More than a Haircut builds community and strengthens families by promoting positive fathering in the Black Caribbean community. Discussions, held in local barbershops during business hours, raise awareness about the important role fathers play in healthy child development, school success and safe communities. Last year, 300 fathers and their children participated in a unique outreach partnership that addresses a critically important issue in Toronto. The absence of strong fathers and father-figures in the Black Caribbean community is linked to problems of underachievement and alienation among Black children and youth. 91% of participants in More than a Haircut reported a positive change in their fathering attitude and behaviours. There is tremendous interest from media, community groups and agencies in the unique approach of More than a Haircut that brings together barbers, community fathers, social agencies and Macaulay Child Development Centre.
Grant funds will enable Macaulay to disseminate their unique More than a Haircut approach to a minimum of 50 community organizations. Activities include: developing and implementing a marketing plan to expand their financial base and increase their capacity to deliver the program in two additional neighbourhoods such as Keele/Eglinton and Weston Mount Dennis.
