NKCAC Fatherhood Program Questions and Answers

The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC) is dedicated to empowering families and individuals across Northern Kentucky through a variety of programs and services. One of the standout offerings is the Fatherhood Program, which is designed to help fathers and father figures grow closer to their children, improve their relationships, and build a stable and secure future for their families.

In this blog, we’ll answer some common questions about the Fatherhood Program and highlight how it can make a meaningful difference in the lives of fathers and their families.


What is the NKCAC Fatherhood Program?

The NKCAC Fatherhood Program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting fathers and father figures in Northern Kentucky. The program provides workshops, one-on-one case management, and group education to help fathers improve their parenting skills, build healthy relationships, and achieve financial stability. It’s a 12-week program that offers hands-on support, practical skills, and access to valuable resources.


Who is eligible for the Fatherhood Program?

The Fatherhood Program is open to a wide range of participants, including:

  • Single fathers who are heads of their households.
  • Fathers in two-parent families.
  • Custodial fathers, such as adoptive fathers, stepfathers, and grandfathers.
  • Father figures who play a key role in raising children.

To qualify, participants must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Reside in NKCAC’s eight-county service area in Northern Kentucky.
  • Have children aged 0-24 or be expecting a child.

What does the program include?

The Fatherhood Program includes a mix of workshops, case management sessions, and optional workforce development training. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

  1. Workshops:
    • The program comprises 34 hours of workshops, covering topics such as:
      • Responsible parenting
      • Healthy relationships
      • Economic stability
      • Co-parenting
      • Communication skills
      • Financial literacy (e.g., budgeting, building credit)
      • Forgiveness and commitment
      • Love and personality styles
  2. Case Management:
    • Participants receive at least eight personalized case management sessions with trained facilitators.
    • Case managers help fathers create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to set realistic goals and track progress.
    • Assistance with referrals to other NKCAC services (e.g., child care, transportation, job training).
  3. Workforce Development:
    • Participants can attend optional classes to build workplace skills.
    • NKCAC also partners with businesses to teach these skills to employees at no cost.

What are the benefits of the Fatherhood Program?

The program is designed to create positive, lasting outcomes for fathers and their families. Key benefits include:

  1. Stronger Relationships: Fathers learn how to form deeper connections with their children and co-parents through better communication and understanding.
  2. Improved Parenting Skills: Participants gain tools and strategies for raising children in a supportive, disciplined, and loving environment.
  3. Economic Stability: Fathers receive guidance on creating budgets, repairing credit, and achieving financial independence.
  4. Community Support: Group workshops allow participants to connect with other fathers, share experiences, and build a support network.
  5. Workplace Readiness: The skills learned—such as communication, problem-solving, and managing finances—are valuable not just at home but also in professional settings.

Is there any financial assistance provided?

Yes! The program offers child care assistance and transportation support to ensure fathers can attend workshops and sessions without worrying about logistical barriers. Additionally, participants who refer other fathers to the program are eligible to receive a $25 gift card for every referred individual who completes the program.


How does the program address specific challenges faced by fathers?

The NKCAC Fatherhood Program is tailored to meet the unique needs of fathers. For example:

  • Time Management: Flexible scheduling and virtual appointments make it easier for working fathers to participate.
  • Emotional Support: Workshops on topics like forgiveness and commitment help fathers navigate personal challenges and strengthen their emotional well-being.
  • Financial Education: Many fathers struggle with financial insecurity. The program provides practical tools to help them create budgets, manage debt, and set financial goals.
  • Co-Parenting: Fathers learn how to work collaboratively with co-parents to provide a stable, nurturing environment for their children.

How long is the Fatherhood Program?

The program spans 12 weeks, with a total of 34 hours of workshops. Participants will also have at least eight individual sessions with case managers. The structure ensures that fathers have enough time to absorb the material, practice new skills, and see measurable progress.


Are there any upcoming classes?

Yes! Classes are starting soon. To learn more or register, you can:

  • Call NKCAC at (859) 581-6607.
  • Fill out the online information form here.

How does the Fatherhood Program support employers?

The skills taught in the Fatherhood Program—such as communication, discipline, and financial literacy—are beneficial in workplace settings as well. NKCAC works with business owners and supervisors to offer free training sessions for employees. This partnership helps employers foster a more skilled and engaged workforce while supporting the personal development of their staff.


What feedback have participants provided about the program?

Many fathers who have completed the program report significant improvements in their relationships, parenting confidence, and financial independence. Here are some testimonials:

  • John, a single father of two: “The Fatherhood Program taught me how to budget and save for my kids’ future. I’m more confident in my ability to provide for them now.”
  • Mark, a stepfather: “I didn’t realize how much my communication style was affecting my relationship with my stepdaughter. The workshops gave me tools to connect with her on a deeper level.”
  • David, a married father: “The co-parenting sessions helped my wife and me work as a team. We’re raising our kids in a more peaceful, supportive environment.”

How does the Fatherhood Program align with NKCAC’s mission?

NKCAC’s mission is to promote, educate, advocate, and provide equitable services to elevate the quality of life for people in Northern Kentucky. The Fatherhood Program embodies this mission by addressing the whole person, whole family, and whole community. By empowering fathers to become better parents, partners, and providers, the program creates ripple effects that improve families and communities as a whole.


How can I get involved or support the program?

There are several ways to get involved:

  1. Enroll: If you’re a father or father figure who could benefit from the program, don’t hesitate to sign up.
  2. Refer Others: Spread the word to fathers in your community. Remember, you’ll receive a $25 gift card for every referral who completes the program.
  3. Donate: Financial contributions help NKCAC continue offering programs like Fatherhood to those in need. You can donate here.
  4. Volunteer: NKCAC always welcomes volunteers to support its various programs and initiatives.

How can I contact NKCAC for more information?

If you have additional questions or want to learn more about the Fatherhood Program, reach out to NKCAC:

  • Phone: (859) 581-6607
  • Email: events@nkcac.org
  • Address: 717 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011

Conclusion

The NKCAC Fatherhood Program is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a lifeline for fathers and families in Northern Kentucky. By focusing on parenting skills, healthy relationships, and financial stability, the program empowers fathers to create brighter futures for themselves and their children. Whether you’re a father looking for support, an employer seeking to develop your team, or a community member wanting to make a difference, the Fatherhood Program offers an opportunity to transform lives.

Take the first step today—reach out to NKCAC and discover how this program can help you or someone you know thrive.