YMCA of the Valley - Father/Child Programs

Fatherhood Programs · Arizona · Paid

Valley of the Sun YMCA operates multiple branches across the Phoenix metro offering family programs, dad-and-kid fitness classes, Adventure Guides (formerly Indian Guides), family camping trips, and father engagement activities. Full-facility memberships include youth programs for the entire family. Financial assistance and sliding-scale dues are available through the Open Doors program. Bring photo ID, proof of address, and household income documentation to apply.

Contact & Details

Address: Multiple Phoenix metro locations

Phone: 602-257-5138

Hours: Varies by program and location

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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 Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

More Fatherhood Programs in Arizona

  • Arizona Department of Economic Security - Fatherhood Programs — State agency coordinating Arizona's responsible fatherhood initiatives, connecting fathers statewide with parenting classes, employment and
  • National Fatherhood Initiative — Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood skill-building curricula, including 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad (for incarcerated
  • All Pro Dad - Arizona Chapters — School-based fatherhood engagement program of Family First with chapters at elementary and middle schools across Arizona. Fathers, father fi
  • Chicanos Por La Causa - Fatherhood Program — Phoenix-based statewide community development organization providing fatherhood engagement workshops, parenting education, workforce develop
  • Fathers Matter (Phoenix) — Phoenix-based fatherhood organization providing parenting workshops, peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, and resources designed speci
  • Tucson Urban League — Longstanding Tucson-based nonprofit affiliated with the National Urban League providing family strengthening and fatherhood engagement progr

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.