In August 2001, Albert M. Pooley, Founder and President of Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (NAFFA), contracted with the Department of Social Services at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) in Scottsdale, Arizona to initiate a pilot Fatherhood program. The purpose of the program was to increase awareness and enhance the responsible, active family involvement of fathers in that community. When the Fatherhood program began, there was only one father in attendance for several weeks. Since 2001, approximately 300 men in the SRPMIC have participated in the Fatherhood program, with over 150 successfully completing Phase I.

The Fatherhood program for men incarcerated in the SRPMIC Detention Center began in 2002. Upon release, a significant number of these fathers remain actively involved in the program; many have advanced to leadership roles in the local Fatherhood Chapter.

In September 2004, NAFFA began a Fatherhood program at the Tohono O’odham Nation in Sells, Arizona. This program is offered to fathers living in the community and also to men incarcerated in the Detention Center in Sells. Approximately 70 men have participated with over 40 successfully completing Phase I of the program.

Native American tribes are now forming individual Fatherhood chapters. Currently, twelve chapters are established, covering parts of Arizona, the upper Midwest, and two Urban Indian Centers. NAFFA anticipates several more launching in the summer of 2007.

Traditionally, most services offered by tribes focus primarily on the needs of women and children. Little attention was given to the unique needs of men as they struggle to become valuable participants in the family unit. The Fatherhood program created at SRPMIC is the first Native American tribal community Fathers program in the United States that works closely with fathers to address the critical role they play in the lives of their children and family.

NAFFA recognizes the sacredness of families and developed this Fatherhood program to address the need of Native American families for responsible, active father involvement.

NAFFA’s Fatherhood program focuses on increasing the effectiveness of fathers through learning and using principles essential to developing healthy, effective, and happy families. This program is created for fathers of any age who are raising Native American children. The Fatherhood program curriculum is designed by a Native American, is culturally sensitive, and has proven to be very effective. It is currently in the process of becoming a “best practice.”