I-DADS Magazine a News Resource to Help HACA Fathers Raise Great Kids

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is excited to announce the launch of I-DADS Magazine, an online magazine for fathers participating in the I-DADS program across HACA properties.

For those who may not be familiar, I-DADS stands for Involved Dads of Action, Developing, and Succeeding. Launched in 2018 as an innovative partnership between HACA and bestselling author and motivational speaker Isaac Rowe (founder of The Man in Me Foundation) the goal of I-DADS is to strengthen families by empowering HACA fathers and father figures to raise great kids and to achieve positive, fulfilling lives.

I-DADS participants attend four 120-minute sessions before graduating with a certificate and receiving a computer from the HACA Digital Inclusion program. Eight cohorts take place on HACA properties throughout the year.

“I-DADS covers topics such as anger management, making positive choices, developing self-esteem and confidence, but most of all being a positive role model for their children,” said HACA Workforce Development Manager and I-DADS Program Manager Roland Murphy. The program also hosts a men-only field trip and a family focused-program graduation.

The first issue of I-DADS Magazine arrived in December 2022, and was the brainchild of two I-DADS volunteer coordinators, Cecil Hendricks and Arturo Alaniz, and implemented by Murphy.

“The I-DADS volunteer coordinators wanted a way to highlight the men in the program and the great work they are doing to improve their lives and the lives of their families. They want the world to know about it. The more men that know, the more men the program could help,” Murphy smiles.

“This has been a remarkable new phase to the I-DADS project. It’s a publication that promotes the I-DADS program and shares information with today’s fathers about being a good parent, getting job training, and taking advantage of city-wide resources,” said Murphy. “I applaud Cecil and Arturo for their hard work in making this magazine possible and their dedication over the years as I-DADS program ambassadors.”

The next issue of I-DADS Magazine is expected on March 15.  Make sure you get a chance to check it out.