Men's Center
Find what you need to become the father you're meant to be—including men's groups, coaching, and more.
Men's Center
Find what you need to become the father you're meant to be—including men's groups, coaching, and more.
Families Thrive When Dads Do
Being a dad is tough—you want to be a provider, an involved parent, and a good example for your kids, but it’s not always easy.
At Alpha Grand Rapids, we have plenty of programs for men who want to be better dads and better men.
Here, you’ll find opportunities to spend time with fellow dads, work with a coach, or even complete your education. No matter what you need, Alpha will help you on your fatherhood journey.
The Impact of Active Dads
- Better mental and social outcomes for kids
- Fewer behavior problems in adolescence
- Lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms in kids
- Greater happiness and wellbeing
- Better coparenting improves your kids' wellbeing
- Better school performance in kids
*All data gathered from fatherhood.org
Alpha Men's Center By the Numbers
Men's Support Center in Grand Rapids
You’re not alone on your journey to reaching your goals or becoming the parent your kids need. Our support services are designed to help you find a community that understands what you’re going through and that you can lean on through good times and bad.
Medical Services
STI Testing
Alpha offers limited STI testing if you qualify. We provide urine tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia and can refer you to treatment if you test positive.
Support Services
Options Counseling
If you and your partner are facing an unexpected pregnancy, we can help. We will walk you through each option you have—abortion, adoption, or parenting—and answer your questions. The decision is ultimately yours—there is no pressure and no judgment here.
Coaching
Trained coaches are available to support you on your fatherhood journey through our Step Up program. In these once-a-month sessions, you can talk through anything, including parenting, finances, anger management, healthy relationships, and more. Each session lasts one hour, including 40–45 minutes with your coach and the remaining time spent shopping in our store.
Fatherhood Group
Meet with other dads to talk about a variety of topics centered around manhood and fatherhood. You will find a community of men that encourages, challenges, and learns from one another! The group is currently meeting from 5:30–7pm on Monday evenings. Dinner is provided.
Educational Services
Jobs for Life
Jobs for Life is a biblically-based job skills training program for men who need a job or want a better job. You’ll finish this program in two months and have more knowledge, confidence, and support. Plus, earn items you need to launch your career! Classes are held twice per week in the evenings, and dinner is provided.
GED Completion
AGR provides qualified teachers and tutors to support students in their GED Completion. GED is offered at both Alpha Women’s Center (meets twice weekly during the school year) and at Alpha Men’s Center (meets once weekly during the school year). Students will be provided with study materials, practice tests, and one test in each subject area.
Pregnancy Education
Join our Pregnancy Education Class, offered quarterly, to learn about prenatal health, labor and delivery, and basic infant care. Attend all four sessions to receive a brand new pack ‘n play! Women are welcome to bring their partner or another support person.
Parenting Classes
The Parenting Class provides a group atmosphere where both new and experienced parents can learn from and encourage each other. Watch real-life videos and talk with other moms and dads about routines, rules, and reducing stress. This 11-week class is offered twice a year.
Material Services
Material Resources
New and gently used items are available in our store. Items include diapers, clothing (sizes preemie—5T), formula, hygiene items, toys, large items like pack ‘n plays or car seats, and much more. If you are in urgent need of diapers or formula and do not attend programs at AGR, you can contact us and set up a one-time visit to receive those items. After that, participation in one or more of our programs is required.
FAQ
Can I join Alpha's programs if I've been justice-involved in the past?
Yes. If you have a criminal record but are ready to take steps toward growth, we welcome you! Many fathers at Alpha navigate similar journeys.
How do I qualify for Alpha's programs?
If you are a dad of a child under the age of 5, you qualify for our programs at Alpha. There’s no need for a referral, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Can I go with my partner to medical appointments?
Yes, we encourage you to join your partner for medical appointments for pregnancy tests or ultrasounds. During that appointment, our Men’s Center Director will connect with you and see if you are interested in learning more about the resources available at the Men’s Center.
How do I earn materials from the store?
You can earn Alpha Bucks by attending any of our programs, including parenting classes, men’s small groups, Jobs for Life, and more.
Do you help with housing?
Alpha Grand Rapids does not specialize in helping people find housing, but we have strong connections with many community partner organizations that do! We will help connect you to resources that can help you with your housing needs.
Are your programs court approved?
Yes, most of our programs are court approved, but it does depend on the judge and requirements. We are happy to work with you and provide documentation if needed.
Do your programs cost anything?
Our programs do not cost anything to attend, and items from our store can be purchased with Alpha Bucks.
Are You and Your Partner Facing an Unexpected Pregnancy?
I think my partner is pregnant. What should I do?
Please talk to your partner and suggest making an appointment for a medical visit at Alpha Grand Rapids. We encourage you to attend this appointment with her! She will receive a free pregnancy test from our trained medical professionals, who will then share the results and provide information, resources, and support.
As a man, is my opinion really that relevant in our decision?
Yes! We have heard many, many women share that their partner’s opinion matters more than anyone else when it comes to what to do about a pregnancy. Sharing your thoughts in a loving way is the perfect way to support your partner!
I didn’t have a strong role model as a father. I’m afraid I will turn out like him.
Countless men have faced this reality, including many Alpha dads. What we have learned is that many of the fathers we work with are so motivated not to be like their dads that they actively participate in areas like our Step Up Coaching program or our Fatherhood Group. Being around other strong and healthy men can have a great effect on your own parenting.
I’ve heard abortion can affect men. Is that true?
Yes. One article states that men whose partner has had an abortion have experienced adverse effects such as loss, grief, guilt, anger, depression, and post traumatic stress. However, even in the toughest cases, hope and healing is available.
Is adoption the same as foster care?
No. Adoption is permanently placing a child in a forever home. Many biological parents do not know that they get to choose the family that adopts their baby. And should you choose to make an adoption plan, you and your partner can decide if you want regular contact with the child, periodic updates, or a closed adoption with no contact.
Why is it important for me to get involved in a fatherhood program?
There is a proverb that says, “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.” It’s also been said that men tend to do life shoulder to shoulder rather than face to face. We have a thriving men’s program here at Alpha Grand Rapids. Whether you are looking for guidance from a life coach, gathering with other dads weekly and sharing a meal together, or looking for quality employment, we have something for you.
Take the Next Step
Continue your fatherhood journey on the right path. Come see how Alpha Grand Rapids can support you and your family for a better future.