Best Fatherhood Programs in Massachusetts — 15 resources

About Fatherhood Programs

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.

15 Resources

1. Massachusetts Fatherhood Initiative (DTA) — Free

State Department of Transitional Assistance initiative supporting responsible fatherhood in Massachusetts through partnerships with community-based organizations that deliver parenting education, workforce development, and family-strengthening services. Target population includes non-custodial fathers receiving or linked to public assistance. Eligibility, referrals, and participation are coordinated through DTA case managers and local partner agencies.

617-348-8400 · 600 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 · Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood skill-building curricula such as 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad (for incarcerated or returning dads), and Understanding Dad, delivered at Massachusetts community organizations, workforce programs, and correctional facilities. Individual dads do not sign up directly; programs are offered through local partner sites. Use the NFI website's program locator to find a nearby Massachusetts site and contact them for enrollment.

301-948-0599 · National (programs delivered at MA partner sites) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. All Pro Dad - Massachusetts Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters at Massachusetts elementary and middle schools where dads (and father figures) meet their kids monthly for breakfast, discussion prompts, and relationship-building activities. Free to attend; schools host on their own schedule. Search the All Pro Dad website by ZIP code to find a local chapter or request that your child's school start one with a free starter kit and training materials.

Multiple MA school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly meetings — check local chapter · Visit Website

4. Roca Inc - Young Fathers Program — Free

Serves high-risk young fathers ages 17-24 in Chelsea, Boston, Springfield, Holyoke, and Lynn with intensive case management, parenting education, employment readiness, and relentless outreach over a four-year intervention. Priority for justice-involved young men who have been unreachable by other programs. Referrals come from probation, DYS, and community partners; walk-in inquiries welcomed. All services are free with no insurance or income requirement.

617-889-5210 · 101 Park St, Chelsea, MA 02150 · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm · Visit Website

5. Community Teamwork Inc - Fatherhood (Lowell) — Free

Community action agency serving the Merrimack Valley (Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, and surrounding towns) with fatherhood engagement, parenting education, family-strengthening workshops, and workforce development. Services are free for income-eligible fathers and are coordinated with CTI's WIC, Head Start, and Housing programs. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, proof of income, and birth certificates for children enrolled in programs.

978-459-0551 · 155 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Health Families Massachusetts - Father Engagement — Free

Statewide voluntary home visiting program for first-time pregnant and parenting teens (age 23 and under) with a dedicated father engagement component supporting young dads with parenting skills, attachment, and family bonding. Free to participate for eligible families; referrals come from hospitals, schools, and community providers. Contact the Children's Trust or local lead agency to find the nearest Healthy Families program.

617-727-8957 · Programs statewide through local agencies · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Strong Fathers Strong Families (Springfield) — Free

Fatherhood engagement program in Springfield offered through Springfield Partners in Community Action. Provides parenting classes, individual mentoring, family activities, and workforce support for dads in Hampden County. Free for income-eligible fathers. Call to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, proof of Hampden County residency, and any existing child support or custody orders. Groups meet weekly during the program cycle.

413-263-6500 · 721 State St, Springfield, MA 01109 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Action for Boston Community Development - Fatherhood — Free

ABCD, Boston's community action agency, offers fatherhood programming including parenting workshops, job readiness training, family support services, and referrals to childcare and financial coaching for Boston-area fathers. Services are coordinated through ABCD neighborhood opportunity centers across Boston. Free for income-eligible dads. Call or visit a local center to schedule intake; bring photo ID, proof of income, and any existing child support orders.

617-357-6000 · 178 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts — Free

Mentoring program pairing adult male mentors with youth in the Greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts area, providing stable father figures for children who may lack one. Community-based and site-based mentoring matches are supervised by professional match specialists. Free for enrolled families. Parents can enroll their child by submitting an inquiry through the website; mentors go through background checks and training before matching.

617-956-0260 · 75 Federal St, Suite 302, Boston, MA 02110 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Fatherhood Coalition (Massachusetts) — Free

Massachusetts-based grassroots advocacy organization promoting shared parenting, father involvement, and Probate & Family Court reform. Provides peer support meetings for dads navigating custody disputes, educational resources about Massachusetts family law, and legislative advocacy. Does not provide legal representation. Membership and meetings are free or low-cost. Contact through the website for upcoming meeting dates and advocacy opportunities.

Massachusetts statewide · Online resource · Visit Website

11. New Bedford Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Community program in New Bedford providing fatherhood education, workforce development, parenting classes, and family reunification support for local dads in Bristol County. Often coordinated with local community action and workforce partners. Free for participating fathers. Call the city's community development office or visit to learn about current program cycles and enrollment; bring photo ID and any relevant court or DOR paperwork.

508-979-1500 · New Bedford, MA 02740 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Massachusetts Children's Trust - Fatherhood — Free

Statewide organization promoting father engagement and family strengthening through community grants to local programs, professional training for home visitors, and public awareness campaigns on involved fatherhood. Does not deliver direct services to individual dads; instead funds and trains Massachusetts partner agencies that run father engagement programs. Visit the website for a list of funded programs and contact the nearest one for enrollment.

617-727-8957 · 294 Washington St, Suite 640, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston - Father Engagement — Free

Programs at Boston-area Boys & Girls Clubs that encourage father involvement through family events, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities. Kids get afterschool and weekend programming; dads can participate as volunteers, event attendees, or program supporters. Club membership fees are low and financial assistance is available for qualifying families. Contact the nearest Boston club to enroll a child and ask about father engagement events.

617-994-4700 · Multiple Boston locations · Afterschool and weekend programs · Visit Website

14. Brockton Area Fatherhood Programs (Self Help Inc) — Free

Self Help Inc, the community action agency for the Brockton area, provides fatherhood engagement services, parenting classes, workforce support, and family-strengthening programs for Plymouth County dads. Coordinated with Self Help's WIC, Head Start, fuel assistance, and housing programs. Free for income-eligible fathers. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, proof of income, and any existing child support or custody orders.

508-588-7300 · 980 N Main St, Brockton, MA 02301 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Cape Verdean Association (Brockton) - Father Support — Free

Community organization in Brockton providing culturally relevant family strengthening, parenting education, and fatherhood support specifically for Cape Verdean families and other immigrants in Plymouth County. Bilingual services available in English, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole. Free for eligible participants. Call or visit to inquire about current fatherhood programming and schedules; bring photo ID and any relevant family documents.

508-580-5844 · 540 Pleasant St, Brockton, MA 02301 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many fatherhood programs resources are in Massachusetts?
Men's Corner tracks 15 fatherhood programs resources for men and fathers in Massachusetts.
Are fatherhood programs resources in Massachusetts free?
15 of the 15 listed fatherhood programs resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Massachusetts have fatherhood programs resources?
Listings span cities including Boston, Chelsea, Lowell, Springfield, New Bedford, Brockton.
What are some examples of fatherhood programs resources in Massachusetts?
Featured entries include Massachusetts Fatherhood Initiative (DTA), National Fatherhood Initiative, All Pro Dad - Massachusetts Chapters, Roca Inc - Young Fathers Program, Community Teamwork Inc - Fatherhood (Lowell).
Do these listings include phone numbers?
13 of 15 Massachusetts fatherhood programs listings include phone numbers.
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.