--- title: Why a Father-Friendly Culture is Vital to Effectively Serving Dads description: Successful father recruitment and retention starts and ends with getting every staff member and the entire organization behind serving dads. image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Images/Blog/CB-Father-Friendly-Culture-Blog.png --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/why-a-father-friendly-culture-is-vital-to-effectively-serving-dads#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) # Why a Father-Friendly Culture is Vital to Effectively Serving Dads 2 min read ![Christopher A. Brown](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/chris_circle_icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=chris_circle_icon.png) [** Christopher A. Brown ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/christopher-a-brown) Chris serves as the President of National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), where he is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NFI's strategic plan and business model, as well as its operations and fundraising efforts. ![fatherhood programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/CB-Father-Friendly-Culture-Blog.png?width=703&name=CB-Father-Friendly-Culture-Blog.png "fatherhood programs") Creating a father-friendly culture is the most important factor in a successful fatherhood program. I was reminded of that very fact as I co-led a training institute last week with Erik Vecere (NFI's VP of Program Support) on the [24/7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/24-7-dad-am-pm-3rd-ed-program-kits-bundle-save-200/) program in Aberdeen, MD. At the start of the training institute, we asked the 19 facilitators we trained to share their fears and concerns about implementing the program. **Like so many other facilitators we've trained, many of them wondered how successful they'd be recruiting dads into the program and, once there, whether the dads would maintain their participation in it.** Recruitment and retention is a two-headed monster when it comes to implementing a fatherhood program.** **Compared to moms, it's simply more difficult to recruit dads and maintain their participation in a human service program. Successful recruitment and retention starts and ends not with creative marketing strategies and tactics, even though they're important. It starts and ends with getting every staff member and the entire organization behind serving dads. **Staff must integrate serving dads into the organization's DNA--into every aspect of their program and service delivery--by creating a father-friendly culture that creates a father-friendly environment.** One of the best examples I've seen of an organization creating such a culture and environment is [UIH Family Partners](https://www.uihfamilypartners.org/) in Trenton, NJ. (I've blogged about [this incredible organization](https://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood/website-model-fatherhood-work) before.) As the video below reveals, every level of the organization from frontline staff to the executive director to board members has bought into and actively supports serving dads. **They understand that creating a setting that's welcoming to dads is the first step to transforming dads' relationship with their children and helping dads with the most basic of needs (e.g. getting a job).** National Fatherhood Initiative® provides the tools and training your organization needs to create a father-friendly culture and environment. - **[The Father Friendly Check-Up™](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu?hsCtaTracking=063d4ad9-3526-4aa9-bdda-0660c69dc7fb%7C85f4e8e5-4d44-4a8d-82cf-a2b6f72a1810&__hstc=162717731.3b60aeede179d719aa8801ae854d18d6.1393014295288.1484695588902.1484832044227.673&__hssc=162717731.22.1484832044227&__hsfp=704266969)**. This **free **tool will help you, fellow staff, and other stakeholders (e.g. board members) comprehensively assess the level of father friendliness of your organization in four areas: Leadership Development, Organizational Development, Program Development, and Community Engagement. It shows you how to "score" your organization in each area, thus identifying areas that need improvement. It also shows you how to turn the assessment into no- and low-cost tactics to become more father-friendly. Click [here](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu?hsCtaTracking=063d4ad9-3526-4aa9-bdda-0660c69dc7fb%7C85f4e8e5-4d44-4a8d-82cf-a2b6f72a1810&__hstc=162717731.3b60aeede179d719aa8801ae854d18d6.1393014295288.1484695588902.1484832044227.673&__hssc=162717731.22.1484832044227&__hsfp=704266969) to download the check-up. - **[The Father Engagement Certificate™](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-engagement-certificate/)**. This popular and affordable online, on-demand, self-paced training will help you to help your organization develop the five core competencies necessary to successfully engage and serve dads. (Spoiler: It includes help with recruitment and retention!) Click [here](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-engagement-certificate/) to learn more about this fantastic training and [here](https://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood/online-on-demand-practitioner-certificates) to learn how other organizations have benefitted from it. **The good news is it's never too late to create a father-friendly culture and environment.** Even if your organization already serves dads through a fatherhood program or in the smallest way, it will reap the rewards of an initiative to become more father-friendly. Has your organization undertaken an initiative to become more father-friendly? Does your organization possess the five core competencies necessary to successfully engage and serve dads? Date Published: 01/14/2022 Last Updated: 01/19/2022 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-effective-are-programs-supporting-unmarried-nonresidential-fathers) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/give-this-one-thing-to-new-dads-to-bring-them-in-right-from-the-start) ## Related Articles ### [Limited Blog Series: Supporting My Co-Parent Image created with GPT Image 2. Quick Confidence Builds are brief activities that practitioners can use when working with dads in face-to-face or virtual group-based or one-on-one ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/supporting-my-co-parent) ### [Five Leadership Practices That Build Father-Inclusive Organizations Image created with GPT Image 2. Creating a father-inclusive organization doesn't happen through a new but isolated fatherhood program, staff training on how to include fathers, or ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/five-leadership-practices-that-build-father-inclusive-organizations) ### [Limited Blog Series: Fathering Stressors Image created with GPT Image 2. Quick Confidence Builds are brief activities that practitioners can use when working with dads in face-to-face or virtual group-based or one-on-one ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/fathering-stressors) ### Explore Topics [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/tips-tricks) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) [General Fatherhood Research & Studies](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-research-studies) [Success Stories](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/success-stories) [NFI News & Updates](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-news-updates) [Program Recruitment & Retention](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/program-recruitment-retention) [Research on NFI Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/research-on-nfi-programs-resources) [Fundraising](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fundraising) [All Posts](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/all) ### Subscribe to Championing Fatherhood ![Laptop with NFI store website opened](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png?width=279&height=167&name=Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png) ### Get the Father Engagement Resources You Need [ Visit Online Store ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKw4WaOo8902iPmpW%2ByUsyBSKuq3qkzqNyXpzwPOccE0AXP2KES9oXgU9nIB8fuwW%2BqIn%2Fks1zUl4Xat3EfgSWc9L3SpStWlNlgOYxw5gMRlbHlSTv5NllcFgvU6lYkSZwB5VyC1gksPebRm5z%2FxU8k1Flp%2FIqV%2FKhmFjDSTcs%3D&portalId=135704) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1 (1)](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png?width=148&height=88&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) [![Facebook](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/nationalfatherhoodinitiative/) [![LinkedIn](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/LinkedIn.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fatherhood-initiative) [![candid-seal-platinum-main](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/email/candid-seal-platinum-main.png?width=100&height=100&name=candid-seal-platinum-main.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) About - [Our Mission](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-mission) - [Our Impact](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-impact) - [Our History](https://www.fatherhood.org/history) - [Our Board & Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/leadership) - [Contact Us](https://www.fatherhood.org/contact-us) Train Your Staff - [Program Facilitator Training](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/core-programs) - [Earn Your Certificates](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/certificates) - [Live Group Training](https://www.fatherhood.org/training-institute) Fatherhood Programs - [24:7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/shop-by-program/24-7-dad/) - [ProFathering15™](https://store.fatherhood.org/profathering15) - [24:7 Dad Key Behaviors™ Workshop](https://store.fatherhood.org/247-dad-key-behaviors-workshop-facilitators-kit/) - [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Co-Parenting Program Bundle](https://store.fatherhood.org/co-parenting-group-based-facilitators-bundle/) Fatherhood Data - [Free Data & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [Father Facts™ 9 Publication](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-facts-ninth-edition/) - [Father Facts Poster Sets](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters) - [Father Involvement Brochures](https://store.fatherhood.org/brochures) Free Resources - [Father Friendly Check-Up™](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu) - [Fatherhood Program Selection Tool](https://www.fatherhood.org/program-selector) - [Championing Fatherhood Blog](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) - [Help Center](https://help.fatherhood.org/) - [**FatherSource™ Store**](https://store.fatherhood.org/) --- © 2026 National Fatherhood Initiative®. 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