Initiative Dedicated to Helping Fathers in Need Comes to Cincinnati

Fathers’ UpLift to Host Open House Tomorrow in OTR

CINCINNATI (September 4, 2025) – Fathers’ UpLift, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of fathers and their families through a comprehensive range of direct support services and innovative workforce development initiatives, recently signed a lease for an office space at 1640 Race Street in Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Located in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s Abington Race & Pleasant development, the 2,194-square-foot space will house a dedicated team that offers personalized therapy, coaching, engaging parenting education and dynamic family engagement programs for men working to overcome a number of obstacles.

Founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2011, Father’s UpLift is the nation’s first mental health and substance abuse treatment center dedicated specifically to fathers and their families. Serving over 400 clients annually in Boston alone, the organization empowers fathers through therapy, reentry support, advocacy, and workforce development. The new OTR location will be the organization’s second office.

By fostering collaboration with mothers and engaging the broader community, Father’s UpLift helps fathers overcome systemic barriers — such as racism, trauma, and addiction — that hinder their ability to be present in their children’s lives. At its core, the initiative is driven by a powerful mission: to promote child well-being and build lasting family stability.

GreenLight Fund, a national nonprofit committed to bridging the gap between local needs and proven solutions, made a transformative multiyear investment of $600,000 to bring Fathers’ UpLift to Cincinnati. This strategic partnership reflects GreenLight’s mission to dismantle barriers that hinder inclusive prosperity and well-being across communities. Recognizing the urgent need for mental health support among fathers — especially first-time dads and those reconnecting with their children after periods of absence — GreenLight identified Fathers’ UpLift as a powerful, evidence-based model uniquely suited to Cincinnati’s landscape. This initiative not only addresses a pressing challenge today, but also lays the foundation for stronger families and healthier futures.

“Our goal was to bring our services to a community where they could make a meaningful impact, and OTR stood out for many reasons,” said Jermil Tarver, Clinical Manager at Fathers’ UpLift Cincinnati. “GreenLight Fund recognized the strength of our mission and believed Cincinnati was the right place for us to grow. Thanks to their generous support and the help of our realtor, Rachel Thompson of 3CRE, we’re proud to open our doors in OTR and begin serving fathers and families in the region.”

The new Cincinnati office will have four employees, including Tarver, another clinician and two fellows. As Clinical Manager, Tarver will lead the clinical staff, with a focus on enhancing family support services and father engagement. His role also involves strategic planning and community engagement to ensure that families have access to essential resources.

Fathers’ UpLift works closely with local community providers to spread awareness about the services they offer. They accept both walk-ins and appointments, though many clients make initial contact via the website or by phone. Since its inception, Fathers UpLift has impacted more than 16,000 fathers and their family members, leaving 96% of its clients feeling confident in their ability to achieve their desired goal.

“At 3CDC, we’ve always been committed to fostering diverse, mixed-income neighborhoods and embedding inclusivity into everything we do,” said Christy Samad, Executive Vice President of Civic and Commercial Space Activation at 3CDC. “Fathers’ UpLift brings a powerful and deeply needed mission — one that addresses the fundamental barriers many men of color face. We’re encouraged by the potential of their services to uplift not just fathers, but entire families across our community.”

Tomorrow, Fathers’ UpLift will host an open house at its new Cincinnati office from 2 PM to 6 PM, complete with music and refreshments. Everyone is invited to attend and learn more about the organization and its mission. Following the open house, the office will be open for walk-ins and appointments on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. The office will be closed on Tuesday and Thursday for administrative work.

In an effort to advance the next generation of diverse therapists in the U.S., Fathers’ UpLift is also offering a U.S. Therapist Recruitment (USTR) Fellowship program. It exists to increase the number of BIPOC therapists in the mental health, behavioral health, and addictions field. The fellowship is open to second year Master of Social Work Students required to complete a field practicum. Fellows will receive a $15,000 stipend, funded licensure test prep, therapist development and mentorship and more. Interested parties can apply at https://www.fathersuplift.org/careers/ustr-fellowship-application/.

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