The Family Program

The Family Program at Drew Hamilton consists of three components:

  • Fathers in Action Fatherhood Initiative
  • Parent Workshops
  • Center Parent Committee

Fathers in Action Fatherhood Initiative

Fathers in Action was initiated at Drew Hamilton Center in 2004. Recent statistics reflect that a growing number of single parents were fathers. These men had unique interests and needs that needed to be addressed in a forum that was comfortable to them. In our monthly discussion groups, we discuss issues in our community and worldwide that affect us as fathers. We also provide individual counseling and provide advocacy and support to single fathers, recognizing their unique needs as single parents. One of the goals of this group is getting fathers to see themselves as agents of change in their families and in their communities. The group has adopted the slogan: "FOR YOU, FOR YOUR CHILDREN, FOR YOUR COMMUNITY." This slogan was adopted to encourage a holistic approach that speaks to the need of parents , children and families as a collective unit.

Parent Workshops

Drew Hamilton’s Parent Workshops meet once a month to discuss various issues that affect parents, our community and children and their life at school. We focus on what we can do as a team – parents, teachers, and administrative staff – to better our center and give each other the support in making our lives and center better. We offer such workshops as:

  • Roundtable Discussion on curriculum – What would the parents like to see? What do we already offer? How can we combine the two?
  • Nutrition Class – Learn how to cook a quick, fun, delicious and healthy meal.
  • Moms' Yoga Classes – Promoting inner well-being.
  • Financial Well-Being Class – A representative from a local bank gives information to our parents about savings for the future, specifically college and retirement savings.
  • Family Support – Six sessions helping parents deal with behavioral and emotional issues within their households.
  • Community Concerns/Issues – Discussing the safety and well-being of our children in the community. Representatives from our local precinct speak with our parents about these concerns.

The Center Parent Committee

The Parent Committee is comprised of seven parents of Head Start children. This group meets once a month to discuss current events at the center. It is also a forum where parent concerns can be addressed and brought to the administration. The Center Parent Committee’s scope of involvement includes every aspect of Head Start programming (i.e. menus, field trips, lesson plans, HR practices, program budgeting, etc.).

To register

To register for any of our programs, please contact the center at (212) 281-9555.