Family Service & Children's Aid Society of Venango County

Strengthening Families Since 1887
'Leading our Community in the Provision of Comprehensive Human Services'

"Family Service & Children's Aid Society will be a leader in the provision of comprehensive human services for our community through our commitment to excellence, accountability and adaptability."

"To provide individuals and families opportunities to reach their full potential in a community that embraces differences."

Clarion County
Crawford County
Forest County
Venango County
1243 Liberty Street
Suite 313
Franklin, PA 16323
814-432-3466716 E. Second Street
Oil City, PA 16301
814-677-4005
29 Pearl Avenue
Oil City, PA 16301
814-676-9940
208 W. Spring Street
Titusville, PA 16354
814-827-3649

VENANGO FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE


Venango Fatherhood Initiative (VFI) was formed in 1998 as a volunteer effort. VFI's goal is to improve the lives of children in Venango County by increasing the number of children growing up with involved, responsible, and dedicated fathers. VFI will provide support, counseling, education, and advocacy to help strengthen the bonds between fathers and their families. Fathers are encouraged to become positive role models, willing to provide the loving leadership and guidance necessary to nurture their children. Through a variety of workshops and programs, VFI endeavors to provide fathers with the skills and knowledge they need to strengthen their relationships with their children and their families, thereby improving their communities. The VFI program receives support from the United Way of Venango County and operates under a contract with the Venango County Children, Youth & Families. The program also receives funding from the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust.

Mission:
	To empower fathers to grow in their capacity to nurture by supporting, counseling, educating and challenging fathers to become a strong positive force within their families.

24/7 Dad: Fatherhood Program
	An eight week workshop open to all men, covering a variety of topics designed to educate, support, and counsel fathers. Any man can attend these workshops including expectant fathers, single fathers, or grandfathers, who want to discuss the joys and concerns of raising children and learn new parenting tips and techniques with other dads in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The workshop covers such topics as:
	Effective/appropriate discipline How to build and maintain healthy relationships How to communicate effectively About family roles The importance of involved, responsible fathers

Family Groups
	This is an extension of the 24/7 Dad: Fatherhood Program. Men are encouraged to invite their wives/partners and their children. Single mothers who do not have a significant other attending the men's group, are also welcome. These groups meet at the same time in separate areas to discuss topics related to the 24/7 Dad: Fatherhood Program.

Inside Out Dad
	This workshop is held in the Venango County Prison. The program assists fathers to rebuild and maintain family ties during incarceration, and prepares the father to reintegrate into their families upon release. Fathers learn how to communicate with their children while they are in jail, how to make improvements in their lives and how to plan for future release.

P.A.P.A. (Parenting and Paternity Awareness)
	This program is for teens and focuses on demonstrating the realities and difficulties associated with teen parenting. The key message is that becoming a parent is more than giving birth; the responsibilities of parenting impact all areas of an individual's life, regardless of how old they are when they become a parent.

Donuts with Dad
	This program is held in Venango County Elementary Schools. The purposes of Donuts with Dad are:
	To encourage fathers to take an active role in their children's education. This also includes step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other father figures. To encourage schools to involve fathers in projects, activities and classroom activities. To provide fathers/father figures with an opportunity to spend a little extra time with their children.

Special Events and Activities
	Family Movie Nights (held at Second Presbyterian Church in Oil City) Family Sled Riding Parties (held at Two Mile Run County Park) Family Fishing Picnics Pinewood Derby (partnering with Allegheny Scion/Toyota and Big Brothers Big Sisters) GEO-Get-It: Geocaching Picnic
	Fathers may also choose other topics of interest. All events and activities are Free of Charge!

Annual Events
	Calendar featuring Children's Art Work Soapbox Derby (one held in Oil City and one in Rocky Grove, usually in July)


	For information about any of the programs or events offered by Venango Fatherhood Initiative, please call: 814-676-9940 ext. 12

OUR VALUES...
Service - We help people achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing a variety of human services to meet their needs and those of our community.	Respect - We provide an environment where open communication is supported, diversity is appreciated, and positive regard is displayed towards everyone.	Confidentiality - We hold an individual's right to privacy in the highest regard, protecting this right in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.	Integrity - We are committed to the highest standards of ethical, legal, and moral conduct. We believe integrity is the basis for community trust.	Leadership - We recognize our responsibility to provide information, guidance, and direction. We will make informed decisions, creating an atmosphere that inspires effective communication, fosters partnerships, and models dynamic leadership.	Teamwork - We work together in a cooperative effort toward common goals to produce outcomes stronger than could be achieved by individuals.