At Fatherhood Matters, we believe every father deserves a chance—to build, to connect, and be present in the lives of their children. We also believe every child deserves access to the love and support of their father. Our mission at Fatherhood Matters is to uplift, educate, and empower fathers so they can become the strong, supportive, and present parents their children need. We specialize in helping fathers navigate some of the toughest challenges they face from family court issues and child custody battles to parenting struggles and healing any broken ties. Many of the men who come through our doors are hurting, often overlooked by the system, and unsure of how to reclaim their role in their children’s lives. That’s where Fatherhood Matters comes in.
Many fathers can’t afford a lawyer or don’t know where to start when fighting for custody or visitation. We provide support in accessing legal professionals who offer guidance, answer tough questions, and help fathers prepare for court with confidence.
Through our father-focused workshops, our participants learn how to handle stress, communicate without anger, and become more nurturing and understanding co-parents. We also offer specialized parenting classes that teach how to repair and rebuild trust with children who may have been emotionally hurt or scarred by past experiences.
We work closely with child welfare and preventive agencies to ensure that progress is seen, documented, and acknowledged. Our case management professionals explain to our fathers how the court system works and what steps they need to take to be reunified with their children.
Relationships between parents can be complex and strained. We help fathers learn how to manage these dynamics in healthier, more cooperative ways—putting the child’s best interests first, always. FM also provides regular co-parent workshops in accessible community spaces such as local schools and community centers.
Every father deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Fatherhood Matters exists to make sure no man or his children have to walk this journey alone. Whether it’s fighting for access and parenting time, learning how to break the cycle of anger, or simply understanding how to be a better parent Fatherhood Matters is here to guide, teach, and stand beside every father who’s ready to step up and do the work. Because when a father shows up, healed and whole, everything changes for the child, the family, and the future.
Vernon 'Dyverse' Wooten has dedicated over 15 years to fatherhood work in various capacities within child welfare. His career began as a parent advocate for ACS and as a visit coach for parents with children in foster care, working with agencies such as Seaman's Society, New York Foundling, and Children's Aid Society.
In 2012, after serving as a co-chair for the ACS-funded Staten Island Community Partnership, Mr. Wooten focused on advocating for fathers. His efforts led to the collection of critical data on fathers' attendance at ACS safety conferences, influencing decisions about child removals from mothers. This data was instrumental in establishing New York City-funded fatherhood initiatives.
Currently, Vernon Wooten is the founder and On-Site Director of Fatherhood Matters, an organization under United Activities Unlimited based in Staten Island but serving all five boroughs. His work emphasizes national fatherhood impact and improved family outcomes for children through innovative programming and solution-based initiatives. Key programs include:
Dads 2 Grads: An after-school mentorship program aimed at grade and middle school boys who face academic, self-esteem, or behavioral challenges. This program provides male influence and support to help these boys develop personally and achieve their future goals.
Staten Island Provider Outreach Project (SIPOP): A coalition of providers that offers co-parenting and family educational workshops and events. This initiative aims to enhance relationshi ps between service agencies and the community while providing accessible resources for parents and their children.
Looking ahead, Mr. Wooten is also working on several future endeavors, including the relaunch of the Fatherhood Matters digital app for providers and clients, the Dads On Deck Neighborhood Safety Initiative, and the Strategic Plan for the Mayoral Office of Fatherhood and Families.
Copyright ©2025 FATHERHOOD MATTERS INC.