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Fatherhood Initiative

The Fatherhood Initiative is a city-wide movement led by Reality Based Services to make Waterbury the most father-friendly city in Connecticut. Its core belief is simple: when fathers are supported, present, and engaged, children do better, families grow stronger, and communities become safer.

The Father Friendly City Initiative – Leading the Movement in Waterbury, CT

The Father Friendly City Initiative is a community-driven effort led by Reality Based Services to make Waterbury, Connecticut the most father-friendly and father-inclusive city in the state. This initiative is grounded in the belief that strong, supported, and engaged fathers help build stronger children, safer neighborhoods, and healthier communities.

Research shows that when fathers are actively involved in the lives of their children, youth experience better educational outcomes, reduced involvement in the justice system, improved mental and physical wellness, and stronger family stability. Yet many fathers—especially Black and Brown men—face barriers such as stigma, lack of resources, limited support, and financial obstacles that prevent them from fully engaging.

The Father Friendly City Initiative is working to change that by:

  • Creating community-wide, father-centered family events
  • Increasing access to resources, mentorship, and health and wellness services
  • Building partnerships between agencies, schools, faith institutions, and local businesses
  • Listening to fathers directly through citywide Talkback Series forums
  • Developing a year-round Fatherhood Community Calendar
  • Shifting the culture so that fathers feel valued, supported, and seen

Why We Need the Community

This movement requires collective action. We need:

  • Organizations and agencies willing to host father-focused events
  • Businesses and sponsors to help reduce cost barriers
  • Volunteers and partners to join our strategic planning efforts
  • Community voices to guide the direction of the work

Cities across Connecticut—and even beyond the state including New York City’s Children’s Cabinet—are watching Waterbury as a model for building father-inclusive communities. This work started here, and together, we want Waterbury to remain the leader in the movement.

Join Us: If you would like to partner, support an event, or join our planning team, please contact us at:

Together, we can make Waterbury the most father friendly city in Connecticut—setting the standard for the nation.