Reflecting on a remarkable moment—honoring Shaleek Simms, recipient of the Father of Resilience Award at the recent Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition (UCFIC) Recognition Dinner! To celebrate his commitment as an exemplary father to his daughter, Shaleek was invited to a VIP Knicks game experience—a truly deserved recognition.

Joining him was Bill Jones, executive director of the Housing Authority of Elizabeth in NJ, a mentor to Shaleek, and a committed UCFIC advisor and charter member. Together, they had an unforgettable night at The Garden, representing the impactful work of UCFIC and the Housing Authority.

Thabiti Boone, a respected leader in fatherhood advocacy and a longtime collaborator with the New York Knicks, played a key role in coordinating this experience. A college basketball Hall of Famer, author, and humanitarian, Boone serves as the International Representative for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative and as a Fatherhood Advisor to NBA legend Allan Houston and the Allan Houston Foundation. He also served on President Obama’s White House Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative committee, further solidifying his commitment to uplifting fathers and strengthening families. His work with the Knicks has included organizing events such as the Dads & Daughter Basketball event in partnership with the Grow Our Game Girls program and the NYC Housing Authority.

The Knicks players met Shaleek and Bill and learned more about UCFIC’s mission to uplift fathers and strengthen families. It was inspiring to see their dedication recognized in such a powerful setting.

The Housing Authority and UCFIC Knicks Fatherhood Program provides game experiences at games to celebrate the importance of fathers in their children’s lives. The goal is to create fun, lasting memories for dads, father figures, and young people through basketball.

Bill and Shaleek made the most of the experience—a private pregame shootaround, meeting the players, enjoying hospitality, and capturing a post-game photo on the world’s most famous court.

Shaleek is an exceptional young father, and Bill is a true leader in fatherhood advocacy. As Bill said, “we truly appreciate the connections between UCFIC and the Knicks Fatherhood Game Experience program. Together, we can continue to uplift and empower fathers everywhere.”