Fathers’ Uplift

Fathers’ UpLift lays the foundation for young people to thrive, by empowering fathers and families to create safe, stable, and nurturing relationships.

GreenLight brought Fathers’ UpLift to Cincinnati because research shows that the foundation for positive mental health in youth starts with safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with their parents. When children have strong emotional bonds with their caregivers, they develop resilience, higher self-esteem, and improved social-emotional skills, all of which contribute to long-term mental well-being. 

The program provides mental health and mentorship services that support fathers in healing and reconnecting with their families. By strengthening the well-being of parents, Fathers’ UpLift also positively impacts youth mental health, expanding the capacity of our mental health service ecosystem. Rather than adding layers to an already overburdened and difficult-to-access system, this investment focuses on the people who will always be there for their children—their parents.

Fathers’ UpLift will effectively address these challenges in three distinct ways: 

• Licensed social workers provide individual, group, and family therapy, helping fathers navigate parenting challenges and emotional expression. Through therapy, fathers develop a deeper understanding of how thoughts and emotions shape behavior, gaining essential skills in self-awareness, confidence, and self-efficacy.
• Professional coaches guide fathers through job searches, custody challenges, co-parenting, and housing stability, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
• To strengthen the local pipeline of diverse mental health professionals, Fathers’ UpLift provides a fellowship program for BIPOC social work students. This initiative offers hands-on training, mentorship, and a $15,000 stipend, helping students complete their education and enter the field equipped to support their communities.

Investing in fathers creates the stability and emotional security that children need to thrive. By equipping fathers with mental health support, mentorship, and resources, Fathers’ UpLift ensures they can heal, grow, and remain engaged in their children’s lives.