YMCA of Kanawha Valley – Father Programs

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 West Virginia

West Virginia Family Court is a statewide unified system handling divorce, custody, and child support. The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement operates under DHHR. Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown are the largest cities. Legal Aid of West Virginia is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

More Fatherhood Programs in West Virginia

• National Fatherhood Initiative – WV Partners — Evidence-based fatherhood curriculum and program support delivered through local partner agencies across West Virginia. Fathers can access g
• Family Resource Network – Fatherhood — Father-engagement programming in the Huntington area focused on involved parenting, co-parenting skills, and practical supports for dads. Wo
• Community Action Agencies – Fatherhood — Network of statewide community action agencies offering father-engagement programs, parenting support, and wraparound services including hou
• Boys & Girls Clubs of WV – Dads — Programs promoting father involvement alongside youth programming at Boys & Girls Club locations across West Virginia. Fathers can volunteer
• Big Brothers Big Sisters – Mountain State — One-to-one mentoring program pairing adult male volunteers with youth across West Virginia, giving kids from single-parent and underserved f
• Head Start – Father Engagement WV — Federal early-childhood program with dedicated father-engagement activities delivered through Head Start grantees across West Virginia. Fath

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.