Help for dads: Your guide to support for fathers in the Pittsburgh area

Photo above by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash.

Earlier this month, families around the Pittsburgh region celebrated Father’s Day. 

Parenting can be a joyful experience, and yet we know it isn’t easy. Motherhood often comes with the unhealthy message that moms should put themselves last, and fathers may not always have the experience or knowledge to feel confident about parenting. So during this month when dads are celebrated, the Kidsburgh team wanted to explore the kinds of support available to fathers in our area.

It’s especially important to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by new fathers as they navigate the postpartum period. Often overshadowed by the focus on maternal care, the experiences of new dads are increasingly recognized as integral to family well-being.

“The biggest misconception is that fathers often don’t think they have the same resources as mothers,” says Jerry Flint, in-home family specialist at The Children’s Institute Family Support Services.“In fact, most of the resources available are not only for women but for the parent or parents caring for the child. All the resource agencies I know are more than willing to work with moms and dads.”

For fathers hesitant to seek help, Jerry offers heartfelt advice: “Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your children. If you want your children to be able to take care of themselves, one of the most effective ways to do that is to model that by taking care of yourself.”

To assist fathers in their parenting journey, during the postpartum period and beyond, several programs and initiatives offer invaluable support:

Allegheny County Family Centers

Allegheny County Family Centers offer comprehensive fatherhood programs to support fathers with children from birth to 5 years old. These programs focus on improving communication, co-parenting skills, stress management and building peer support networks among fathers. Located throughout Allegheny County, these centers provide vital resources and guidance to help fathers navigate their parenting roles effectively.

Click right here to find your nearest center. 

Allegheny Family Network

Fathers Involved Now (FIN), facilitated by Allegheny Family Network, is a peer support service for fathers in Allegheny County. This program connects experienced fathers with those seeking guidance, promoting strong relationships and effective parenting strategies. FIN also organizes engaging activities throughout the year to strengthen father-child bonds and foster a supportive community environment. 

Click here for Fathers Involved Now.

Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Fatherhood Programs cater to fathers in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, offering specialized support for those navigating parenting and employment challenges. Programs like 365 Dads (designed for fathers with children aged 0-5) and Men On A Mission (for fathers of bigger kids), provide evidence-based strategies and community connections. These initiatives aim to enhance parenting skills and foster supportive networks among fathers. 

For more information, contact Larry Klinger at 412-394-5955 or larry.klinger@aiu3.net.

DADS MATTER

DADS MATTER serves fathers across Beaver, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. This program offers help with responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships, economic stability and workforce training. With a goal of assisting 1,100 fathers by 2025, DADS MATTER offers flexible sessions covering topics like work-life balance, communication, co-parenting and financial literacy. 

Interested fathers can learn more and join by contacting 724-836-2600 or completing an online interest form.

Goodwill Single and Custodial Father’s Network

Fatherhood FIRE, based in Allegheny County, supports fathers and father figures ages 18 and older who are raising children 24 years old or younger. This program focuses on building resilient and essential parenting skills through education and community support. Participants can earn up to $200 in gift cards, while receiving valuable parenting and co-parenting resources. Goodwill also assists with transportation and childcare, aiming to empower fathers in their parenting journey.

Contact them at 1-877-499-3526 or fatherhood@goodwillswpa.org to get involved.

Healthy Start

Healthy Start’s Male Initiative Program in Pittsburgh focuses on providing health education, parenting support and resources specifically tailored for fathers. Their Men of Standards program offers group discussions on important topics like relationships, responsibilities and resources, aiming to strengthen father-child bonds and improve overall family health outcomes. Active involvement in Healthy Start programs helps fathers enhance their parenting skills and contribute positively to their children’s development. 

Contact them at 412-247-4009 or info@hsipgh.org for more details.

Pittsburgh Dads Group

Pittsburgh Dads Group, part of the City Dads Group network, fosters a community of active fathers across the Pittsburgh metro area. Through regular meet-ups at local venues and social events like Dad’s Nights Out, the group provides opportunities for fathers to connect, share experiences and support one another in their parenting journey. Membership is open to all fathers, including married, single, stay-at-home, and working dads. No dues or attendance requirements. 

Visit their social media pages or website to join and participate in upcoming activities.

MAD DADS Pittsburgh

MAD DADS Pittsburgh, operating in the Greater Pittsburgh area, engages fathers in proactive community involvement and mentorship. Through initiatives like street patrols, community service projects, and mentorship programs such as MOMs Division and Surrogate Dads, MAD DADS empowers fathers to play active roles in creating safer communities and supporting at-risk youth. 

Click right here to learn more.

Providence Connections

Providence Connections’ Fatherhood Program in Pittsburgh empowers fathers with essential skills and support to fulfill their parenting roles effectively. Through personalized mentoring sessions, engaging father-child bonding experiences and partnerships with educational institutions like Pittsburgh Literacy Council and CCAC, the program aims to enhance fatherhood and promote family stability. 

For more information, contact the Fatherhood Specialist at 412-766-3860 or mgglass@providenceconnections.org.