When fathers are supported, entire families benefit.
Research consistently shows that engaged fathers contribute to stronger outcomes for children, healthier family relationships, and greater economic stability. Yet many fathers face barriers that can make it difficult to fully participate in their families’ lives, including employment challenges, housing instability, involvement with the justice system, and limited access to support networks.
Across Kansas City, organizations are working to change that by helping fathers build confidence, strengthen relationships and create brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Here are five organizations making an impact:
Cornerstones of Care
Cornerstones of Care has partnered with the University of Kansas on a new initiative to support fathers and father figures in building stronger relationships, achieving financial stability, and achieving long-term success for their families. Through family-centered services, fathers receive resources and support to strengthen family bonds and create stable environments for children. Programs include: Family reunification services, family preservation programs, foster care support, behavioral health services, and parenting resources.
Dads Against Crime
Born from tragedy, fueled by hope, Dads Against Crime aims to create a lifelong brotherhood of men where support, resources, and community. Its mission is to build a lifelong brotherhood of men impacted by crime by providing resources, support, and opportunities for healing and personal growth. Additionally, Dads Against Crime is committed to breaking the cycle of crime and creating stronger, safer communities where men lead positively in their families and communities.
Fatherhood Foundations
Fatherhood Foundations supports relationships between fathers and children by providing instruction, inspiration, and encouragement to fathers, helping their children realize that they belong, are loved, and are affirmed. Programs emphasize healthy relationships, economic mobility, and long-term family stability, including fatherhood programs, workforce support, financial education, relationship-building resources, and family support services.
Fathers Assisting Mothers
For more than 30 years, Fathers Assisting Mothers (FAM) has helped fathers build stronger relationships with their children through parenting education, workforce development and family support services. FAM is dedicated to providing fathers with the resources they need to support their partners through childbirth. The organization believes that informed, confident fathers can significantly impact the health and well-being of their families, starting from birth.
Made Men
The Made Men’s program, Dad’s Conclave, is designed to bring community fathers together in support of young fathers who grew up in poverty and need assistance to transition from adolescence to responsible parenthood and adulthood. By creating spaces for accountability and support, the organization helps fathers and father figures strengthen themselves while positively impacting their families and communities.
Supporting fathers isn’t just about supporting one person—it’s about strengthening entire families.
When fathers have access to resources, mentorship and community support, children benefit, households become more stable and communities grow stronger.
Whether you’re a father looking for support, a family member searching for resources or someone looking to get involved, these organizations are helping create a stronger Kansas City for everyone.
Need additional support? Call 211. United Way 211 is available 24/7 to connect individuals and families to local resources across Kansas and Missouri.