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 Minnesota

14 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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

14 Resources

1. Minnesota Fathers & Families Network — Free

Statewide network offering fatherhood programs, peer mentoring, policy advocacy, and referrals from the University Avenue office in St. Paul. Serves fathers of any income level across Minnesota. Call or email to connect with local programs, parenting classes, legal referrals, or employment help. Bring photo ID and a summary of your family situation to intake. Free services.

612-399-9035 · 2446 University Ave W #104, St. Paul, MN 55114 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

2. FATHER Project – Goodwill-Easter Seals — Free

Fatherhood engagement program providing mentoring, employment coaching, parenting education, and child support navigation from the Fairview Avenue office in St. Paul with Minneapolis outreach sites. Serves fathers facing barriers to involvement. Call to enroll; bring photo ID, Social Security number, and any court orders. Free services for qualifying dads.

651-379-5800 · 553 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Hennepin County Fathering Programs — Free

County-supported fatherhood programs including parenting education, peer support, and case management coordinated through the Human Services division at the Government Center in Minneapolis. Serves Hennepin County fathers of any income level. Call or walk in to inquire; bring photo ID and any court orders. Free services with referrals to employment and housing help.

612-348-4111 · 300 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55487 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Fatherhood & Family – Community Action Duluth — Free

Fatherhood support programs in the Duluth and Arrowhead area including workshops, peer groups, and parenting curricula from the West 5th Street office. Serves low and moderate-income dads. Call to register; bring photo ID and any court orders. Free services plus referrals to employment, housing, and financial coaching through Community Action Duluth's integrated programs.

218-726-1665 · 2424 W 5th St, Duluth, MN 55806 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Urban Ventures – Center for Fathering — Free

Programs helping fathers in south Minneapolis develop parenting skills, strengthen family bonds, and build life skills from the 4th Avenue South campus. Serves dads and their families with mentoring, classes, and family activities. Call or visit to enroll; bring photo ID and a summary of family situation. Free services emphasizing long-term engagement and father-child connection.

612-638-1000 · 3023 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Think Small – Father Engagement Programs — Free

Early childhood programs that actively engage fathers in their children's learning, development, and school readiness from the Yorkton Court office in St. Paul. Offers classes, resource referrals, and training for providers. Call or visit to enroll; bring photo ID and child birth certificates if available. Free services serving Minnesota families with young children.

651-641-0332 · 10 Yorkton Ct, St. Paul, MN 55117 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Ramsey County Fatherhood Collaborative — Free

Coordinates fatherhood services and resources across Ramsey County agencies from the Kellogg Boulevard office in St. Paul. Connects fathers with parenting education, child support navigation, and employment support. Call or walk in to inquire; bring photo ID and any court orders. Free services for Ramsey County dads of any income level with partners across nonprofits.

651-266-4444 · 160 E Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Northside Achievement Zone – Fatherhood — Free

Father engagement and family stability programs in north Minneapolis from the Emerson Avenue North campus. Serves fathers of children enrolled in NAZ's education pipeline with coaching, parenting classes, and peer support. Call or visit to enroll; bring photo ID and child birth certificates. Free services focused on long-term family stability in the Northside ZIP codes.

612-521-4405 · 1830 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. National Fatherhood Initiative – MN Partners — Free

National nonprofit providing fatherhood skill-building curricula such as 24/7 Dad used by Minnesota programs statewide. Resource materials, online guides, and training available via the national office. No direct local services but MN families can find participating providers through the online search. Free information; program fees vary by local partner.

301-948-0599 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

10. Fathers Resource Center — Free

Parenting education, peer support groups, divorce navigation resources, and referrals for Twin Cities fathers from the Oak Grove Street office in Minneapolis. Serves dads at all stages of separation, divorce, and custody disputes. Call to enroll; bring photo ID and any existing court orders. Free services with group meetings held evenings for working fathers.

612-874-1509 · 430 Oak Grove St #105, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

11. African American Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Culturally specific fatherhood programs for African American dads in the Twin Cities, operating through the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network at the University Avenue office in St. Paul. Offers peer groups, mentoring, and parenting education rooted in Black family experience. Call to enroll; bring photo ID. Free services open to African American fathers statewide.

612-399-9035 · 2446 University Ave W #104, St. Paul, MN 55114 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

12. Olmsted County Fatherhood Programs — Free

County-supported parenting education, fatherhood engagement, and family stability services in the Rochester area from the Campus Drive SE office. Serves Olmsted County dads of any income level. Call or walk in to inquire; bring photo ID and any existing court orders. Free services with referrals to child support, employment, and mental health resources through county departments.

507-328-6500 · 2117 Campus Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Pillsbury United – Father Engagement — Free

Community programs supporting father-child relationships in south Minneapolis from the Nicollet Avenue office. Offers parenting classes, mentoring, and family activities at Pillsbury's network of neighborhood centers. Call or walk in to enroll; bring photo ID. Free services open to fathers of children in the communities served, with referrals to employment and basic needs supports.

612-302-3400 · 3610 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. St. Cloud Area Fatherhood Collaborative — Free

Multi-agency fatherhood support network in the St. Cloud region coordinated through United Way at the 6th Avenue South office. Connects dads with local parenting education, employment help, child support navigation, and peer groups. Call to find a participating program; bring photo ID and any existing court orders. Free services for Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne county fathers.

320-251-2612 · 110 6th Ave S #200, St. Cloud, MN 56301 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.