by Amber Wyatt
Abbas and Babbas participants meet on a Sunday at Zaidy’s Deli.
For many new parents, the first years of raising a child can be both joyful and isolating. While mothers often have access to a variety of support groups and parenting networks, fathers can find it more difficult to connect with others navigating the same stage of life. The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver), located at the intersection of Leetsdale Drive and South Dahlia Street, is working to change that with the launch of Abbas & Babbas, a free community program created specifically for dads of infants and toddlers.
The program is part of the JCC’s expanding First 36 initiative, which supports families from pregnancy through a child’s first three years. While many of the organization’s prenatal and postnatal offerings have traditionally focused on mothers and caregivers, Abbas & Babbas recognizes that fathers also benefit from dedicated spaces to build friendships, exchange advice, and navigate the challenges of early parenthood together.
The name combines the Hebrew word “Abba,” meaning father, with the familiar English word “Baba,” creating a welcoming title that reflects both Jewish tradition and the diverse families who make up the Denver community.
The program alternates between two types of gatherings every other week. Tuesday evening sessions feature facilitated conversations led by a licensed therapist, giving fathers an opportunity to discuss topics ranging from sleep deprivation and work-life balance to relationships and the emotional transition into parenthood. These conversations are designed to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where participants can openly share both successes and struggles.
On alternating Sundays, the group trades the meeting room for more casual outings. Fathers and their babies gather at parks, museums, restaurants, and other locations throughout the Denver metro area, providing opportunities to socialize while spending quality time with their children. Babies are welcome at all events, and no registration is required, although advanced sign-ups help organizers plan attendance.
The program reflects a growing understanding that fathers play an increasingly active role in raising young children and also benefit from meaningful peer support. Research has shown that strong social connections can improve parental well-being, reduce stress, and ultimately strengthen family relationships. By creating intentional spaces where fathers can connect with one another, the JCC hopes to foster lasting friendships that extend well beyond the early years of parenting.
Although rooted in Jewish values of community, kindness, and inclusion, Abbas & Babbas welcomes fathers of all backgrounds. The JCC has long positioned itself as a community resource serving the broader Denver population through educational, recreational, cultural, and wellness programming, regardless of religious affiliation.
The addition of Abbas & Babbas complements a growing lineup of family-focused offerings at the JCC, including prenatal education, breastfeeding support, caregiver-and-child classes, early childhood education, cultivating sleep routines, and the Community Baby Closet, which provides essential supplies to families without excluding fathers. Together, these programs aim to support parents through every stage of early childhood, from pregnancy through the toddler years.
As Denver continues to attract young families, initiatives like Abbas & Babbas demonstrate how community organizations are adapting to meet the evolving needs of modern parents. By recognizing that fathers also need connection, encouragement, and community, the JCC is helping ensure that no parent has to navigate the challenges of early childhood alone.
Abbas & Babbas meets every Tuesday evening at the JCC Denver, 350 S. Dahlia St., with alternating Sunday social gatherings held throughout the metro area. Participation is free, and fathers with babies or toddlers are encouraged to attend.
