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.

Fatherhood Programs in Iowa

15 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.

Fatherhood Programs in Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

15 Resources

1. Mid-Iowa Community Action – Fatherhood — Free

Community action agency offering father engagement classes, parenting workshops, and family support services for central Iowa dads. Programs may include job coaching, co-parenting education, and connections to Head Start and housing assistance. Fathers can call the Marshalltown office to find current cohort dates. Services are free for income-eligible participants. Bring photo ID, proof of residency, and income documentation when enrolling.

515-956-6000 · 1001 S 18th Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative – IA Partners — Free

National organization partnering with Iowa nonprofits, schools, and correctional settings to deliver evidence-based fatherhood curricula. Dads can access free online resources such as ebooks, tip sheets, and videos on engaged parenting, co-parenting, and fatherhood after incarceration. Call headquarters to find Iowa partner programs currently running cohorts. No income requirements for the online tools, which are available at no cost.

301-948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Children & Families of Iowa – Father Programs — Free

Des Moines-based nonprofit offering fatherhood classes, family strengthening, mental health counseling, and youth services statewide. Father programs focus on engaged parenting, healthy relationships, and employment readiness. Fathers can enroll by phone or online intake and should bring photo ID and proof of residence. Most direct services are free for income-qualifying families. Main office on University Ave with satellite locations across Iowa.

515-288-1981 · 111 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. YMCA of Greater Des Moines – Father Programs — Free

Central Iowa YMCA offering father-child activities, parenting workshops, and wellness programs at Des Moines area branches. Dads can register for youth sports, swim lessons, and weekend Y-Dads events. Financial assistance through open-door memberships is available for income-eligible families. Bring photo ID and proof of income when applying for assistance. Multiple branches serve greater Des Moines with extended weekday and weekend hours.

515-282-9622 · 101 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

5. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa – Dads — Free

Youth-development nonprofit running programs that promote father involvement in children's academic, social, and emotional development across central Iowa. Clubs offer after-school care, mentoring, sports, and family engagement nights where dads are welcome. Low-cost membership fees, with financial aid for eligible families. Fathers can enroll children by visiting a local club with photo ID, proof of address, and emergency contact info.

515-242-7695 · 1000 Highview Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

6. Sioux City Fatherhood Programs — Free

Father engagement and family support services in the Sioux City area offering parenting classes, co-parenting support, and referrals to employment, housing, and legal resources. Fathers can call for current enrollment periods and bring photo ID, proof of residency, and income documentation. Services are generally free for income-eligible participants. Located at the Community Action center on Leech Avenue serving Woodbury County and western Iowa.

712-277-8686 · 2700 Leech Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Community Action of Southeast Iowa – Dads — Free

Community action agency running fatherhood engagement and family strengthening programs across Burlington and southeast Iowa counties. Services include parenting workshops, Head Start access, employment support, and referrals for housing and food assistance. Fathers can call to find the nearest enrollment site and bring photo ID, proof of income, and residency to intake. Free for income-eligible participants across Des Moines and Lee counties.

319-753-0193 · 2850 Mt Pleasant St, Burlington, IA 52601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Upper Des Moines Opportunity – Father Programs — Free

Community action nonprofit offering fatherhood programs across northwest Iowa, including parenting classes, family support, employment help, and connections to Head Start, housing, and food assistance. Fathers can call for nearest outreach site and enrollment dates. Bring photo ID, proof of residency, and income documentation. Services are free for income-eligible participants. Headquartered in Graettinger with outreach in multiple counties.

712-859-3885 · 101 Robins St, Graettinger, IA 51342 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Iowa — Free

Youth mentoring organization matching children with positive adult role models across Iowa, including fatherly figures for kids in single-parent homes. Fathers who want their child mentored, or who want to volunteer as a Big, can apply online or by phone. The process includes background checks, interviews, and ongoing match support. No cost to families. Volunteer Bigs commit to several hours a month for at least a year.

515-288-9025 · Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Lutheran Services in Iowa – Fatherhood — Free

Faith-based nonprofit offering family strengthening and father engagement programs statewide including parenting education, behavioral health, refugee services, and foster care support. Fathers of any faith can enroll in classes or access counseling by calling the Des Moines office. Most programs are free or sliding fee for income-eligible families. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and residency to intake appointments when applicable.

515-573-3138 · 3116 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. ISU Extension – Strengthening Families — Free

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach delivers evidence-based parenting and family programs in communities statewide, including the Strengthening Families curriculum for dads and their children. Classes cover communication, discipline, and healthy relationships. Fathers can contact the Ames office or a local county extension to find cohort dates. Most classes are free or low cost. Serves all 99 Iowa counties through ISU field staff.

515-294-6429 · Ames, IA 50011 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. HACAP – Father Engagement — Free

Hawkeye Area Community Action Program offers father involvement programs in the eastern Iowa region including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding counties. Services may include parenting classes, Head Start connections, employment coaching, and referrals to food, housing, and energy assistance. Fathers can call the Hiawatha office for program schedules. Free for income-eligible participants. Bring photo ID and income proof to intake.

319-739-0030 · 1515 Hawkeye Dr, Hiawatha, IA 52233 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Dubuque Community YMCA – Dad Programs — Free

Family YMCA offering father-child activities, swim lessons, youth sports, and parenting-wellness programs in the Dubuque area. Dads can register children for after-school and summer programs and join Y-Dads weekend events. Financial assistance through open-door memberships is available for income-qualifying families. Bring photo ID, proof of address, and income documentation when applying for reduced rates. Main branch on North Booth Street.

563-556-3371 · 35 N Booth St, Dubuque, IA 52001 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

14. Community Action of Siouxland – Dads — Free

Community action agency offering father engagement, family support, Head Start connections, employment help, and food and energy assistance across western Iowa. Fathers can call the Sioux City office for current enrollment windows and bring photo ID, proof of residency, and income documentation to intake. Most programs are free for income-qualifying participants. Serves Woodbury, Plymouth, Ida, Monona, and neighboring counties.

712-274-1610 · 2700 Leech Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Council Bluffs Community Alliance – Dads — Free

Local coalition offering fatherhood programs and family services in the Council Bluffs area and southwest Iowa. Programs may include parenting classes, co-parenting education, employment support, and referrals to housing and food assistance. Fathers can call for enrollment dates and bring photo ID, proof of residency, and income documentation to intake. Most services are free for income-eligible dads. Located on South 1st Street.

712-328-3940 · 305 S 1st St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.