The Zepf Center Fatherhood Connection (ZCFC) is a program dedicated to empowering low income fathers and/or co-parents through providing assistance with:

• Responsible Parenting through the Nurturing Fathers classes.
  • Economic Stability through mentoring and referring to agencies within the community.
• Job-Driven Employment Interventions by providing workforce development services that will help fathers enter and advance in high demand career fields in Northwest Ohio.
• Educates and Supports Fathers involved in domestic violence.

Parenting Classes

ZCFC offers parenting classes through the Nurturing Fathers program to help fathers gain the skills to become a better parent. Our classes are primarily facilitated by two staff members with years of experience facilitating Nurturing Fathers courses. Class attendance is also incentivized, and participants receive these incentives on a weekly basis. (Up to $150.00)

Classes are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings depending on the participants’ schedules and are held two (2) times a week for 6.5 weeks. (Total of 32.5 hours/13 classes)

To track progress, ZCFC also administers surveys to participants throughout the duration of the program to track development, assess the needs of participants, and assist participants in obtaining a certification in a vocation of their choosing. Surveys are also incentivized and participants receive these incentives periodically.  (Up to $200)

Economic Stability

ZCFC is dedicated to helping Northwest Ohio low-income fathers achieve economic stability. To achieve this goal, the ZCFC has partnered with community partners, schools, and employers in our community to provide job placement in high-demand fields. ZCFC also offers financial counseling, financial workshops, and assistance with child support and/or visitation. ZCFC’s staff members are dedicated to breaking down barriers that may prevent Northwest Ohio fathers from attaining economic stability.

Supportive Services

Supportive Services are available to assist fathers with employment. For example, clothing, work tools, certifications, documentation for employment, and assistance with transportation. 

Vocational Services

The ZCFC can assist in exploring vocational resources personal and professionally to help find employment or Career opportunities. Assist in gaining experience that matches their interest and goals so that they can be successful and to be able to provide for their family.

For more information, please call 419-841-7701.   

 Success Stories:

This website is supported by Grant Number 90ZJ0017 from the Office of Family Assistance within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Family Assistance.

The ZCFC Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, disability, or religion, nor will the program or its staff discriminate in determining eligibility for the Program, benefits, or services provided, or applicable rule This document was supported by Grant [90ZJ0017} from the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS.