What Is Man Cave?

An opportunity to workshop, connect, learn and share in a safe and supportive space. Participants are fathers, stepdads, uncles, brothers, grandfathers, who are nurturers, life-long learners, educators, advocates, and active community members.

Male family members and father figures serve key roles in the healthy development of their children and families and have so much to contribute to their communities.

 

Hear Martin’s Story of Advocacy

Get a look inside Man Cave

History of Man Cave

Since 2014, MAN CAVE has been a safe space where male role models can talk about the challenges of supporting the growth and development of young children.

Head Start and Early Start staff engage fathers as advocates, lifelong educators, and first teachers of their children. Male family members and father figures serve key roles in the healthy development of their children and families and have much to add to their communities.

 

Since 2014…

• 450 Fathers have participated in Man Cave.
• 512 Children benefitted from male role model involvement.
• 45 events for Man Cave members.
• 714 Fathers participated in parent-child activities at the centers.
• 41 Single fathers participated.
• 155 Other Male figures including grandfathers, uncles, bothers, and friends have participated.

 

What Happens at Man Cave?

Father figures drop off their children for the on-site daycare. They gather for a meal while saying hello to familiar and new faces. Settling in, staff kicks off the meeting to welcome everyone into the space and provide a road map for the intention of the evening. These gatherings offer men an opportunity to be in community to talk, share, and build new and creative parenting skills. Fathers from very diverse backgrounds often find that they have much in common when they talk about their children. They connect with each other as they consider their roles as men and fathers in today’s world.

 

ACTIVITES AND EVENTS OFFERED

• Parenting Workshops to increase understanding of children.
• Participate in Crystal Stairs family events to help families connect.
• Monthly Parent Policy Council Meetings.
• Advocacy events and workshops including Community Voices.
• Community Resource Fairs for job training and opportunities.
• Dance with Dads: A night for father figures to create memories with their child in a magical setting.