As a single dad, Steve Filley sometimes had a hard time keeping up with his four boys' activities.
"I remember clearly being at a soccer tournament and talking to a friend of mine about how there should be something to help dads on the Internet," Filley said.
That was about five years ago. Filley is now happily remarried to a spouse who helps him keep up with the boys -- five now.
But a happy marriage didn't stop Filley, business director for three Montessori schools, and friend Richard DeSantos, an accountant, from working on an Internet site that could help single dads, married dads or anyone else who has to juggle schedules.
About six months ago, with the help of Digital Solutions in Las Cruces, the two men launched www.organizemydad.com, a Web site that provides the tools to stay on top of a family or group's schedules, sends out reminders, and lists things to do in El Paso and other cities.
"The user can set up multiple family members on the calendar, and you can be reminded of those events through e-mail or text," Filley said.
DeSantos said the two also partnered with a company that provides information on events in the city, as well as the ability to buy tickets.
"If you're going to Phoenix, you could look at events going on and and buy the tickets right there," he said.
DeSantos added that the site allows families to invite others, such as grandparents, to read what the family is up to through calendar entries and blogs.
Military
families who are apart also may enjoy using the site to maintain contact. "It can work with any number of situations, and nontraditional families," Filley said.
"What we're trying to do is give dad the tools to stay very active in their children's lives."
Filley, who said his own father and grandfather were good role models, said fathers today have more expectations weighing on them than did previous generations.
"Now, dads have to be a success at work and also be a superdad," he said. "And this (site) gives them the tools they need at home."
So far, the site has about 200 active members.
Maria Cortes Gonzalez may be reached at mcortes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6150.
What's available for free at www.organizemydad.com:
--Organize your schedule on a calendar.
--Use a search engine to find activities for your children.
--Find help in planning vacations, birthday parties and other special events.
--Create a photo gallery.
--Network with other parents.
--Customize your page with widgets and gadgets.
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