8 verified resources.
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.
8 Resources
1. Lutheran Community Services — Dad's Program — Free
Support groups and education for Delaware fathers focusing on parenting skills, healthy relationships, and engaged co-parenting, offered from the North Broom Street office in Wilmington. Program is free and welcomes dads regardless of faith background. Fathers can call during weekday business hours to ask about current cohorts and intake. Bring photo ID and be prepared to discuss goals for involvement with children.
(302) 654-8886 · 903 N Broom St, Wilmington, DE 19806 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Delaware — Free
National organization partnering with Delaware service providers to deliver father engagement curricula, training, and free resources. Dads can download articles, e-books, and parenting guides online without registration. Organizations serving Delaware fathers can request training and curriculum licensing through the main office. Useful for self-study between in-person programs, court-ordered classes, or counseling.
(301) 948-0599 · National resource · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
3. Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing — Dad Resources — Free
State office connecting fathers with licensed childcare and early learning programs across Delaware, based at the Silverside Road office in Wilmington. Staff help dads identify providers, understand subsidies, and navigate the Purchase of Care program. Call or visit during weekday hours; bring photo ID, income documentation, and custody paperwork when applying for subsidized childcare on a child's behalf.
(302) 892-5800 · 3411 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
4. Delaware Mentors — Father-Figure Program — Free
Mentoring program matching Delaware children in father-absent homes with vetted, positive male role models, coordinated from the West 10th Street office in Wilmington. Mentors commit to regular activities and check-ins. Mothers, fathers, and guardians can refer a child by phone during weekday hours. Volunteer applicants complete background checks and training; no cost to families receiving a match.
(302) 456-0026 · 100 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
5. Northeast Treatment Centers — Fatherhood Services — Free
Fatherhood programming for Delaware fathers involved in substance abuse recovery or the justice system, delivered from the West 18th Street office in Wilmington. Groups cover parenting skills, accountability, and rebuilding relationships with children. Fathers can self-refer or be referred by a probation officer. Bring photo ID and any court or probation paperwork to the first meeting scheduled by phone.
(302) 656-5006 · 1020 W 18th St, Wilmington, DE 19802 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
6. Delaware Responsible Fatherhood Program (TANF) — Free
State-funded program providing job training, life skills, and parenting education for low-income Delaware fathers, administered through the New Castle DHSS campus. Participants receive coaching on employment, child support engagement, and co-parenting. Dads should bring photo ID, recent pay stubs or proof of income, existing support orders, and children's birth certificates to the intake appointment.
(302) 255-9399 · 1901 N DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
7. Brandywine YMCA — Father & Child Activities — Paid
Structured father-child programming including sports, swim, arts, and family nights at the Brandywine YMCA on Concord Pike in Wilmington. Memberships and drop-in classes are available, with financial-assistance scholarships for qualifying families. Dads can tour the facility, ask about scholarships, and register during staffed hours. Bring photo ID and income documentation if applying for assistance.
(302) 478-9066 · 3900 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-10pm · Visit Website
8. Urban Promise Wilmington — Father Engagement — Free
Community organization engaging fathers in their children's academic, social, and spiritual development in Wilmington's at-risk neighborhoods, with offices on North Broom Street. Programs include tutoring, mentoring, and parent workshops. Fathers can walk in or call during weekday hours to learn about volunteer and program opportunities for themselves or their children. All services are free to participating families.
(302) 472-1480 · 1120 N Broom St, Wilmington, DE 19806 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm