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Practical Parenting for a Strong Family

Nurturing Fathers Program

What It’s All About

Program Overview

The Nurturing Fathers Program is a friendly, evidence-based, 13-week training course that helps men learn valuable parenting and nurturing skills. Each class lasts 1-2 ½ hours and is packed with practical tools for building strong family relationships and supporting child development. This program has been successfully used in a variety of settings, including schools, churches, state departments of social services, prisons, halfway houses, and community organizations. Plus, it’s available in Spanish!

In our group, participants share their experiences with their fathers, and with the warm support of our NFP facilitators, they explore what their own children truly need from them—things they may not have received during their own childhoods.

Dads discover just how powerful loving praise and a nurturing, secure environment can be for helping their children build self-esteem and confidence.
We also highlight the importance of fostering a positive and supportive co-parenting relationship with the children’s mother, no matter if the parents are together or separated.
The main objective of this program is to provide evidence based life skills training and community mentors to encourage students to reach their fullest potential as they develop into adulthood. 
Sign Up
A father wearing a black mesh baseball cap supports a baby girl on his shoulders.

What We Talk About

Program Highlights

  • Setting and achieving goals
  • Understanding personal values
  • Identifying strengths and weaknesses
  • Building self-esteem
  • Developing communication skills
  • Preventing early parenting challenges
  • Establishing healthy relationship boundaries
  • Promoting sexual violence awareness and prevention
  • Embracing social equality
  • Enhancing mental wellness
  • Raising college awareness
  • Planning for the future

What You Need

Prerequisites
  • Ages 14+
  • Call and/or meet with Prevention Specialist Educators
  • Intake appointment needed

Questions & Answers

What is the program like week to week?

You’ll meet with one of our educators and follow the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. Each class lasts 1–1.5 hours. We typically hold sessions at our office, but we’re happy to work around an individual’s schedule.

Is there a cost to join?

No—our classes are free! You may choose to purchase your own copy of the Nurturing Fathers Workbook for $20, but this is optional.

Who will be there?

Classes are one-on-one with a mentor. However, you’re welcome to invite family members or a support person if you wish.

Can this program help me with my court case or custody situation?

While we do not provide legal advice or representation, many fathers find that completing the Nurturing Fathers Program reflects positively in court proceedings—especially in cases involving custody or reunification. Participation shows your commitment to building healthy parenting skills and maintaining a strong relationship with your children.

Do you offer legal counsel?

No—we are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or services. Our focus is on education, parenting skills, and personal growth.

Is this a parenting class or therapy group?

The Nurturing Fathers Program is an educational, peer-supported program—not therapy.

Is this a faith-based program?

No. However, we encourage men to tap into their personal values and sense of purpose as they go through the program.

Can I bring my child or partner?

Most of our sessions are designed for one-on-one work. However, some participants invite partners or children for occasional family sessions. The choice is yours.

What if I miss a class?

No problem – we’ll do our best to work around your schedule.

What will I walk away with at the end?

You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, but more importantly, you’ll gain practical parenting skills, stronger connections with your children, and tools to handle challenges with confidence—benefits that last long after the program ends.

Success Story

The Nurturing Fathers Program was so helpful to me in understanding who I am as a father. It helped me see areas where I felt I was a good father and improve in those areas. It also helped me understand where I had deficiencies or blind spots as a father and gave me the resources and skills to become better in these areas as well.

In addition to the skills learned from the program the environment of acceptance, support, and being surrounded by other fathers who were going through similar situations as me was beneficial to me in ways that allowed me to be vulnerable around other men and grow my emotional intelligence.

I truly appreciate everything I learned and everyone I met. I am a better person, man, and father because of these experiences.

-Daniel Carling