National Latino Fatherhood Conference
“The Circle of Health /El Circulo de la Salud”

Atlanta, Ga (Nov. 10.) - The National Latino Fatherhood Conference “The Circle of Health /El Circulo de la Salud,” will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, February 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Latin American Association located at 2750 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Georgia 30324. The conference, the first of its kind in the southeast region, is being organized by National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute a project of Bienvenidos Children’s Center, Inc. in collaboration with the National Compadres Network and sponsored by Latin American Association. Funding is provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Public Welfare Foundation. The conference will provide an opportunity for the Institute and other national fatherhood practitioners to discuss the possibilities of engaging in joint activities among programs and organizations across the fatherhood field. 
   The NLFFI’s mission statement—in traditional Latino culture, “los niños” (the children) are the center of family and culture. The entire family and community have a role in their guidance and development. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and all men of the community need to be positive, responsible, active participants in the lives of their children. Where “HOMBRES” are involved in a positive way, children grow to be healthier, happier and more successful.
   The NLFFI has addressed the multidimensional factors that face Latino fathers and their families while exploring issues of cultural identity, values, language, family dynamics, immigration and past systemic experience that impact their involvement in their children’s lives. In addition, the NLFFI has for several years provided direct services for youth, teen fathers and adult fathers. Presently, (NLFFI) is working with non-profit agencies in the southeast region in developing fatherhood and male involvement programs. The Institute hopes to impact national and state policies that will enhance the ability of Latino fathers to fulfill their responsibility as positive influences in the lives of their children. 
   These are the themes that will be at the heart of a national dialogue—National Latino Fatherhood Conference “The Circle of Health /El Circulo de la Salud”: 
   Friday, November 21, 2003—“ The Circle of Health /El Circulo de la Salud,” “Reproductive Health in Latinos ”: “ Family Violence and Substance Abuse in Latino Families”, “Teen Pregnancy Prevention,” “Understanding the Needs of Latino Immigrants Men”: “Teen Fathers: Raising Healthy Children”.