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 Pennsylvania

15 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

15 Resources

1. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

National organization with active programs across Pennsylvania providing fatherhood skill-building curricula including 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad for incarcerated fathers, and Boot Camp for New Dads. Programs are used by PA agencies, hospitals, community organizations, and corrections facilities statewide. Fathers looking to build parenting skills, connect with fatherhood programs, or access resources can visit fatherhood.org.

301-948-0599 · National (programs delivered in PA) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. All Pro Dad - Pennsylvania Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters at Pennsylvania schools where dads and their children meet monthly for breakfast, fun activities, and guided relationship-building conversations. Meetings happen before the school day at participating schools. Any father, grandfather, uncle, or male guardian can join. Chapters are free to start and participate in. Visit allprodad.com to find or start a chapter at your child's Pennsylvania school.

Multiple PA school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly morning meetings · Visit Website

3. Congreso de Latinos Unidos - Fatherhood Program — Free

Philadelphia-based Latino-serving organization offering fatherhood engagement services, parenting workshops, co-parenting support, and economic self-sufficiency training for fathers in the Philadelphia area. Programs are offered in English and Spanish. Congreso serves fathers of all backgrounds and provides connections to employment, housing, childcare, and legal aid resources. Located in North Philadelphia and serving the broader Latino community.

215-763-8870 · 216 W Somerset St, Philadelphia, PA 19133 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Urban League of Philadelphia - Male Engagement — Free

Provides fatherhood support services, workforce training, and family strengthening programs for Philadelphia-area fathers including mentoring and parenting workshops. The Urban League focuses on economic empowerment alongside fatherhood engagement, helping dads build the financial stability needed to support their children. Connects fathers to job training, employment services, and community support resources throughout the Philadelphia area.

215-985-3220 · 121 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Pennsylvania Head Start Father Engagement — Free

Federal Head Start programs across Pennsylvania actively engage fathers through events, workshops, and male involvement coordinators helping dads participate in their children's early education. Head Start programs serve income-eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Fathers are encouraged to attend classroom activities, parent meetings, and fatherhood events. Find your local PA Head Start at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov.

Head Start centers statewide (search by county) · Varies by location · Visit Website

6. Pennsylvania Prison Society - Fatherhood Programs — Free

Partners with Pennsylvania state prisons to deliver fatherhood programs for incarcerated fathers, including parenting education, family reconnection, and reentry planning. Programs help fathers maintain bonds with their children during incarceration and develop skills to be present parents after release. The PA Prison Society also advocates for humane conditions and connects families to visiting resources throughout the state prison system.

215-564-4775 · 230 S Broad St, Suite 605, Philadelphia, PA 19102 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Brightpoint Fatherhood Programs — Free

Statewide nonprofit offering fatherhood engagement programs, home visiting, and parent support services at locations across Pennsylvania. Brightpoint helps fathers build parenting skills, connect with their children, and access community resources. Programs serve fathers of all backgrounds including young fathers, those involved in the child welfare system, and fathers with barriers to involvement. Contact your local Brightpoint office for current program availability.

312-424-0200 · Multiple locations in PA · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Center for Fathering (Lancaster) — Free

Community-based fatherhood engagement program in Lancaster County providing parenting classes, support groups, and mentoring for fathers of all ages and backgrounds. Programs help dads develop communication skills, understand child development, and strengthen their relationships with their children. Located in Lancaster, the Center for Fathering welcomes new and experienced fathers seeking support and community connections.

717-299-6371 · 630 Janet Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

9. Family Support Alliance of Reading/Berks — Free

Provides parent education, home visiting, and fatherhood engagement services in Berks County to strengthen families and prevent child abuse. Programs include parenting workshops, one-on-one home visits for new parents, and fatherhood groups that help dads in the Reading area build confidence and skills. Services are free or low-cost for eligible families. Call to ask about current fatherhood program schedules and enrollment.

610-685-0605 · 645 Penn St, Suite 100, Reading, PA 19601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

10. Men's Resource Center of South Central PA — Paid

Provides support groups, counseling, and workshops for men and fathers in the Harrisburg and York areas including anger management, parenting skills, and men's wellness programs. The Men's Resource Center serves fathers dealing with stress, relationship challenges, and the pressures of fatherhood. Programs are designed specifically for men in a peer-support environment. Call to ask about current group schedules and counseling availability.

717-583-5437 · 12 S Market St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

11. Maternity Care Coalition - Fatherhood Programs (Philadelphia) — Free

Philadelphia-based nonprofit with fatherhood engagement services including home visiting, parenting education, and connecting new fathers to community resources. The Maternity Care Coalition has integrated fathers into its family support model, offering services to expectant and new dads alongside maternal health programming. Fathers in Philadelphia can call to inquire about fatherhood groups, parenting classes, and one-on-one support services.

215-972-0700 · 2000 Hamilton St, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19130 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) - Fatherhood — Free

Community action agency in Erie providing fatherhood programs, family support services, and economic empowerment for low-income fathers in Erie County. GECAC's fatherhood programming helps dads build parenting skills, navigate child support and custody systems, and access employment and housing resources. Income-eligible fathers in the Erie area can call to enroll in current fatherhood program offerings.

814-459-4581 · 18 W 9th St, Erie, PA 16501 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Strong Fathers Program - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia — Free

Hospital-based fatherhood program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia helping new and expectant fathers develop parenting skills, bonding techniques, and deeper engagement with their children's healthcare. The program meets dads where they are, including at prenatal appointments and in the hospital after birth. Covers infant care, safe sleep, feeding, and how fathers can support healthy child development from day one.

215-590-1000 · 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Fathers' Workshop - Bethesda Mission (Harrisburg) — Free

Faith-based fatherhood program at Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg providing classes on parenting, relationship skills, co-parenting, and personal responsibility for fathers in the Harrisburg area. Offered to men staying at the Mission as well as community members. The workshop series covers communication, healthy relationships, financial responsibility, and child development. Open to fathers of all backgrounds regardless of faith tradition.

717-257-4442 · 611 Reily St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 · Call for schedule · Visit Website

15. Fatherhood Coalition of Allegheny County — Free

Coalition of Pittsburgh-area organizations working to strengthen father-child relationships through events, workshops, and connecting dads to local fatherhood resources in Allegheny County. The coalition coordinates Father's Day events, advocacy efforts, and training programs for organizations serving fathers. Fathers in the Pittsburgh region can contact the coalition to find local programs and events focused on engaged fatherhood.

412-227-4802 · 610 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · 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.