Father's Day Initiative

LAUREL, Miss. - Laurel's Housing Authority held its 1st annual Father's Day Program Thursday.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented the National Father's Day Initiative seven years ago. And over 1,000 Public Housing Authority's across the country have participated in this annual event ever since.

This year's theme is "Building Healthy Families," which highlights the importance fathers have in their children's emotional and physical health.

"Statistics show that when fathers are involved with their families and especially in the lives of their kids, it brings about an improved quality of life for not only them, but their families and our kids in regards to their education. Kids whose fathers are involved in their life are more likely to do better in school and not be incarcerated," said Ailrick Young, Laurel Housing Authority executive director.