Fatherhood Programs in New Mexico

8 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 Mexico

New Mexico district courts handle divorce and custody in each of its 13 judicial districts. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under HSD. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe are the largest cities. New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid organization.

8 Resources

1. National Fatherhood Initiative – NM Partners — Free

Evidence-based fatherhood programs implemented through New Mexico partner agencies, using NFI curricula like 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad. Programs help fathers build parenting skills, communication, and involvement with their children. The national office can refer NM dads to local partner sites; call 301-948-0599 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm or visit fatherhood.org for program locations.

301-948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. YMCA of Central NM – Father Programs — Free

Father-child activities and parenting workshops through the YMCA of Central New Mexico, including swim lessons, sports, and family events that support father involvement. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families. Visit 4901 Indian School Rd NE in Albuquerque, call 505-595-1515, or see ymcacnm.org. Facility hours run Monday through Friday 5:30am to 9pm with weekend programming.

505-595-1515 · 4901 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central NM – Dads — Free

After-school and summer programs for children ages 6-18 in central New Mexico, with initiatives promoting father involvement, mentoring, and family events. Dads can enroll kids and volunteer at 3333 Truman St NE in Albuquerque. Call 505-245-1538 Monday through Friday during after-school hours or visit bgccnm.org. Memberships are low-cost with scholarships available for qualifying families.

505-245-1538 · 3333 Truman St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

4. Navajo Nation Fatherhood Programs — Free

Culturally specific fatherhood programs for Navajo families, offered through Navajo Nation divisions of social services and community health. Programs honor Dine traditions while building parenting, financial, and relationship skills. The central office is in Window Rock. Call 928-871-6459 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit navajo-nsn.gov to find chapter-based programs across Arizona and New Mexico.

928-871-6459 · Window Rock, AZ/NM · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central NM — Free

Mentorship program matching fathers and other male role models with children and teens across central New Mexico. Dads can enroll their children or volunteer to mentor a youth in Albuquerque and surrounding communities from 4100 Osuna Rd NE #102. Call 505-830-2227 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm to start. The application and background process is free for families.

505-830-2227 · 4100 Osuna Rd NE #102, Albuquerque, NM 87109 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

6. YDI – Father Engagement Programs — Free

Youth Development Inc. runs programs that encourage involved fatherhood in Albuquerque's South Valley and surrounding neighborhoods, including parenting classes, home visiting, and family events. YDI works with fathers of all ages and backgrounds from 6301 Central Ave NW. Call 505-831-6038 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit ydinm.org. Most services are free to qualifying families.

505-831-6038 · 6301 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. NM Head Start – Father Involvement — Free

Head Start programs across New Mexico encourage active father participation through home visits, classroom volunteering, parent meetings, and family events. Eligibility is based on income and typically serves children ages 0-5. Call 866-763-6481 Monday through Friday during varies hours or visit benefits.gov/benefit/1935 to locate a local Head Start center. Enrollment is free for qualifying families.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

8. Gallup Indian Community Center – Dads — Free

Fatherhood programming for Native families in the Gallup area and McKinley County, combining parenting support with cultural activities and connection to community resources. The center serves fathers from Navajo, Zuni, and other tribal backgrounds in Gallup. Call 505-722-4209 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit gallupnm.gov for schedules. Programs are free to community members.

505-722-4209 · Gallup, NM 87301 · 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.