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AGENDA ITEM
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Report: Programs or Partnerships to Address Health and Social Challenges Affecting Men
1) Motion Directing Staff
COUNCIL ACTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At its July 16, 2024, meeting, the City Council discussed concerns regarding the social, health, and educational challenges facing men and boys in Glendale and directed staff to research practices in other jurisdictions. This report reviews national, state, regional, and city-level frameworks and programs, identifies common themes, and outlines potential opportunities for Glendale.
At the national level, initiatives such as the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the National Fatherhood Initiative, and Year Up provide evidence-based frameworks that emphasize education, family stability, employment, health, mentoring, and safety. State efforts include proposed legislation in Washington to establish a Commission on Boys and Men. Numerous cities—including Long Beach, New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Houston, Columbus, and Rochester—have implemented programs tailored to local needs, many tied to broader community initiatives rather than one demographic.
Across national, state, and local levels, the recurring challenge areas are 1) Education gaps, 2) Fatherhood/family instability, 3) Limited employment/economic mobility, 4) Health and mental health disparities, 5) Overrepresentation in justice systems, and 6) Need for mentoring/leadership opportunities.
Potential options for Glendale include building on existing partnerships with schools, nonprofits, health systems, and community organizations to improve outcomes for men and boys.
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for calendar
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RECOMMENDATION
Council to provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
At the July 16, 2024 City Council meeting, the Council discussed concerns regarding social, health, and educational challenges impacting men and boys in Glendale. Council directed staff to prepare a report on:
What other jurisdictions are doing to address these issues. Ways Glendale might evaluate and strengthen local programming, services, and partnerships.
Opportunities for Glendale to be proactive in improving quality of life for men and boys while supporting overall community well-being.
Overview of Common Issues
Across national, state and local levels, the recurring challenge areas are:
Education gaps
Fatherhood/family instability
Limited employment/economic mobility
Health and mental health disparities
Overrepresentation in justice systems
Need for mentoring/leadership opportunities
Research Findings
1. National Programs/Frameworks
YMCA – Longstanding community institution offering health, wellness, mentoring, leadership programs.
YMCA of the USA
Boys & Girls Clubs of America – Provides after-school programs with focus on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – Evidence-based, one-to-one mentoring for youth of all backgrounds, with proven outcomes in education and behavior. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) – Evidence-based curricula supporting fatherhood,
family stability, and reentry programs. Programs include 24:7 Dad, InsideOut Dad, and Understanding Dad.
National Fatherhood Initiative
Year Up United – Workforce development program focused on education and employment for young adults.
Year Up United
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance – Obama Foundation national initiative focused on six milestones (school readiness, reading by 3rd grade, high school graduation, post- secondary completion, employment, and safety)..
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance
Men’s Health Network – a national nonprofit offering toolkit, health campaigns, and educational resources to promote preventive care and wellness among men and boys. Men’s Health Network
2. State-Level
Washington State (pending legislation, HB 1266 & SB 5446): Would create a Commission on Boys and Men with five focus areas:
Education
Fatherhood, Family & Relationships
Jobs, Careers & Financial Health
Physical & Mental Health
Experiences in Court Systems
Proposed Commission on Boys and Men
3. City-Level Initiatives
New York City – Young Men’s Initiative (YMI): Comprehensive approach addressing education, employment, and mentorship (includes NYC Men Teach). Washington, DC – Commission on Fathers, Men & Boys: Advises Mayor and Council on disparities and solutions.
Boston, MA – Office of Male Engagement: Coordinates services and funds programs for men and boys.
Columbus, OH – Mentorship and leadership programs adapted from national models.
Across national, state and local levels, the common themes are closing opportunity gaps in education and employment, improving fatherhood and family stability, addressing health and mental health disparities, reducing overrepresentation in justice systems, and creating mentoring/leadership opportunities. These frameworks and programs recognize that improving outcomes for men and boys also benefits community well-being.
Potential Opportunities & Partnerships in Glendale
1. Youth Mentorship & Development
Afterschool club-style programs with tutoring, recreation, and mentoring. Local Partners: Glendale Unified School District (GUSD), Glendale Community College (GCC), Glendale Youth Alliance.
2. Fatherhood & Family Engagement
Evidence-based fatherhood curricula (e.g., 24:7 Dad, InsideOut Dad); community-driven father engagement events.
Local Partners: Verdugo Woodlands Dads’ Club, faith-based organizations, family support nonprofits.
3. Health & Wellness for Men & Families
Preventive health, fitness, and mental health initiatives; wellness and recreation-based programs.
Local Partners: Glendale Healthier Community Coalition (GHCC), local hospitals and clinics, LA County Public Health, recreation nonprofits.
4. Career Pathways & Workforce Development
Job readiness programs, skill-building pipelines, mentorship linked to career development.
Local Partners: Glendale Youth Alliance, GCC PDC, local businesses, Verdugo Workforce Board
5. Governance & Coordination
Establish a City Commission or Initiative on Men & Boys; conduct a full inventory of existing programs; strengthen nonprofit and community collaborations.
Local Partners: City departments, community-based organizations, school district, community college, healthcare systems.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact at this time. Should the Council wish to pursue this further, staff will return with cost estimates aligned with Council’s direction, including the allocation of City personnel and potential funding sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
N/A
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Note and file this report.
2. Ask staff to conduct additional research on areas of interest to the City Council.
3. Direct staff to prepare a report/plan with recommendations for targeted programming, partnerships, and policy options.
4. Form a Task Force or Working Group with representatives from City departments, GUSD, GCC, and community partners to develop a framework/program tailored to Glendale.
5.Provide other direction as deemed appropriate by Council.
EXHIBITS
None