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May Greater Boston Fathers & Family Network Meeting

Fatherhood
Date May 14, 2026
Time 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location Publick House Historic Inn – 277 Main Street, Sturbridge MA, 01566
Reserve your spot today!

Join us for an interactive day of workshops led by Abdul-Rahmaan Muhammad

Welcome & Networking

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, build community, and set the tone for a meaningful and engaging learning experience.

This workshop is hosted by the Greater Boston Fathers & Family Network team at the Children’s Trust and the Western Massachusetts Fathers & Family Network at MSPCC.

21 Thoughts about the Fatherhood Engagement & Inclusion Mindset

Workshop #1 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This workshop addresses how social workers’ and providers’ personal beliefs, experiences, and biases can impact their approach to working with fathers. By presenting 21 key considerations for fatherhood engagement and inclusion, this workshop encourages participants to challenge their assumptions, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop a more inclusive approach to working with fathers. The goal is to promote a mindset that values the role of fathers and leverages their involvement for better family outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine how their own experiences, biases, and cultural norms influence their perceptions of fatherhood and affect their engagement with fathers in family services.
  2. Adopt more inclusive practices by exploring 21 impactful thoughts and reminders that emphasize the importance of father involvement and encourage a father-friendly approach to family engagement.
  3. Gain strategies to shift their mindset and actively include fathers as critical partners in the family process, leading to improved outcomes for children, fathers, and families.

The Fatherhood Manologues

Workshop #2 – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

A dynamic session designed specifically for social workers who engage with fathers and families. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore the profound impact of fatherhood and the experiences of being fathered through storytelling and reflection. It allows social workers to better understand the diverse narratives surrounding fatherhood, which can enhance their practice and interventions with clients.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the diverse experiences and emotional impact of fatherhood through storytelling, enabling them to incorporate these insights into their practice with fathers and families.
  2. Reflect on their own experiences and those of their clients, fostering greater empathy and a narrative-driven approach to their interventions and support for fathers.
  3. Gain practical strategies and tools for engaging and supporting fathers, empowering them to build stronger, more empathetic connections in their professional practice.

Location

This FFN will be held at the Publick House Historic Inn – 277 Main Street, Sturbridge MA, 01566. Lunch will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact fatherhood@childrenstrustma.org.

Presented By

  • Abdul-Rahmaan Muhammad

    Abdul-Rahmaan Muhammad
    LMSW

    Executive Director

    Abdul-Rahmaan Muhammad

    LMSWÏ

    Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad, LMSW is the Executive Director of My People Community Services, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to building stronger, more connected communities through innovative programming and collaboration. With over 20 years of experience in human services, Muhammad has led impactful work locally and nationally focused on manhood, fatherhood, youth development, and community transformation.

    Under his leadership, My People Community Services has developed a range of initiatives designed to support individuals and families, with its cornerstone program being Supportive Housing for Young Adults. This program provides housing and comprehensive support services to young men transitioning from incarceration, hospitalization, homelessness, or disrupted placements; helping them build stability, develop life skills, secure employment, and move toward independent living.

    The organization also provides a variety of youth development and mentoring initiatives, including the Launch Program, Life After High School, and the Future YOUth Initiative which equips young people with the tools, experiences, and opportunities needed to succeed.

    Muhammad is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and trainer who has delivered presentations and trainings across the country, specializing in manhood and fatherhood engagement. In 2025, he served as a keynote speaker at the New England Fathering Conference. He is the author of “21 Levels of Father Engagement” and continues to influence professionals and communities through his work.

    He is the developer of The Manhood Tree, a comprehensive initiative designed to support the growth and development of men and fathers. The Manhood Tree is built around four core components: The Manhood Tree Group, The Fatherhood Manologues, the Men’s Health Initiative, and The Manhood Tree Podcast.

    Muhammad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and a Master of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University. He serves as a Tri-Chair for the Connecticut DCF Statewide Fatherhood Engagement Leadership Team, is a member of the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative Council, and is an active member of the National Association of Black Social Workers.

    Through more than two decades of leadership, Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad remains committed to supporting, empowering, and rebuilding individuals, families, and communities while advancing the national conversation on manhood and fatherhood.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

All courses
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    Tuesday, April 21, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Introduction to Strengthening Families Protective Factors

    The Strengthening Families framework is an evidence-based approach that identifies five Protective Factors that, when present and robust in families, help increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.

    Read More about Introduction to Strengthening Families Protective Factors
  • A smiling man carries a cheerful child on his shoulders. Both are flexing their arms in a playful pose, standing in front of large, bright windows.
    Fatherhood
    Wednesday, April 29, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

    Engaging Dads

    This workshop explores barriers to father engagement and elevates the practices, attitudes, and behaviors that support best practices with fathers.

    Read More about Engaging Dads
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    Tuesday, June 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

    Parenting as Partners

    This workshop explores tools that strengthen cooperation between parents whether they are in a romantic or strictly shared parenting relationship. Participants will understand how healthy co-parenting contributes to positive outcomes for children.

    Read More about Parenting as Partners