YMCA of Anchorage — Father Programs

About Fatherhood Programs for Fathers

Fatherhood programs in the US are funded through the federal Office of Family Assistance (OFA) under the Responsible Fatherhood grant program and through state and local initiatives. Programs typically focus on three areas: healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability (employment and financial literacy). Services often include peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, job training, help navigating child support, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated fathers. Organizations like the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) and Fathers' Rights Movement operate nationally; most states also have dedicated fatherhood coalitions and faith-based organizations running local programs. This directory includes federally-funded Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grantees, state fatherhood coalitions, and community-based mentorship programs — all open to dads regardless of custody status.

Fatherhood Programs in Alaska

Alaska family cases are heard in the Alaska Superior Court, one of the few states with a unified trial court structure. The Child Support Services Division within the Department of Revenue handles enforcement. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau host the largest court locations; rural Alaska relies heavily on magistrates and remote hearings. Alaska Legal Services Corporation provides statewide civil legal aid.

More Fatherhood Programs in Alaska

• National Fatherhood Initiative — Alaska — National nonprofit offering curricula, workbooks, and resources that Alaska community-based organizations use to support father engagement,
• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium — Family Programs — Health-focused family and fatherhood programs for Alaska Native and American Indian communities statewide, including wellness, parenting, an
• Tanana Chiefs Conference — Family Programs — Fatherhood and family strengthening services for Interior Alaska tribal communities, including parenting education, cultural activities, and
• Kawerak — Family & Youth Programs — Fatherhood and family wellness programs for Bering Strait region communities, coordinated from Nome. Staff offer parenting education, youth
• Alaska Children's Trust — Dad's Connection — Statewide father engagement programming and grants supporting dads across Alaska through community partnerships, training, and events. Staff
• Kenai Peninsula Fatherhood Coalition — Community partnership promoting active father involvement on the Kenai Peninsula through education, support groups, and family-friendly even

Fatherhood Programs — Common Questions

What do fatherhood programs actually do?

Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.

Who can join? Do I need custody?

Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).

Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?

Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.

How do fatherhood programs help with child support?

Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.