The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey is thrilled to announce the expansion of our FELLAS® (Fathers Empowered to Learn, Lead, and Achieve Success) fatherhood program to include Hudson and Passaic counties in addition to Essex.
“FELLAS® is now in Hudson and Passaic counties. Our recruitment season is coming up, and we could use your help spreading the word,” said Kevin Cox, FELLAS® Program Manager.
Originally launched in Essex County in 2021, FELLAS® is an innovative Partnership program that engages fathers to promote healthy relationships, strengthen parenting skills, and increase economic stability through employment training and support.
“The program teaches you to keep trying. Change doesn’t happen in a day. The support from the staff and the fact that they kept up with me is life-changing. It helps more than I can say,” said a FELLAS® participant.
About the FELLAS® Free Fatherhood Support Program
After successful implementation from 2021 to 2025 under a five-year grant, data show that enrollees who completed the robust FELLAS® curriculum showed measurable, sustained improvement in the following areas:
- Attitudes Toward Finances
- Parenting Skills
- Father’s Involvement
- Conflict Resolution
- Partner Communication
Building on that achievement, FELLAS® has secured a new five-year grant to expand its reach and services under the FORGE Fatherhood (Family, Opportunity, Resilience, Grit, Engagement) initiative, a federal grant program administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
“I really can’t wait to serve the fathers from Hudson and Passaic counties. I know there is going to be a big impact, and we are going to be able to serve the fathers and the communities that need a program like ours,” said Hector Perez, Program Specialist for FELLAS®.
Additionally, FELLAS® does not limit its program solely to biological fathers. The free program welcomes any person who is a father figure to children ages 0–24. This unique distinction enables all types of fathers to benefit from FELLAS®’ impactful curriculum and resources. The program also offers one-on-one support, goal planning, group fatherhood sessions, job preparation, and help with navigating community resources.
Helping Fathers Find Meaningful Work
Integral to the program is its emphasis on the workforce. The FELLAS® team empowers program participants with the support and resources they need not only to find employment but also to advance their careers.
“It’s important to support our clients’ desire to find meaningful work,” said John Bermudez, FELLAS® Program Supervisor.
Learn More About the FELLAS® Fatherhood Program
The FELLAS® team looks forward to welcoming fathers from Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties to the upcoming spring cohort. If you or someone you know might be interested in joining, visit the FELLAS® referral page to learn more, sign up, or make a referral.
“It’s an honor to be able to provide services in all these counties,” Perez said. “And hopefully, in the future, we’ll be able to expand throughout the whole state of New Jersey.”
These services are provided to eligible persons regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or religion. The production of this referral form was supported by Grant #90ZJ0124 from the Association for Children and Families (ACF). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey and do not necessarily represent the official views of ACF.