Fatherhood Initiative

The Fatherhood Initiative at New Opportunities supports fathers seeking constructive ways to better provide for and nurture their children and, in general, maintain healthy relationships. In partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Child Support Enforcement (CSE) and the Department of Corrections (DOC), the Fatherhood Initiative addresses the needs of fathers as they struggle to care for their children amid challenging circumstances.

Married, single and divorced dads, employed or unemployed, residing in the family home or living apart, are all welcome to participate as walk-in voluntary clients or as referrals from other resources. The target age range of the men in the Fatherhood Initiative is 17 to 40.

Fathers find they get real help from 24/7 Dad™, a course of 12 early evening workshops designed to offer tools that help achieve more positive parenting outcomes. Topics for the sessions range from “Family of Origin” and “Handling and Expressing Emotions” to “Fathering and Culture.” Each session’s course work is expertly developed. For example, “Money Smart” is created by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Staff will also focus on the father’s immediate employment, training and other needs that will move him toward economic self-sufficiency when this is warranted.

For more information about the Fatherhood Initiative, please call (203) 575-4210 in the Greater Waterbury area, (203) 235-0278 in Meriden or email Info [at] NewOpportunitiesInc [dot] org.