Single Father Families

1. ADVOCATING FOR:
SINGLE FATHER FAMILIES
BY: AMANDA ORTIZ

2. ADVOCACY PROJECT
This presentation examines single-fathers and the lack of established resources for them and their
children. Unfortunately, in current society single-mothers appear to have more options in
comparison to the opposite gender.
$5,000 would allow this population the opportunity to:
Establish a support group for single-fathers and their children.
The group will benefit from their collaborative work.

3. SINGLE FATHER FAMILIES
Why do they matter?
A group in our society that is
essential but underrepresented is
single father families. I come from
a single parent home and was
raised by my mother. Growing up I
have learned and benefited from
single mother aid programs. I have
also witnessed the hardships
single parents face. Despite the
similarities between single mother
and single father homes; each of
these kinds of families receive
different amounts of help.
“My father gave me
the greatest gift
anyone could give
another person, he
believed in me.” – Jim
Valvano
Why should we care about them?
The reason we need to show
more care and provide more
support for single fathers is they
are caring for children. By
helping single fathers, we are
helping their children have a
better future, which in turn
makes our whole society
become better.

4.  According to the 2010 US census there were: 9.9 million single mother families and 1.8 million single father
families counted. While there is a drastic difference in the amount of each of these kinds of families 1.8 million
is still a large population.
 History:
 Up until about the 1950’s the nuclear family (mother, father, and kids,) were considered a fundamental part to the
greater good of society according to the article; Single-parent vs. nuclear families overview. In the 1960’s and the
1970’s divorce became more socially acceptable and women’s rights. These factors among others caused the instances
of single parent homes thus single father homes to grow.
 What are their presenting problems?
 The problem is that single-father families lack the same opportunities as single mother families. In a one parent
household there is half of the income of a nuclear family this is a great disadvantage for the child in this family. The lack
of specially focused resources for single father families is extreme.
ABOUT THIS POPULATION

5. IT IS VITAL TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE
NEEDS OF SINGLE FATHER FAMILIES
What are their needs?
 To begin the long process of gaining vital resources
for this underrepresented population a support
group needs to be established. By having meetings
and recruiting useful resources and funding; a
committee can be established to create future
opportunities. The need for this kind of group is
essential to uplifting single father families and
society.
Why is it important to educate the general
population?
 If this problem in society continues without our
assistance, then millions of American children will be
at a disadvantage. In the article Single-parent vs.
nuclear families overview, the author explains that
this population is affected by: “the educational level
of the parent is decisive, followed by other factors
such as economics, home life, and the support of
extended family.” Because so many outside factors
influence this problem it is essential to educate the
public about this matter. Furthermore, this topic is
not very popular but that needs to change.

6.  When searching online for single mother assistance programs I found a lot of them. But when searching for
single father assistance programs I found less, one of the search results were gofundme.com which is
comical.
 (WIC) The Women, Infants and Children program does allow fathers of children under 5 to enroll. In my opinion, many fathers may
be deterred from enrolling in a program with women in the title.
 Florida KidCare is another great tool that single fathers already have access to as well.
 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Section 8 and Temporary Cash Assistance are also available to fathers with a low
income.
 Grants.gov offers many programs and grants for single mothers but does not mention single fathers.
 How are they currently being used?
 These resources are being used to provide financial and housing assistance. Also, to provide aid with putting food on the able and
proving health care.
WHAT RESOURCES ALREADY EXIST
FOR THIS POPULATION?

7.  It seems our society favors the assistance of single mothers over single fathers. Single fathers need their own
support group to begin the long process of gaining access to the same resources as single mothers. By joining
these parents together, they can work together in developing more funding and opportunities. Eventually
with enough allies and funding a non-profit organization can be established to further the progress on equal
aid for all singe parents. Single fathers need to have equal opportunities to the same benefits single mothers
have.
WHY AREN’T THESE NEEDS BEING MET?
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

8. WITH A DONATION OF $5000 WE CAN HOLD OUR FIRST FUNDRAISING EVENT TO INTRODUCE
OUR NEW GROUP FOCUSED ON UPLIFTING SINGLE FATHER FAMILIES IN SOCIETY.
 $1000 will be used to purchase school supplies such as pens, bookbags, calculators, and tablets to distribute to
the group members in need of the most help.
 $1000 will be used to award one single father family a scholarship that will be given to the lucky family at the
event. If the group can continue to gain funding and donations, we would like to have an annual scholarship
program.
 $200 will be used to purchase small toys to give to the children who did not win a scholarship.
 $1000 will be used to rent an event room at The Marriot Hotel. We are hoping to attract the elite of our area by
choosing a high-end venue.
 $500 will be used to cater the event to ensure all attendees and group members are comfortable.
 $250 will be used to rent a bounce house for the event to ensure the children are entertained.
 $50 will be used for the invitations that will be mailed out to the guests.
 $1000 will be used to purchase a used vehicle to utilize for group members in times of need. By having a
company vehicle, we will be able to help more people in a timely manner.

9. REFERENCES
Aliprandini, M., & Flynn, S. (2018). Single-parent vs. nuclear families overview. Salem Press Encyclopedia, 3p.