Heartland Family Service – Dads Program

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 Nebraska

Nebraska district courts hear family matters in each of its 93 counties, with many counties using county court for paternity and child support. The Child Support Enforcement division operates under DHHS. Omaha and Lincoln dominate the state's population. Legal Aid of Nebraska is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid provider statewide.

More Fatherhood Programs in Nebraska

• Nebraska Fatherhood Initiative – DHHS — State fatherhood efforts run through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services promoting responsible fatherhood, father-child eng
• National Fatherhood Initiative – NE Partners — National nonprofit partnering with Nebraska-based agencies to deliver evidence-based fatherhood curricula like 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad. F
• Urban League of Nebraska – Fatherhood — Omaha nonprofit offering father engagement programming, workforce readiness, and family support focused on the African American community an
• YMCA of Greater Omaha – Father Programs — Family YMCA branches across Omaha host father-child activity nights, parenting workshops, and recreational programming designed to strengthe
• Boys Town – Father Engagement — Boys Town's Nebraska headquarters runs family strengthening, parenting education, and father engagement programming grounded in its decades
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Omaha – Dads — Omaha-area Boys & Girls Clubs run programs and events that actively promote father involvement in their children's afterschool experience, i

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.