Maryland launches statewide fatherhood support program

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a new statewide parenting support program designed to help fathers strengthen relationships with their children. In partnership with the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), the eight-week virtual initiative will serve up to 300 fathers through weekly small-group meetings led by trained facilitators.

The program focuses on parenting strategies, family connections, children’s mental health, and academic success. It is a component of Maryland’s broader Young Men and Boys Initiative, which aims to support individuals aged 0 to 34 through mentorship, mental health resources, and educational opportunities. The initiative prioritizes fathers from communities involved in the ENOUGH Initiative, which targets the reduction of childhood poverty.

PEP, a nonprofit founded in Montgomery County in 1982, has supported over 75,000 caregivers. Executive Director Kathy Hedge noted that the program seeks to provide men with peer-led cohorts, addressing a historical lack of male participation in such support groups.