Kaptur Announces More Than $3.7 Million in Federal Responsible Fatherhood Grants for Toledo-Area Programs
Toledo, OH – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that three Northwest Ohio organizations have been awarded a combined total of more than $3.7 Million in new federal funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. These awards, made through the Responsible Fatherhood Program, will strengthen families by supporting fathers with tools for responsible parenting, healthy relationships, and economic stability.
The recipients are:
- Pathway, Inc. – Brothers United ($1,250,000): A program dedicated to empowering fathers in Toledo through workforce development, mentoring, and parenting education.
- Zepf Center – Northwest Ohio Fatherhood Connection ($1,250,000): This initiative will serve 180 fathers each year, with a focus on promoting healthy marriages, responsible parenting, and economic independence.
- Ridge Project, Inc. – TYRO Fathers ($1,250,000): Based in Defiance, the program supports fathers, including those re-entering from incarceration, with life-skills training, employment preparation, and tools for responsible fatherhood.
“Strong fathers build strong families, and strong families are the foundation of strong communities,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “These federal investments represent hope and opportunity for hundreds of fathers in Toledo and across Northwest Ohio. By helping men strengthen their role as parents and providers, these programs ripple outward, lifting up children, stabilizing households, and fostering brighter futures for generations to come.”
The funding comes through the Responsible Fatherhood General Program, which provides discretionary demonstration awards to organizations working to improve outcomes for fathers and their children. Collectively, these initiatives will serve hundreds of fathers annually, offering parenting classes, job readiness training, peer mentoring, and wraparound support services.
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