Fathers for Literacy event in Harrison offers books, bean bags and bonding

When George Fleming first began a career in social work, he immediately noticed a lack of interest in reading by children.

A supervisor for Allegheny Family Network, which has offices in Harrison and Oakland, Fleming was startled to learn that nearly two-thirds of low-income families have no books at home for their youngsters.

“Some of these same homes have computers and gaming systems,” said Fleming, a resident of Edgewood. “We must invest in reading to learn what our deficits are and overcome them.

“When you don’t read, your world is very small.”

Fleming borrowed an idea from a friend who started a program called the Book Nook. The focus was on fathers reading to their children. There were beanbag chairs to plop down on and plenty of colorful books to pass around.

“I was so impressed. I wanted to bring this to our area,” he said.

AFN will partner on Saturday with the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books to host a Fathers for Literacy event at the Highlands Community Center in Harrison. It will be 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for children ages 2 to 12.

“I couldn’t quit talking about this idea, because you can’t love reading unless you get an appreciation for it,” Fleming said.

His event aims to draw in young readers and their fathers to turn the pages of a good book, even if it’s just to look at the illustrations.

Families can take part in crafts, storytelling and other activities.

“Each family will be able to select books for free to take home and continue in the joy of reading,” said AFN Chief Development Officer Misty Chybrzynski Woody.

Books will be provided through a grant from the Grable Foundation.

The event aims to extend the joy of reading but also to deepen father engagement, Woody said.

“AFN knows the impact of fathers in children’s lives,” Woody said. “Studies show father involvement improves school attendance, academic achievement and healthier behavior choices.”

As a peer-to-peer family support organization, AFN provides services directly to fathers and father-like caregivers through its Fathers Involved Now program, which Fleming oversees.

Through the service, dads are connected to a father support partner, a trained professional who has navigated child-serving systems and can help other dads to do the same.

Parents in the program are invited to training sessions and support groups, Fleming said. They also can receive assistance in securing employment and housing.

To reserve a spot at the AFN Book Nook, call 888-273-2361 or email info@alleghenyfamilynetwork.org.