The nationally recognized Dads Making a Difference program is a training-to-work program for low income custodial and non-custodial fathers who are experiencing multiple barriers to self-sufficiency.

The Dads Making a Difference program provides the services necessary for the participants to actively improve the quality of their own lives, as well as the lives of their children and families. Each participant is provided with job training in high growth, high demand occupations, followed by placement assistance in high paying jobs. The program participants are also provided with nationally recognized life skills training on topics such as parenting skills, healthy relationships, financial literacy, credit recovery, job seeking skills and techniques, employment retention, resource development, problem solving, and more. Individual and group counseling by a Licensed Professional Counselor is also part of the program, as well as community service and leadership activities.

Download the program brochure.

Our Vision

We envision a culture in Wyoming where fatherhood roles are valued, and an active presence in the lives of their children is encouraged; physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. We will inspire and equip fathers with the learning opportunities necessary to improve the quality of their lives, and the lives of their families.

Program Qualifications

To qualify for the program, you must be:

  • A custodial or non-custodial father
  • Low-income and struggle making enough money to support yourself and your family
  • At least 18 years old
  • Drug-free
  • Motivated to making a change in your life
  • Able to dedicate yourself to a comprehensive and time intensive career program

Application Process

Pick up a Dads Making a Difference program application at 5221 Yellowstone Road in Cheyenne, or you can download an application form online.

Once complete, turn the application in to the Dads Making a Difference offices. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a Dads Making a Difference staff member to set up an informational meeting for further details and interview schedules.

For more information, contact us:

Dads Making a Difference
5221 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 777-3639
(307) 777-3454
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Why Dads Making a Difference Works

  • Self-Sufficiency: 50% of the program addresses job training, employability, work ethic and career development.
  • Quality of Life: 50% of the program addresses the acquisition of life skills, problem solving skills, contingency planning abilities, personal and family wellness, healthy personal relationships, personal and child advocacy, and more.
  • Alumni: Successful graduates serve as ambassadors and mentors for the program well past their graduation date.
  • Volunteerism: Community service is cultivated and participants develop a personal investment in the success of their community.
  • Systems Advocacy: Learning how to navigate numerous systems and garnering appropriate community supports.
  • The Law of Attraction: Participants develop a “DADS” culture that promotes an environment of success, attracting motivated applicants, encouraging networking and job sourcing, and inspiring employers to seek out program graduates.
  • Best Practices: Nationally recognized life skills curriculum includes: Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World (resource development training), PAIRS (healthy relationship training), Love & Logic Parenting, Financial Football (financial literacy), Bring Your A-Game to Work (Eric Chester), 12-Step Programs.
  • Power of the Mind: Cognitive-Behavioral therapy is provided for individual counseling, family therapy, group sessions, recovery, and relapse prevention.
  • Community Support: Strong community support from Department of Family Services, Wyoming Department of Corrections, Child Support Enforcement, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Wyoming Legislators, many local non-profit organizations, and the Wyoming Governor’s Office.

Why it Matters

  • 27.3% increase in families being led by single fathers in the last decade. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
  • 43% of U.S. children live without their father. (Source: U.S. Department of Census)
  • 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. (Source: U.S. D. H.H. S., Bureau of the Census)
  • 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. (Source: U.S. D. H.H. S., Bureau of the Census)
  • 85% of children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes. (Source: Center for Disease Control)
  • 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes. (Source: Knight & Prentky, 1987)
  • 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. (Source: National Principal’s Association Report on the State of High Schools)
  • 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. (Source: Center for Children’s Justice)
  • 85% of all youth sitting in prison grew up in fatherless homes. (Source: Center for Children’s Justice)
  • 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions come from fatherless homes. (Source: National Institute of Justice)
  • 90% of adolescent repeat arsonists come from fatherless homes. (Source: Wray Herbert, Psychology Today, January, 1985)
  • Girls from fatherless homes are:
    • 53% more likely to marry as teenagers.
    • 164% more likely to give birth before marriage.
    • 92% more likely to end their own marriage.
    • 711% more likely to have children as teenagers.
      (Source: Journal of Marriage & Family)

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