Fatherhood Initiative Program

Strong fathers help build strong families and strong communities.

Through funding from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, our agency is proud to offer the Fatherhood Initiative Program to support fathers and father figures in Allen and Auglaize Counties.

This program is designed to help fathers strengthen their relationships with their children, build confidence in their parenting role, and overcome barriers that may make it difficult to fully engage in their families’ lives.

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What the Program Offers

The Fatherhood Initiative Program provides guidance, resources, and support through:

  • One-on-one coaching with trained staff
  • Group sessions with other fathers
  • Parenting education and skill-building
  • Assistance in identifying and overcoming personal or family barriers
  • Support in strengthening relationships with children and co-parents
  • Connections to community resources such as employment, education, and financial stability programs

Participants will gain practical tools, encouragement, and a supportive environment that empowers them to become more active and confident fathers.

Program Benefits

Fathers who participate may:

  • Build stronger relationships with their children
  • Improve communication and co-parenting skills
  • Develop parenting confidence and leadership within the family
  • Connect with other fathers in the community
  • Access resources that help support long-term family stability

Incentives for Participating

Once a participant completes all 12 classes, they would be eligible to receive financial support in the form of assistance that can be used toward purchasing essential daily needs.

Who Can Participate?

The Fatherhood Initiative Program is available to:

  • Fathers or father figures living in Allen or Auglaize County
  • Fathers with children under the age of 18
  • Fathers who want to strengthen their parenting skills and involvement in their child’s life
  • Fathers who may be facing barriers such as employment challenges, housing instability, or limited parenting support

Both new and experienced fathers are welcome.

Flexible Participation Options

We understand that fathers have busy schedules. The program is flexible and can be completed:

  • Individually through one-on-one sessions
  • In group settings with other fathers for peer support and shared learning
  • In-person settings or Online via Zoom

WOCAP selected 24:7 Dad® A.M., developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative, because it is an evidence-based curriculum designed to help fathers and father figures build a strong foundation in responsible, involved, and nurturing fatherhood. The program addresses self-awareness, parenting and fathering skills, communication, discipline, co-parenting, men’s health, child development, and balancing work and family responsibilities.

Research, including a randomized evaluation conducted through the University of Hawai‘i, found that participation improved fathers’ knowledge, attitudes, involvement with their children, co-parenting relationships, and the quality of father-child relationships. Additional independent research found that greater participation was associated with increased confidence in parenting abilities.

WOCAP facilitators have completed formal training through the National Fatherhood Initiative and received certificates of completion. The 24:7 Dad® A.M. curriculum also includes implementation and fidelity guides, participant evaluation surveys, and certificates for fathers who successfully complete the program.

For More Information

Get Involved

If you are a father who wants to build a stronger future for your family, we encourage you to join us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more or sign up for the Fatherhood Initiative Program.

Vance Cuthrell,
Program Manager
419-227-2586 Ext. 156

We’re Hiring!

Join the WOCAP Team

WOCAP is actively hiring for several positions! If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community, we want to hear from you. Explore our current job openings and apply online today to join a team that’s helping individuals and families thrive.