Responsible Fatherhood
Encouraging fathers and father figures to be present, engaged, and consistent in the lives of their children.
Fathers Forward, Inc.
Empowering Fathers. Strengthening Families. Building Communities.
Fathers Forward, Inc. connects fathers and father figures with the support, resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to become stronger parents and community leaders.
Our Mission
Stronger Fathers Create Stronger Families
Fathers Forward, Inc. serves and engages fathers and father figures through social, cultural, civic, educational, and family-centered activities — helping fathers strengthen relationships with their children, families, and communities while connecting them with information, skills, resources, support, and networking opportunities.
Rooted in Harlem and active across New York City, Fathers Forward, Inc. brings fathers together with schools, faith and community organizations, local businesses, and public and private agencies — because engaged fathers change the direction of a whole family.
Areas of Support & Engagement
Where We Walk Alongside Fathers
These are the areas Fathers Forward, Inc. focuses on with fathers, father figures, and their families. Availability varies by season and partnership — reach out to learn what is active now.
Parenting & Education
Parenting conversations and school engagement that help fathers partner with teachers and support learning at home.
Employment & Career Development
Connections to job readiness, training, and career information that help fathers provide for their families.
Financial Empowerment
Information on budgeting, saving, credit, and building financial stability for the household.
Health & Wellness
Encouraging physical, mental, and emotional wellness so fathers can show up strong for their families.
Healthy Relationships
Co-parenting, communication, and family relationship topics approached with respect and honesty.
Youth Mentoring
Caring adults standing alongside young people with guidance, encouragement, and consistency.
Community Resources
Referrals and information that connect fathers and families to trusted community services.
Signature Events
Traditions That Bring Fathers and Families Together
Our signature gatherings have become community traditions. New dates and details are announced as each event is confirmed.
Dads Take Your Child to School Day
Fathers and father figures walk their children to school together, showing up visibly in the school community.
Daddy Daughter Dance
A celebrated evening honoring the bond between fathers and daughters, first held in 2017.
Real Dads Cook
Fathers in the kitchen with their children — food, fellowship, and family time.
Fathers Family Outing
A day out for fathers, children, and families to relax, play, and connect.
Career Day
Fathers sharing their careers and experience with young people exploring their futures.
Fathers Forum & Awards
Conversation, recognition, and celebration of fathers making a difference in the community.
Community Impact
Presence Is the Difference
Our impact shows up in ordinary, powerful moments: a father walking his child through the school door, a dad who finds a job lead through another dad, a daughter dancing with her father in a room full of families who came out to celebrate her.
Fathers Forward, Inc. works with schools, community organizations, and local partners so that fathers and father figures are visible, welcomed, and supported in the places their children learn, play, and grow.
Get Involved
There Is a Place Here for You
Volunteer
Give your time at an event, a program day, or behind the scenes.
Sponsor an Event
Underwrite a signature event and put your name behind fathers and families.
Become a Community Partner
Schools, faith organizations, agencies, and businesses working with us.
Support a Program
Direct your support to an area of work that matters most to you.
Stay Connected
Get occasional updates on programs, signature events, and ways to support fathers and families in Harlem and New York City.
Help Us Move Fathers and Families Forward
Volunteer, sponsor, partner, or give — every form of support helps a father stay present in his child's life.