Anniston Fatherhood Initiative
Who We Are and What We Do
Anniston Fatherhood Initiative is a group of men who live in the Anniston area and are committed to making a positive impact on men and their children. As a result of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) National Fatherhood Initiative, the Anniston Housing Authority hosted its first Fatherhood Brunch in 2013. The Anniston Housing Authority sees the Fatherhood Initiative cause as being much larger than the Housing Authority and should be supported by the larger community; thus, we are now called: Anniston Fatherhood Initiative, Inc. The Anniston Fatherhood Initiative is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
It is our vision to create the opportunity for Fathers and/or men to have a positive impact on children and community in which they live. Our core focus areas are: Education/Self-awareness, communications, relationships and financial issues.
Programs
24/7 Dad. is a program developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative that focuses on characteristics that every father needs and covers the universal aspects of fatherhood so that men of all cultures and races can benefit. During these sessions, fathers will polish their fathering skills while they learn about themselves and the important role they play in the lives of their children. Focus areas include:
- Relationship building with children
- Personal development
- Fatherhood responsibilities
- Relationship building with the other parent
Youth Mentoring Program. Realize Your Self-worth Everyday (R.Y.S.E.) is a program that makes the American Dream possible to all boys and young men by eliminating gaps in their opportunities and outcomes. The program fosters relationships between strong, positive, successful and educated men from our community. It also builds bonds with boys and young men based on honesty, trust and love. Mentors are required to commit to four super abilities:
- Accountability
- Reliability
- Dependability
- Availability
Events
Annual Youth Male Retreat. The Youth Male Retreat provides an opportunity for male youth in the Anniston area to participate in a weekend of activities that teach life skills.
Annual Fatherhood Banquet. AFI Annual Banquet is designed to recognize the many contributions of its partners, sponsors, members, families and friends.
AFI Partnerships. AFI partners with the Anniston Housing Authority to support youth programs and AHA’s Black History Program. AFI also participates in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and Youth Day as well as the City of Anniston’s spring break activities.
How You Can Help
- Volunteer your time and talents
- Add AFI in your budget
- Sponsor an activity (Youth Retreat, Fatherhood Banquet, Sponsor kids attending homecoming football game, etc.)
- Invite us to share our program with your church, organization, sorority, fraternity, etc.)
Meetings & Events
3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
Glen Addie Homes
Employment Training Center
500 Glen Addie Avenue
Anniston, AL 36201
Annual Events
February Youth Program
June Fatherhood Banquet
August Youth Male Retreat
October Mentor Football Game
Board of Directors
Rev. Robert Almon, Facilitator
Mr. Willie “Sonny” McMahand
Rev. Phillip Keith
Mr. Walter White
Mr. Paul Roden, Jr.
Mr. Seyram Selase
Mr. Kenneth Winsley
Contact Us
Donsquirla Thornton, Program Coordinator
Phone: (256) 236-1575 ext. 121
Email: dthornton@annistonhousing.org
