economic resources

Thursday, September 3, 2009
Activity Schedule
Fathers arrive at school 15-30 minutes before starting bell
Many schools will have information, activities, and refreshments available

About The Black Star Project
Founded in 1996 by Phillip Jackson, The Black Star Project is committed to improving the quality of life in Black and Latino communities of Chicago and nationwide by eliminating the racial academic achievement gap. Our mission is to provide educational services that help pre-school through college students succeed academically and become knowledgeable and productive citizens with the support of their parents, families, schools and communities. The Black Star Project operates with a belief in the strength of parental and community involvement in education to eliminate the racial academic achievement gap. Better parents produce better communities, better schools and better students! The most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income, race, language barriers, cultural background, education level of parents or social status, but the extent to which a student’s family is able to create a home environment that encourages learning; express high and realistic academic achievement expectations for their children; and become involved in productive ways in their child’s education at school, at home and in the community.

About Newark Now Father’s Now Program
Based on the best practices of the Nationally recognized Philadelphia based National Comprehensive Center for Fathers, the Newark Comprehensive Center (NCCF) for Fathers administers the Father’s Now program to serve fathers in transition – men who have lost their jobs and homes, or who are re-entering the workforce following incarceration and who seek to assume greater responsibility for and contribute to the lives of their children. NCCF enables men to become better fathers, employees and citizens of Newark. Since the launch of NCCF in April 2008, Father’s Now has helped Fathers from Newark and Essex County improve their education, relationships with their children, and employment skills. With the help of NCCF, nearly 70% of Fathers Now graduates are now employed. In addition, nine graduates are pursuing their GED, three are continuing their education at Essex County College, and two are enrolled in vocational training. For more information about Fathers Now call 973-732-0713 or email infonccf@newarknow.org.

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Media Contact: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705 or kwilliams@femworksllc.com