Markeshia Ricks Photo
Joseph Vidro said he learned how to be a dynamic dad from his own father, and he tries to live up that example with his own three kids.
“I learned about being resourceful from him and the things he did to provide for his family,” said Vidro, shown with his 10-year-old daughter Aniaya.
New Haven dads like Vidro got to share with the world what it means to them to be dynamic dads thanks to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse.
The clearinghouse, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Family Assistance, partnered with 200 barbershops and community partners around the country to launch the Fatherhood Buzz Dynamic Dads initiative the Saturday before last.
Rodney Moore and his 17-year-old son Trenton.
New Haven’s Headz Up Barber Shop, at 161 Whalley Ave., was the only barber shop in the state chosen to host one of the national kick-off events, where dads could bring their children to enjoy a cookout, get a haircut, pick up parenting tips and get the opportunity to network with other dads.
The ‘r Kids Family Center and New Haven Family Alliance were participating partners for the event. Alliance Executive Director Barbara Tinney said it was important to celebrate fathers and recognize those who are making a sincere effort to be part of their children’s lives. The organization provides a number of programs specifically aimed at men and parenting. Vidro is a graduate of one of the programs.
“There are fathers that need to step up,” Tinney said. “We also need to heal the relationship between fathers and mothers so that they can put the well-being of their child in front of their conflict.”
Bruce Trammell (pictured), a case manager with the New Haven Family Alliance, said the national fatherhood initiative was launched at barbershops because they are gathering places for men, and there is no better place to reach dads with information on a Saturday.
He said Headz Up was chosen to host the launch in Connecticut because of its commitment to the community. The shop is known for throwing family-friendly events in the summer like cookouts, typically feeding anyone who walks up hungry; they collect and give away coats in the winter; and there also is a “cuss jar” in the shop, meaning that unlike some barbershops, Headz Up keeps it PG.
“One of the barbers has a son, and he’s always here,” Trammell said. “That means that on any given day there are 12 to 15 fathers watching him and teaching him.”
The shop’s owner, Greg Simpkins, a dynamic dad of three (pictured in the white shirt), was recognized by Dwight Alder Frank Douglass and the Board of Alders not only for the national fatherhood initiative but also for being a dynamic employer. In addition to the barber shop, Simpkins also owns Tires to Go LLC on Orchard Street.
“This means a lot,” Simpkins said of the recognition. “My barbers and I do this out of our hearts on a daily basis. This is just the beginning of what we’re going to do in this community.”
Though Simpkins had the spotlight, he surprised one of the shop’s barbers, Troy Watters, and shared center stage with him by recognizing him for his service.
“This was unexpected,” Watters said. “A lot goes in to what we do and these fellas right here are a good crew. We have a lot of kids who come here and we don’t know that we are mentors to them, but we are. We give back and that’s what it’s all about.”