Help Launch NYC's Fatherhood Resource Center

Help Us Open NYC's Fatherhood and Family Resource Center!

My name is Derek Phillips, and I am the Founder of Real Dads Network (www.realdadsnetwork.org)

Real Dads Network is a non-profit 501(c)(3)

I am thrilled to announce that Real Dads Network has secured the lease for our Fatherhood and Family Resource Center in East Harlem. This 3,200 sq ft space at 99th and Madison will serve as a beacon of support and growth for fathers and families across New York City. Our move-in date is July 1, 2024, with a grand opening planned for September 2024. Your support is not just crucial; it's transformative. The sooner we raise the funds, the sooner we can start making a profound difference in our community.

The new center boasts two multi-purpose rooms, a spacious lobby, five office spaces, three bathrooms, and a storage area. This layout will allow us to offer various programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Why This Center Matters

For nearly 20 years, Real Dads Network has been dedicated to uplifting fathers and families through our programs and services. Now, we're taking a monumental step forward with creating NYC's first Fatherhood and Family Resource Center.

This center will enable us to:

Expand fatherhood programming

Enhance youth mentoring and programs

Provide family enrichment opportunities

Offer job training and career development

Deliver vital support and resources

Our regular Thursday Zoom meetings have been a cornerstone of our outreach. Still, this physical center will allow us to serve even more people and enhance our ability to secure grants and other funding opportunities.

Our Goal

To bring this vision to life, we need to raise $25,500. This amount will cover:

Rent for the first year

Supplies, furniture, new floors, and minor repairs

Computers and technology equipment

Security systems

These funds will be used for essential expenses such as rent, supplies, furniture, repairs, equipment, and security systems to ensure a safe environment for our participants. This will allow us to offer many programs, including fatherhood programming, youth mentoring, job training, health and wellness initiatives, entrepreneurship workshops, and more.

The space is currently "AS IS," which requires some refurbishment. We'll need to refurbish the floors, paint the walls, remove drywall, and make minor repairs. Additionally, we plan to offer various resources and support in areas such as health and wellness, building generational wealth, entrepreneurship, film, and more. We will also provide certifications in cybersecurity, IT, and networking.

How You Can Help

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your involvement in these endeavors is not just

significant; it's pivotal. Your support will be instrumental in establishing our physical location and expanding our services to empower more dads and families to thrive. We can only do this with you.

We sincerely appreciate your generosity and commitment to this cause. Your support is not just a donation; it's a lifeline for fathers and families in our community. Together, we can create a brighter future. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

In Fatherhood and Family,

Derek Phillips

CEO and Founder, Real Dads Network