Building The Field

At Fathers’ UpLift, we believe in the transformative power of fatherhood. By serving dads, we change generations, and by equipping social work and mental health professionals, we change the systems that impact families. Our mission extends beyond direct services to fathers and families; we are dedicated to reforming the institutions and structures to support them. To achieve this, we offer two unique levels of engagement for students and community activists.

Setting The Tone

A striking report from 2015 revealed that 86% of licensed psychologists practicing therapy in the United States were white, while a 2019 study found that 70% of social workers and 88% of mental health counselors belonged to the same demographic. This stark reality contributes to significant barriers for people of color, who face disproportionate challenges in accessing mental health care. We are committed to increasing the representation of clinical social workers and counselors of color, enabling communities from diverse backgrounds to have equitable access to care providers who reflect their identities and employ culturally sensitive practices.

Our Approach

• Network & Mentorship: We provide our fellows with essential networking opportunities and mentorship to support them along their professional journeys.
• Licensure Preparation Support: Research from the Association of Social Work Boards shows that students of color have only a 40% chance of passing their licensing exams on the first attempt, compared to 80% for their white peers. We empower our students to succeed through tailored support and comprehensive coaching before graduation.
• Stipend: We recognize the value of our students’ time and commitment. By offering a stipend, we reward their efforts as they develop their social work practice skills during hands-on training.

 

 

The United States Therapist Recruitment Fellowship

Our United States Therapist Recruitment Fellowship is designed to increase the number of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) therapists in the fields of mental health, behavioral health, and addictions. We select a group of dedicated fellows from graduate programs at accredited colleges and universities nationwide each year. Participants receive a generous stipend, mentorship from seasoned practitioners, licensure support, and clinical supervision. Upon completing the program, they join our national community of clinicians, eager to support future practitioners in their journey to becoming licensed professionals. Each year, we invite second-year master’s and doctoral students who are required to complete a field practicum to apply.

Ambassador Fellowship

We recognize that former recipients of our direct services possess a unique vision for giving back to their communities. Our Ambassador Fellowship was created to facilitate this process. Through structured support, advocacy training, and a generous stipend, our Ambassadors harness their experiences and the skills we impart to uplift men and families in their communities. In response to the growing shortage of licensed practitioners, we are positioning our Ambassadors to succeed in human services and contribute to establishing a pipeline of licensed social workers (at both associate and bachelor levels), recovery coaches, peer supporters, and community health workers in Massachusetts and beyond. Together, we ensure that fathers and families receive the support they deserve and foster a new generation of compassionate, competent practitioners.