NYC Dads: The Mayor's Fatherhood Initiative

In June of 2010, the City of New York launched a citywide multi-agency fatherhood initiative to strengthen New York City families by helping fathers become more active in the lives of their children. City agencies were directed to review their policies and practices to make sure fathers were not unintentionally excluded from, or missing opportunities to engage in their children’s lives. The initiative includes 14 agencies which offer programs that range from parenting and employment workshops at community centers in public housing developments to reading programs that facilitate family re-unification and literacy for children of incarcerated fathers. To oversee the effort, the City hired its first-ever Citywide Fatherhood Services Coordinator.


NYC DAD’s, now under the direction of the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), highlights the importance of fathers in the growth, development and the outcome of their children. In collaboration with its 14 agency’s, NYC DAD’s continues to work toward making all of New York City a “Father Friendly “city. Additionally NYC dad’s continues to assist fathers by offering educational, social, financial and emotional support geared toward dad’s so that they can assist themselves and their families.

To contact the Initiative please email us at ymi@cityhall.nyc.gov