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 New Jersey

18 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 New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

18 Resources

1. The Father Center of New Jersey — Free

Trenton-based nonprofit providing comprehensive fatherhood support including parenting workshops, job readiness training, co-parenting guidance, and individualized case management. Locations in Trenton, Camden, and Burlington. Located at 1 W State St in Trenton. Call 609-695-3663 or email info@thefathercenter.org Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Free to eligible fathers. One of New Jersey's flagship fatherhood programs serving low-income and justice-involved dads across the Delaware Valley region.

609-695-3663 · 1 W State St, 5th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Nation's leading provider of fatherhood skill-building curricula including 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad for incarcerated fathers, and Boot Camp for New Dads. Contracted by NJ DCF to train over 175 state-funded partner agencies across New Jersey. Call 301-948-0599 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Programs are delivered locally through NJ community organizations. Visit fatherhood.org to find a local program near you. Research-based curricula focus on active engagement, communication, and parenting confidence.

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

3. All Pro Dad - New Jersey Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program where dads and their kids meet monthly before school for breakfast, activities, and guided conversations designed to strengthen the father-child bond. Multiple NJ chapters active across the state; searchable by ZIP code at allprodad.com. No cost to participate. Meetings are held at participating school locations. Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and male guardians are all welcome. Each session follows a structured curriculum addressing communication, presence, and positive parenting.

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

4. Urban League of Essex County — Free

Serves Newark and Essex County with community development programs including employment services, early childhood education, and family engagement initiatives that support fathers. Located at 504 Central Ave in Newark. Call 973-624-9535 or email info@ulec.org Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Programs address employment barriers, workforce training, and economic self-sufficiency. Father-engagement activities connect dads with their children and the broader community support network in Essex County.

973-624-9535 · 504 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. PMCH FELLAS Fatherhood Program — Free

Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ program engaging Essex County fathers to promote healthy relationships and strengthen parenting skills. Located in Irvington at 50 Union Ave. Call 973-372-4353 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. FELLAS programming addresses fatherhood involvement, co-parenting communication, and economic empowerment. Free to eligible fathers in Essex County. Case managers provide individualized support and connect participants to additional community resources.

973-372-4353 · 50 Union Ave, Suite 403, Irvington, NJ 07111 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Gateway CAP - Male Initiative Program — Free

Fatherhood program serving Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Mercer, Gloucester, and Salem counties with one-on-one coaching, group mentoring, and parenting education for fathers. Located in Atlantic City at 1433 Bacharach Blvd. Call 609-487-4540 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Services include responsible fatherhood workshops, employment readiness, and co-parenting skills. Free for eligible participants. Connects southern NJ fathers with community resources and peer support networks.

609-487-4540 · 1433 Bacharach Blvd, 3rd Floor, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. New Brunswick Fatherhood Council — Free

City-run program in New Brunswick providing a free, supportive environment where fathers connect, share experiences, and build positive relationships through the Department of Human and Community Services. Located at 78 Bayard St. Call 732-745-5007 for meeting schedules. Open to all fathers including non-custodial dads, young fathers, and those recently home from incarceration. Programming addresses co-parenting, engagement, and community connection to support healthy fatherhood in the New Brunswick area.

732-745-5007 · 78 Bayard St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 · Contact city for meeting schedule · Visit Website

8. Parents Inc of NJ - Father Time Program — Free

Statewide fatherhood movement featuring peer-led community-based support groups addressing co-parenting, father engagement, and personal growth for dads across New Jersey. Call 1-800-843-5437 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Multiple locations statewide; evening and weekend groups available. Programs are free and welcoming to all fathers including non-custodial and incarcerated dads transitioning home. Peer facilitators share lived experience to help dads navigate challenges and strengthen bonds with their children.

1-800-843-5437 · Statewide — multiple locations · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; groups vary · Visit Website

9. Wayne Metropolitan CAA - NJ Fatherhood Programs — Free

Community action agency partnering with NJ organizations to deliver responsible fatherhood programming including parenting classes, employment services, and family strengthening activities. Delivered through multiple NJ partner locations statewide. Call 734-246-2280 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Programs address parenting skills, co-parenting communication, economic self-sufficiency, and father-child engagement. Free for eligible participants. Contact the agency to locate the nearest NJ partner site offering fatherhood programming.

734-246-2280 · Multiple NJ locations through partner agencies · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. NJ DCF - Office of Family Engagement — Free

NJ Department of Children and Families division promoting father involvement through community partnerships, evidence-based parenting resources, and family strengthening programs. Located at 50 E State St in Trenton. Call 609-888-7050 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Funds fatherhood programs statewide and provides training to community organizations serving fathers. Fathers involved in DCF cases can request information about father engagement services and parenting supports available in their area.

609-888-7050 · 50 E State St, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark — Free

Youth development organization offering fatherhood engagement events, mentoring programs, and family activities for Newark-area dads and their children. Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Newark. Call 973-242-0061 Monday through Friday 3pm to 8pm; Saturday 9am to 5pm. Programming includes father-child sports nights, family movie events, and community volunteer activities. Open to all Newark-area families regardless of membership. A welcoming space for dads to build connections and strengthen bonds with their kids.

973-242-0061 · 580 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm; Sat 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union — Free

Mentoring program pairing children with adult volunteer mentors in Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Offers opportunities for fathers, stepfathers, and male community members to serve as role models and strengthen parenting skills through structured mentoring. Located in Cranford. Call 973-731-6100 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Volunteer training and background checks provided. Fathers can refer their own children or become mentors themselves to support youth in their communities.

973-731-6100 · 540 N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Catholic Charities of Camden - Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Faith-based fatherhood program providing parenting education, job readiness training, anger management, and family reunification support for Camden County fathers. Located at 1845 Haddon Ave in Camden. Call 856-342-4100 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Open to all fathers regardless of religious background. Curriculum addresses co-parenting, healthy relationship skills, and economic self-sufficiency. Case managers provide individualized guidance and connect participants with housing, employment, and legal resources.

856-342-4100 · 1845 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Prevent Child Abuse NJ - Fatherhood Resources — Free

Statewide nonprofit providing father-specific parenting education, family support programs, and resources to strengthen the father-child bond across New Jersey. Located in New Brunswick at 103 Church St. Call 1-800-244-5373 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Programs include parenting workshops, home visiting, and peer support groups for dads. Connects fathers with local resources for childcare, housing, and employment. All programs are free and evidence-based, designed to increase father involvement and improve child outcomes.

1-800-244-5373 · 103 Church St, Suite 210, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Jersey City YMCA - Dad Programs — Paid

Jersey City YMCA offering father-child activities, family swim nights, fitness programs, and parenting workshops. Located at 654 Bergen Ave in Jersey City. Call 201-435-0099 for program schedules and membership rates. Open Monday through Friday 5:30am to 10pm and weekends 7am to 6pm. Membership fees apply but financial assistance and sliding scale options are available. A welcoming community hub where dads and kids can participate in athletics, wellness classes, and youth development events.

201-435-0099 · 654 Bergen Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-6pm · Visit Website

16. Urban League of Hudson County — Free

Community organization serving Hudson County with employment services, youth development, and family strengthening programs that actively engage fathers. Located at 253 Martin Luther King Dr in Jersey City. Call 201-451-8888 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Programs address workforce development, job placement, financial literacy, and community advocacy. Father engagement initiatives help dads build stronger connections with their children and navigate social service systems. Open to all Hudson County residents.

201-451-8888 · 253 Martin Luther King Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

17. YMCA of Greater Monmouth County - Family Programs — Paid

YMCA of Greater Monmouth County offers dad-and-child events, family fitness programs, and parenting workshops at multiple Monmouth County locations. Located at 166 Main St in Matawan. Call 732-741-2504 for schedules and membership rates. Open Monday through Friday 5am to 10pm and weekends 7am to 5pm. Financial assistance available for eligible families. Programs include family swim, father-child sports nights, and youth enrichment activities that strengthen bonds between dads and their kids.

732-741-2504 · 166 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747 · Mon-Fri 5am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-5pm · Visit Website

18. NJ Community Action Partnership - Fatherhood — Free

Network of community action agencies across New Jersey delivering fatherhood engagement, responsible parenting education, and economic self-sufficiency programs to fathers statewide. Located in Ewing at 1 Meridian Blvd. Call 609-883-7676 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Member agencies span all 21 NJ counties offering local access to parenting workshops, employment services, and family support. Connects fathers with housing assistance, childcare subsidies, and community resources through county-based partner organizations.

609-883-7676 · 1 Meridian Blvd, Suite 2C8, Ewing, NJ 08628 · 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.