Over the last nine years, through direct conversations, case reviews, and community engagement, the DRC identified a service gap in Centre County: single fathers who report being impacted by domestic or intimate partner violence often struggle to access tailored support, guidance, and advocacy resources designed with their unique circumstances in mind. When this happens, particularly if fathers have primary custody, the children are also denied these support services.

Because of this, the Dads’ Resource Center is initiating services for single fathers impacted by domestic violence because children deserve stability from both sides of their family system. Our goal is not to compete with or criticize existing providers. Instead, it is to strengthen the overall safety net. We believe a healthy community response to family conflict includes:

• Access to support for any parent experiencing abuse or coercive control.
• Neutral, trauma-informed guidance while court processes are ongoing.
• Practical assistance navigating custody, safety planning, and stabilization.
• A system that recognizes that children benefit when both parents have access to appropriate support services.

By expanding services to fathers, we are working to create a more balanced, comprehensive framework of care in Centre County — one that prioritizes child safety, parental accountability, and equitable access to support resources. When both parents have access to support services, children are better served.