What We Do
The Father Center of New Jersey is an innovative community organization that believes that children grow best when father figures are involved in their lives. Some fathers face challenges that prevent them from being fully engaged with their children, and we are here to support them – including adolescents, juvenile offenders, and ex-offenders who are re-entering the community. We provide opportunities for growth and success in a safe and comfortable space.
The Father Center offers fathers the emotional, social, and economic resources to improve their lives and those of their children. From stress management training and anger management programs to adult computer classes, we support fathers in gaining the life skills to be there for their families. We believe that when fathers are empowered to be good parents, the entire community benefits.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Father Center of New Jersey is committed to championing a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion around our core mission of providing innovative programs and services that support men in gaining the skills and meeting the responsibilities of fatherhood. We pledge to create an environment where staff, board members and volunteers reflect our diverse community and share a genuine commitment to addressing and helping to break down the barriers of systemic racism, discrimination and social injustice. We commit to trust, collaboration and allyship in all of our interactions. We strive for all to feel fully included, respected, represented and encouraged to contribute towards realizing our goal of equity for everyone.
Several Trenton families seeking to protect vulnerable children and support families founded The Father Center, formerly Union Industrial Home for Children, in 1859. Serving first as an orphanage, the organization has grown to focus on improving quality of life for children by supporting the father figures in their lives. The Father Center serves over 1,500 fathers each year, guiding them to create strong, nurturing relationships with their children. Our free programs include career counseling, computer literacy training, parenting education, and health and trauma support.
Mission
To support men in gaining the skills and meeting the responsibilities of fatherhood.
Vision
Our vision is to empower every father to positively impact his children and family – socially, emotionally, and economically.
In Trenton
The Father Center of New Jersey has made a new home at One West State Street in Trenton! The Father Center moved its main offices from the intersection of State and Broad Streets to a new, equally historic downtown location at One West State Street in Trenton. Our new space has so much to offer the community which is why we can’t wait to welcome everyone to One West State in 2021. With state-of-the-art niches throughout, the new space fuses technology and design to create a safe and welcoming environment for clients and staff members. The building is located on what is referred to as “Corner Historic” because of the rich history associated with this area of the city. Originally a homestead in the early 1700s, One West State Street later became City Tavern, a local bar, and eatery. During the 1800 and 1900’s the building was home to The Trenton Savings Bank and, later, Wells Fargo. Our move to this historic area in Trenton downtown will further support the already strong partnerships that TFC has formed with other Trenton area non-profits and enhance service delivery for many of our clients. We look forward to a grand opening celebration when we are able to come together responsibly.
In Burlington
With an expansion in 2018 to serve more fathers in New Jersey, The Father Center now has an office Burlington, NJ located at 17 West Broad Street.
