Families

Staff at the Southwest Community Center, as well as the families that rely on it, are outraged by the sudden suspension of the center’s OASAS Afterschool program.  By Za’Tozia Duffie Afterschool programs provide a lifeline to working parents who need to bridge the time between when their kids get out of school and when they get out of work.  The …

Affordable childcare, YMCA center and playspace all included in potential Syracuse Children Rising Center

Nominated by Marvin Ramos By Sydney Gold Q: What did it feel like when you became a father?A: I was nervous and excited. I recorded a video for each of them [at their births] to capture the moment, the raw feeling and emotions that I had. My youngest, Aysis, has her video downloaded to her tablet, so hopefully she’ll have …

By Ashley Reeves Q: You are raising your two brothers. What did it feel like when you became their guardian?A: I took custody when our father died in 2015. It’s been really interesting. I’ve gone from being their awesome, cool, outrageous, trouble-making big brother to now the authority figure. It’s been a difficult transition if I’m being transparent. For seven …

Nominated by his mother Desiree Odom By Ashley Kang Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father?A: Before I came a dad, everyone would say: “You’ll look at things differently when you’re a father.” And my greatest title in life is Dad. It’s life changing and has been so rewarding. It is something I get to …

Nominated by David L. Chaplin By Eddie Velazquez Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father?A: It felt like a huge responsibility but obviously a great deal of happiness and honor at the same time. It was a time when I really wanted to take account, stay focused and be the best father I could be …

Nominated by his son’s mother, Deka Dancil

By Sydney Gold Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father?A. To sum it up, it was the most amazing, scariest moment of my life. Q: What was your relationship like with your father?A. I really do not have one. Unfortunately, my father allowed life to get the best of him, and the relationship between my …

Nominated by Reggie Seigler By Ashley Kang Q: How did it feel when you became a father? A. To be honest, I wasn’t nervous. Most men get nervous; they get terrified or scared. I wasn’t afraid of becoming a parent. I always knew one day I would become a father. I just didn’t know when. Q. What was the moment …

Nominated by Summer Merrick By Ashley Kang Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A. Excitement. Joy. Just to know that you are able to bring a life into this world is definitely one of the best feelings in the world. I was there for the birth all the way. I cut the umbilical cord and …