The Father Friendly Initiative (FFI) is a program that provides opportunities to low to no income men living in the Boston area to become responsible members of their families and community. FFI is committed to helping fathers become more involved with their families – before, during, and after the birth of their children. Participants in the FFI program are encouraged to become emotional, financial, and nurturing resources for their children and a source of strength to their families. The core principle of FFI is based on the evidence that dads can be the difference in the life of a child. By being active and supportive members of their children’s lives, fathers contribute to their children’s health and wellbeing. Community based resources are used to assist and support fathers seeking to overcome barriers that prevent them from being emotionally and financially responsible for their children. FFI uses a holistic approach and offers a comprehensive case management program which includes medical exams, application for medical insurance, literacy training, job placement, substance abuse and anger management counseling, parenting skills, support groups and individual counseling.

The goal of the Father Friendly Initiative is to work with low or no income fathers to improve their health and social well being in order to increase involvement with their children and communities.

The Father Friendly Initiative has served over 600 individuals, over 150 in 2006 alone. These men have completed the FFI curriculum and have been integrated back into their families and communities. Over 20% of unemployed fathers have been provided with job readiness training and placements, and over 50% of participating men have completed physicals.