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 Michigan

17 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 Michigan

Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support specific to Michigan. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help online self-help center is one of the most robust in the US.

17 Resources

1. Michigan DHHS - Fatherhood Programs — Free

State agency in Lansing coordinating statewide fatherhood initiatives and funding community-based responsible fatherhood programs focused on parenting skills, healthy relationships, and economic stability. Residents seeking direct services should contact a local community-based fatherhood provider; MDHHS coordinates statewide funding, training, and program oversight for fathers and families served through MI Bridges and partner agencies.

517-241-7800 · 333 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing fatherhood skill-building curricula like 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad, and Understanding Dad that are delivered through Michigan community organizations, jails, and correctional facilities. NFI does not run direct programs; fathers interested in classes should contact a participating Michigan partner agency. The helpline can refer fathers to the nearest NFI program site.

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

3. All Pro Dad - Michigan Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters at Michigan elementary schools, hosting monthly father-child breakfast meetings focused on building stronger relationships, character, and school connection. Fathers and father figures can search the national website by ZIP code to find the nearest participating school or start a new chapter. Free and open to families enrolled in the host school.

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

4. Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement, job readiness, parenting education, and mentorship programs for fathers in the Detroit metro area. Serves fathers seeking employment, parenting skills, and community support. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of residency, and any court orders related to custody or child support when registering for fatherhood cohorts.

313-832-4600 · 208 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency - Fatherhood — Free

Federally funded community action agency in Detroit offering fatherhood programming including parenting classes, co-parenting support, employment services, and case management. Serves low-income fathers in Wayne County. Intake by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court orders related to custody or child support to scheduled appointments.

734-246-2280 · 7310 Woodward Ave, Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48202 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Bethany Christian Services — Free

Grand Rapids-based faith-based nonprofit offering parenting classes, family counseling, and family preservation programs with strong father engagement across Michigan. Serves fathers and families regardless of religion. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID and, for court-related services, any existing custody or child welfare case documents to scheduled appointments.

616-224-7610 · 901 Eastern Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Grand Rapids Urban League — Free

Offers family strengthening and fatherhood engagement programs in the Grand Rapids area, including workforce development, mentoring, and community support for fathers. Serves fathers seeking employment, parenting skills, and community connection. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of residency, and any court orders related to custody or child support to appointments.

616-245-2207 · 745 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Volunteers of America Michigan - Fatherhood Program — Free

Provides fatherhood programs including parenting education, anger management, job skills training, and peer support groups for fathers in the metro Detroit and Lansing areas. Serves low-income and justice-involved fathers. Intake by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of residency, and any court orders related to custody or child support to scheduled appointments.

248-559-0076 · 3600 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. SER Metro-Detroit - Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Detroit-area nonprofit offering fatherhood engagement, job training, parenting education, and family strengthening programs for underserved fathers in southwest Detroit. Serves low-income fathers. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of residency, and any court orders related to custody or child support when registering for fatherhood cohorts.

313-846-2240 · 9301 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Saginaw County Community Action Committee - Father Engagement — Free

Community action agency in Saginaw offering fatherhood programming including parenting classes, mentoring, and family support services. Serves low-income fathers in Saginaw County. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court orders related to custody or child support to appointments at the Perkins Street office.

989-753-7741 · 2824 Perkins St, Saginaw, MI 48601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint - Father/Child Programs — Free

Offers father-child engagement activities, mentoring, and youth development programs for families in the Flint area at the Lawndale Avenue clubhouse. Serves youth and fathers seeking positive engagement. Fathers interested in volunteering or enrolling a child should call during after-school hours; bring photo ID and the child's school and emergency contact information.

810-233-0513 · 2202 Lawndale Ave, Flint, MI 48504 · Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm; Sat 10am-4pm

12. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region — Free

Mentoring program matching adult male mentors with youth in Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. Provides positive male role models for children including those in single-parent households. Interested mentors complete an application, background check, and training; parents seeking a mentor for a child complete an enrollment interview. Contact the Saginaw office by phone during business hours.

989-790-2390 · 4505 Fashion Square Blvd, Suite 110, Saginaw, MI 48603 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

13. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit — Free

Mentoring program connecting Detroit-area youth with caring adult mentors including male role models for children in single-parent households. Serves youth and families throughout metro Detroit. Interested mentors complete an application, background check, and training; parents seeking a mentor for a child complete an enrollment interview. Contact the Renaissance Center office by phone during business hours.

313-309-0990 · 400 Renaissance Center, Suite 335, Detroit, MI 48243 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

14. Michigan Head Start Association - Male Involvement — Free

Statewide initiative based in Lansing promoting father and male involvement in Head Start programs across Michigan through engagement activities, training for Head Start staff, and policy advocacy. Fathers interested in Head Start father-engagement events should contact their local Head Start agency; MHSA coordinates statewide activities and publishes a directory of participating programs.

517-319-9506 · 117 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Catholic Charities West Michigan - Fatherhood Programs — Free

Offers parenting education, family counseling, and fatherhood engagement programs for families in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan region. Serves fathers and families regardless of religion. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, insurance information if applicable, and any court orders related to custody or child support to scheduled appointments.

616-456-1443 · 40 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

16. Kalamazoo Community Foundation - Fatherhood Initiatives — Free

Community foundation in Kalamazoo that funds and supports fatherhood engagement programs focused on family stability, co-parenting, and economic opportunity for fathers. Does not run direct programs; fathers seeking classes or services should contact a local partner agency. The foundation publishes funded program lists and can connect inquirers with the nearest community-based fatherhood provider.

269-381-4416 · 151 S Rose St, Suite 332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Cristo Rey Community Center (Lansing) - Father Programs — Free

Lansing community center offering culturally responsive fatherhood programming, parenting workshops, and family strengthening for Latino and diverse families. Serves fathers and families in the greater Lansing area. Intake is scheduled by phone during business hours; bring photo ID, proof of residency, and any court orders related to custody or child support when registering for programs.

517-394-4639 · 1717 N High St, Lansing, MI 48906 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

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.