The Forestdale Fathering Initiative prepares non-custodial fathers to reclaim a place in their families’ lives. The program helps men step up to the challenges of fatherhood through recognition of how past experiences may affect their fathering roles. Intensive parenting classes, continuing education, job training and group discussions and activities all help open participants’ eyes to an alternative lifestyle. A separate program for men under the age of 24 deals with the unique challenges faced by young fathers. Funded largely by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the Fathering Initiative has served over 200 families each year since its launch in 1998. In 2009, the Fathering Initiative opened a satellite office in the heart of Jamaica, Queens.

If you are interested in learning more about the Forestdale Fathering Initiative, please contact Scott Leach at sleach@forestdaleinc.org