Young Fathers
Initiative
Our Young Fathers Initiative (Y-Fi) is The blueprint for the modern father.
An evidence-informed program empowering young fathers with the awareness and tools to make positive, future-oriented choices — for themselves, their children, and their communities.
About y-Fi
The Young Fathers Initiative (Y-FI) is an evidence-informed program by The Delta Project that empowers young fathers, up to 24 years old, with the awareness and tools needed to make positive, future-oriented choices.
The program serves as a catalyst for self-discovery through which young fathers are encouraged to recognize their unique qualities as a source of strength and resilience that may be harnessed to positively impact their families and communities.
Through examination of experiences with their own fathers, participants explore their role as a son as a mechanism to understand how familial dynamics have shaped their own father-child relationship.
Y-Fi Covers…
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Behavioral Health & Wellness
Through therapeutic mentorship, participants address trauma, develop emotional resilience, and prioritize their mental well-being — creating healthier foundations for their families.
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Proactive Parenting Skills
Y-FI equips young fathers with evidence-based parenting strategies, including ways to support the mother of their child(ren) and develop healthy co-parenting dynamics.
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Identity & Masculinity
Traditional ideals of masculinity are reexamined, prompting participants to actively prioritize their own well-being while constructing a positive father identity.
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Family Planning & Education
Practical family planning resources, financial literacy tools, and future-oriented goal setting to help young fathers build a sustainable foundation for their families.
Summer 2026 Y-FI Session Schedule
14 weeks of mentorship, growth, and building your legacy.
Sessions run every Wednesday from 1 – 4 PM, June 24 – Sept. 23, 2026.
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Orientation & Introductions
event June 24, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Welcome & program overview
Participant introductions and icebreakers
Program goals, expectations, and group agreements
Introduction to Y-FI curriculum
Q&A and wrap-up
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Fathers Are Superheroes
event July 1, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Explore and discuss their childhood superhero
Develop chart of abilities that make a superdad
Chart the barriers that prevent men from being a hero
Discuss and write about the importance of strengthening and developing healthy habits
Open Discussion
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Fatherhood Playbook: Protecting The Huddle - Family Planning & Sexual Health
event July 8, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Identify and explore options with making safe sex choices
Identify and discuss behaviors associated with risky sex
Identify and create a playbook for family planning
Personal story sharing
Open Discussion
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Understanding The Boy Inside The Father
event July 15, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Revisit childhood memories and examine impact of absence or presence of their fathers
Create a time/story line of childhood memories and discuss findings
Discuss the types of fathers vs the father they are
Learn that fatherhood is a learned pattern of behaviors
Open Discussion
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Mask-ulinity Challenge Pt. 1: The Ideology Of Toughness
eventJuly 22, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Increase awareness on the negative impact aggression can have on boys
Build the capacity to identify how traditional masculinity shapes maleness
Complete the self reflection activity
Group discussion
Open Discussion
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Mask-ulinity Challenge Pt.2: The Mask We Live Behind
event July 29, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Examine how the culture of media defines masculinity for boys and men
Identify and share different sources that stereotypes are perpetuated to influence boys and men
Share or listen to personal reflections about growing up male
Group discussion
Open discussion
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Mask-ulinity Challenge Pt.3: The "Real Man" Box
event August 5, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Allows fathers to deconstruct how they view manhood
Allows fathers to explore all the messages they received from peers
Re-examine their beliefs, and ideas around how they see and treat women
Raise awareness around how they view masculinity in the role of a dad
Open Discussion
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The Problem Solving Toolbox
event August 12, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Identify the 7 steps to solving a problem effectively
Practice Solving problems as a father
Understand how the same problem solving process works in many settings
Group discussion
Open discussion
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Understanding Discipline, Punishment, And Conflict
event August 19, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Identify the differences between discipline and punishment
Discuss the impact of parents discipline methods on their discipline style
Know the 3 steps to diffuse child conflicts
Fathers will learn that their words, attitudes, and actions are constantly sending messages.
Understand that children don't misbehave purposely to cause stress, hurt, or anger.
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Understanding Healthy, Unhealthy, and Abusive Relationships Pt. 1, 2 , 3
event August 26, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Discuss the characteristics of "Dating abuse" and how it impacts relationships
Fathers will explore and analyze the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships
Develop a language for discussing healthy relationships and asserting one's expectations
Practice communication skills in a relationship
Group reflection and check-in
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Legal Awareness & Rights
event September 2, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Know your rights as a father
Navigating the legal system
Understanding custody and visitation
Resources for legal aid
In-person visit to courthouse
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Building a Team: Co-Parenting
event September 9, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Learn that co-parenting benefits every member of the family
Define all the ways they can use co-parenting to bond with their child
Discuss the negative impact that gender-specific tasks and activities can have on the family identity
Discuss how traditional and non-traditional gender role differences can impact parenting styles
Re-examine and recognize how unconscious gender bias can impact the parenting style of Mothers and Fathers
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Knowing Our Parenting Style + The Cost Of Having A Family
event September 16, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Learn the importance of knowing how we parent and what it means for children.
Learn about various parenting styles and which style most closely resembles their own.
Gain a comprehensive knowledge about the hidden costs of having a family
Learn about various community resources available to them
How to create a monthly budget
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Graduation & Celebration
event September 23, 2026
nest_clock_farsight_analog 1 – 4 PMSESSION OUTLINE
Program reflections and testimonials
Participant certificate ceremony
Special guest appearances
Celebration
Next steps and ongoing support resources
NICHOLAS DEAN
Facilitator & Lead Young Father Mentor
As the Group Facilitator and Lead Young Father Mentor for Y-FI, I guide participants through weekly sessions designed to build identity, strengthen family bonds, and develop the skills every young father needs. Together, we create a space where growth is expected and legacy is built — one session, one conversation, one breakthrough at a time.
Let's Build Together
Ready to take the first step? Reach out and let's start your journey.
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