Gentle Warriors Academy: Father-focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential (FIRE) Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) Study

This study was in response to Grant Number HHS-2020-ACF-OZA-ZJ-1846 from the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).br /> The purpose of the descriptive evaluation is to assess program outcomes using a single-group pre-test/post-test study design. Fatherhood education and relationship-building programs play a critical role in addressing the challenges that fathers in underserved communities face. Research has shown that involved fathers contribute positively to their children's emotional, academic, and social development. However, barriers such as economic instability, incarceration, and difficulties in co-parenting can limit father engagement. To address these challenges, the Gentle Warrior Academy (GWA) program was designed as a structured 10-week, 26-hour cohort-based intervention using the Next Level Fatherhood curriculum. The program provides education on responsible parenting, relationship-building, and economic empowerment, supplemented by individualized case management and wraparound services, including guidance from Certified Life Coaches. br /> Study enrollment began in April 1, 2021 and continued through March 1, 2024. The sample size for the study was 731. br /> The study had the following primary research questions: Will participants report significantly healthier parenting attitudes after completing primary educational services and employment support services? : Will participants report significantly healthier parenting behavior after completing primary educational services and employment support services? : Will participants report significantly healthier co-parenting behavior after completing primary educational services and employment support services?  : Will participants report increased parental well-being after completing primary educational services and employment support services? :