Mending the GAP - heartland rural health network will implement a comprehensive fatherhood initiative serving adult fathers aged 18+ across desoto, highlands, hardee, and polk counties in central…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Heartland Rural Health Network Inc. a $1.488 million Cooperative Agreement on September 30, 2025, under the Healthy Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grants program (CFDA 93.086).

Heartland Rural Health Network Inc. will implement the "Mending the Gap" fatherhood initiative serving 425 adult fathers aged 18 and older across DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, and Polk Counties in central Florida through September 29, 2030. The program delivers over 24 hours of curriculum-based workshops, including at least 8 hours of healthy marriage and relationship education integrated with employment skills development. A dedicated team will provide case management and participant tracking through established offices in multiple counties. The recipient leverages partnerships with workforce boards, faith-based institutions, and domestic violence experts to strengthen family resilience and economic opportunity.

Work is performed in Sebring, Florida. The award is structured as a five-year cooperative agreement. The Healthy Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grants program funds organizations providing services to promote healthy marriages and relationships, strengthen positive father-child engagement, and improve employment and economic stability opportunities.

Mending the GAP - heartland rural health network will implement a comprehensive fatherhood initiative serving adult fathers aged 18+ across desoto, highlands, hardee, and polk counties in central florida. The project will deliver over 24 hours of curriculum-based workshops, including at least 8 hours of healthy marriage and relationship education, integrated with employment skills development. A dedicated team will provide case management and participant tracking through established offices in multiple counties. The program will serve 425 fathers over the five-year project period, leveraging partnerships with workforce boards, faith-based institutions, and domestic violence experts to strengthen family resilience and economic opportunity.