Building Relationships and Parenting Skills
Fathers and father-figures
Content updated June 25, 2025
Good Dads offers a variety of resources for fathers and father-figures, including fatherhood skills classes, events, workplace programs and a huge library of online resources like blogs, podcasts and conversation starters.
Any and all fathers can benefit from Good Dads resources. Dads with students in elementary schools will love participating in Good Dads Strong Schools, a monthly before-school activity focused on building relationships and character. Working fathers can dive into relevant fatherhood topics in our Essential Good Dads Playbook, Fundamentals for Good Dads. Fathers facing challenges to being Good Dads, histories of incarceration, persistent poverty, addiction or child support challenges, are welcome to participate in our rigorous responsible fatherhood program, New Pathways for Good Dads.
Love Columbia Center
1209 E. Walnut St
Columbia, MO 65201
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri
Email: hannah@gooddads.com
(417) 501-8867 x 300
Content updated May 7, 2025
Summer Academy serves students 3-12 years old. Learning and fun are combined using IXL educational enrichment. This software is a teaching tool that continually enhances participants’ mathematic and language arts skills and helps decrease potential learning loss that can happen during summer downtime. The summer program also includes a nutritious breakfast, lunch, educational enrichment, Science and discovery projects, swimming, and weekly field trips.
The summer session is from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm and runs June 2nd – August 8th , 2025. Cost is $150 a week per student with limited scholarships available. UCB Academy also accepts Mo State Child Care Subsidy.
7:30 am to 5:30 pm
617 N Providence Road
Columbia, Mo 65203
573-447-7351
Email: ucschoolhouse@ucbuilders.org
Content added Sept. 3, 2024
Show Me Christian Youth Home: Rescue and Restore is in La Monte, Missouri.
Where can families turn in times of crisis with their children? Costly private programs? Children’s Division? Is there another option? There is a place…Going beyond the limits of traditional foster care, children living at Show-Me Christian Youth Home receive therapeutic benefits from specialized programs in a Christ-centered, family environment. Working together, we help each child—physically, academically, emotionally, and spiritually—overcome the struggles of their past and prepare for a successful future. It’s not our obligation to help children and families in crisis—it’s an opportunity to make our neighborhoods a better place for all of us.
24302 Mahin Rd.
P.O. Box 6
La Monte, MO 65337
Families of children with disabilities ages birth to 26
Content added July 3, 2024
Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) is a state-wide, non-profit Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) established in 1988. Our Mission: Empowering families to advocate for themselves so that children with special education needs can reach their full potential in education and life.
Services Offered at No Cost to Parents, Youth, and Professionals:
-30+ In-Person and Online Training Classes
-Direct Support for Families: Special education process assistance for children from birth to age 26
-Collaboration Guidance: Information on working with schools and communities
-Resource Hub: Fact sheets, model forms, sample letters, website, e-newsletter, and social media
1530 Main St
Joplin MO 64801
Hours: M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM, except for holidays
(800) 743-7634
Email: info@missouriparentsact.org
Content updated Sept. 4, 2025
Created by Thriving Home, these table talk cards are a fun activity for families who want to spark more conversation around the table at mealtimes. Click the button below to view and download the table talk cards.
Children, adults, couples
Content updated Sept. 25, 2024
Crowned Counseling is a local agency that provides mental health services to people across Columbia and the state of Missouri. Through employing clinicians of color, Crowned Counseling seeks to provide culturally responsive mental health services to underserved communities.
Crowned Counseling works with clients to reach holistic wellbeing by providing individual, family, couples, and group therapy.
601 E Broadway, Suite. 304
Columbia, MO 65201
573-825-0672
Email: hello@crownedcounseling.com
Parents, Caregivers, Grandparents, Professional
Content updated Sept. 3, 2025
Get the parenting support you need—faster and easier than ever. With our new phone shortcut, ParentLink is always at your fingertips. No more searching for numbers or websites.
Just visit https://appsprod.missouri.edu/parentlink/public and follow the quick instructions to add the icon on your phone. Real parenting support from real people—just one tap away, and there’s never a fee.
Address: Virtual
Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm
(833) 546-4543
Email: parentlink@missouri.edu
Content updated Sept. 4, 2025
A list of picture books for children. The site provides book reviews and interviews with authors.
Content updated Sept. 4, 2025
The goals of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) are to provide, facilitate, and disseminate current research and proven and innovative strategies that will encourage and strengthen fathers and families and providers of services.
Content updated Aug 2, 2023
The Fatherhood Program is administered by Missouri Division of Child Support Services to help a noncustodial parent avoid having to appear before a judge in court. It’s an employment-based service that focuses on providing services that can help the noncustodial parent achieve selfsufficiency.
Contact:
Powerhouse Community Development Corporation
601 Business Loop 70
West Suite 214 (Parkade Center)
(573) 723-6030
Content updated Sept. 10, 2024
Encourages, educates and empowers families of individuals with disabilities to maximize independence.
Services for Independent Living
2nd Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1401 Hathman Pl.
Columbia, MO
573-874-1646
Boone County Family Resources
4th Thursday of each month, 6 - 8 p.m.
2700 W. Ash Street
Columbia, MO 65203
573-874-1995
Content updated Feb. 26, 2025
Powerhouse was established in 2008 with a mission to “prepare and equip individuals for economic and life challenging situations as it relates to their personal growth and development.” Since its inception, Powerhouse has focused on providing relevant programs and services that positively impact the social, economic, and health- related needs of residents in Central Missouri. In keeping with its mission, Powerhouse has implemented programs focusing on positive youth development, strengthening families, responsible fatherhood, transportation, food insecurity, mental and behavioral health, substance use disorder and treatment, community development, and access to care.
Columbia Location:
601 Business Loop 70 W. Ste. 214 B
Columbia, MO 65202
Janice Brooks jbrooks@pwrhousecdc.org
573-208-7685
Update 2/26/25 - Now enrolling for the After School Program, Feb. 10th -May 23rd 2025, See flyer for details.
Women and Children
Content updated Aug. 27, 2024
Here at MOPS, we gather and support moms. We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together. Our acronym stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” because we began in 1973 when a group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the past 45 years, MOPS has expanded our reach to include ALL moms. In addition, we are partnering with churches and organizations worldwide to equip and encourage moms in more than 68 countries.
Visit Website
Find a group: https://www.mops.org/groupsearch/index.php
Content updated Dec. 13, 2023
Forward Motion reaches out to single moms with unconditional love and support. Build relationships in an atmosphere of HOPE as you laugh, learn and pray together. This group of single moms comes together every Tuesday evening to have dinner (prepared by volunteers), join in bible study and live in community together. Forward Motion organizers offer free childcare during the group’s regular meetings.
This group meets from 6-8pm each Tuesday while school is in session.
Contact Michele for more info:
Women's Ministry
Forum Christian Church
573-443-3900
Content updated Dec. 18, 2023
PAT is a free service from Columbia Public Schools that can provide parents with developmental and social/emotional screenings for their young children and babies, including hearing and vision screenings.
2191 Smiley Lane
Columbia, MO 65202
573-214-3955
Families with children ages 0-5
Content updated Sept. 10, 2024
First Chance for Children provides early childhood programs and family resources that support safe and healthy outcomes for children and families across Missouri.
1002 Fay Street
Columbia, MO 65201
573-777-1815
Content updated Aug. 16, 2024
Columbia/Boone County Healthy Families is a home visiting program set up to help families who are screened as high risk. We serve families with histories of substance abuse, mental health issues, histories of trauma, housing instability, etc. Our referrals come to us through Brighter Beginnings.
Per C/BCHF spokesperson, a better first point of contactfor families is with Brighter Beginnings. That way, clients will get to which ever home visiting program fits them best. If they are not wanting home visiting but want to speak with someone about their pregnancy, apply for MPW, and find out more about social services in the community, they can call our Social Services at 817-6430.
1005 W Worley St
Columbia, MO 65203-2037
573-817-6430
Email: sandra.miller@como.gov
Content updated on Dec. 24, 2024
At the MU Family Impact Center, we aim to provide lifelong education that will help our community’s residents improve their quality of life.
We welcome participants from anywhere in the mid-Missouri area.
We offer numerous programs in one place in order to bring the knowledge, research and resources from the University of Missouri into the community.
Our FREE programs cover a wide range of needs, including nutrition, tax assistance, family support, medical care and even summer camps that are geared towards youth excellence & college preparation.
105 E Ash St.
Columbia, MO 65203
573-882-2428
Visit website
All families
Content updated Sept. 4, 2025
We are a non-profit organization with an Early childhood educational program. We service families ages 2 yrs potty trained to 12 years of age. We have an all-day program and an after school program.
M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
613 N. Providence Road
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 447-7351
Email: ucschoolhouse@ucbuilders.org
Visit website
Women and families who are expecting or have children under the age of 2 years old.
Content updated Oct. 1, 2025
My Life Clinic is a nonprofit pregnancy care center that provides free services and support to women and families facing unexpected or unsupported pregnancies. Our licensed medical staff provides free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, and STI testing & treatment. Beyond medical care, we offer options counseling, parenting classes and support groups, and material item assistance. We welcome walk-ins and appointments - you can visit our website, call, or text us to schedule an appointment.
Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm
802 N Providence, Suite 2
Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-3561a
Email: info@mylifeclinic.org
Content updated Nov. 6, 2023
KVC Missouri is a nonprofit that strengthens families, prevents child abuse and neglect, and helps people achieve mental health wellness. We provide a continuum of services that support children and families experiencing a range of life struggles and equip them with skills and resources to live a healthier and happier life.
Please see Love Columbia staff for a referral form.
409 Vandiver West Bldg. 6 Suite 100 & 102A Columbia, MO 65202
4304 S. Bearfield Road Columbia, MO 65201
Anyone with barriers to mental health therapy services. 17+ clients.
Content updated Sept. 17, 2025
The IBHC is open every Thursday from 12pm-9pm, with the last session of the day starting at 8pm. We are a student run clinic, with Graduate level students from the Mizzou School of Social Work and Counseling Psychology Program. Student clinicians work under the supervision of licensed clinical social workers. Student clinicians are with the IBHC for 6 months to 1 year before the client is transitioned to another clinician. Every 6 months, the clinic takes a month break between school semesters. Our services are free of cost.
The IBHC provides services including:
- Comprehensive needs assessment
- Risk assessment screenings
- Brief and long-term therapy (e.g., motivational interviewing; cognitive behavioral therapy; cognitive processing therapy; solution focused therapy)
- Couples therapy
105 E Ash St Columbia, MO 65203 Second floor. This is our location until June 2026.
12pm-9pm Thursday
Email: ibhc@health.missouri.edu
573-882-9871
Providing individual, couples and family counseling
Content updated Oct. 14, 2024
The Heriford House employs diverse therapists and interns to work primarily with minorities, non-traditional families, and families with children who have problematic behaviors. Most insurance is accepted however we do offer sessions based on a sliding scale that is due at the time of service.
Mon - Thu 8 AM-7 PM, Fri 8 AM-5 PM, Sat 9 AM-1 PM
By appointment only. Go to www.thehhouse.org to submit a request for an appointment or learn more about our program.
1804 Heriford Rd Columbia, MO 65202 573-639-1094
855-743-8761 phone/fax/text
Content updated Jan. 27, 2025
Columbia Public Library, Part of the Daniel Boone Regional Library system
Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
The library is free and open to everyone. Those interested in checking out materials and using the free online resources may apply for a free library card. Apply online or at the library.
In addition to being able to check out books, you can borrow music CDs, DVDs, magazines, early learning kits for children, fiber arts kits, Memory Care kits, Parent Packs for new and expectant parents, STEAM kits, telescopes and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. You can reserve most items by placing a hold online or at any library, and then pick them up inside the library or via curbside pickup.
There are many opportunities taking place at the library that don’t require a library card including programs for all ages, a quiet reading room and a special interactive play area for children. You may take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in the building or use one of the public computers. To use the computers, you either need a library card or a guest pass. You may also scan, make copies and print documents for a small fee.
100 W Broadway
Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-3161
Content updated April 22, 2025
The ShowMe Healthy Relationships Program offers FREE courses for individuals who would like to learn more about healthy relationships. The courses are designed to help those who are not in a committed relationship learn how to identify the qualities that make a healthy partner and how to communicate and maintain relationships, of all kinds. Participants also learn how parenting, finances, and personal well-being impact their healthy relationship choices.
Their free classes use Within My Reach, an 8-week program designed to help you learn safe emotional and physical relationship qualities, build healthy communication and conflict management skills, and understand your expectations and needs for future relationships. We also explore stepfamily life, co-parenting, commitment, and financial decision-making in relationships.
The classes aim to put you in charge of deciding what belongs in your future relationships, instead of sliding into common relationship pitfalls.
Program referral form
807 North Providence Road Columbia, MO 65201 573-443-8706 ext 1022
1-855-422-4510
(573) 540-1028 text
Program Manager: Nolanda Dodd nolanda@cmca.us
Email: smhr@cmca.us
Anyone caring for a child in Missouri: Parents, Grandparents,
Family members, Kinship caregivers, Foster parents
Content updated Sept. 3, 2025
The WarmLine is your connection to ParentLink, which supports Missouri’s parents, caregivers, and family-serving professionals by providing listening support, then connecting them to evidence-based information and vetted resources. ParentLink assists in problem-solving and navigating any barriers to access and service that a parent/caregiver may be encountering, then follows up later to make sure the family’s needs are met. All services are cost-free to parents, caregivers, and family-serving professionals.
Address is virtual.
Hours: 8am-5pm
If you are a Missouri resident, call or text 1-800-552-8522.
Email: parentlink@missouri.edu
Facebook: @ParentLink
Visit website