Helps fathers improve parenting skills, relationships, and economic stability
SANTA BARBARA – Family Service Agency (FSA) announced a new education program, Forever A Father, to help dads improve their parenting skills, relationships, and economic stability. The program, available in English and Spanish, is provided at no cost to participants and is funded through a five-year grant from the Department of Health & Human Services.
““The fatherhood program addresses the needs of underserved families by providing services, supports, and education. The goal is to strengthen family functioning through additional resources and skill-building so that parents are better able to raise their children in healthy home environments,” said Executive Director, Lisa Brabo.
Forever A Father consists of three components: (1) case management to provide economic and employment stability; (2) 24 hours of healthy relationship and parent education; and (3) coursework for career development, budgeting and literacy as well as a special course for fathers experiencing separation or divorce. FSA is partnering with Santa Barbara County Superior Court and Probation Departments, Domestic Violence Solutions, Santa Barbara Public Library, and the Lompoc Adult School Career Center to provide services and referrals.
Initially, fathers will participate in virtual sessions. In the future, the program will be offered in person at various locations throughout the county. For upcoming class dates and times visit FSAcares.org/fathers.
— Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) is a nonprofit social service agency that has served the people of Santa Barbara County since 1899. Operating as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center (SMVYFC) in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park (LHP) in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs. Through this holistic approach, FSA improves the strength and well-being of our community. All services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale and no one is denied assistance because of an inability to pay. fsacares.org (805) 965-1001
Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90ZJ0024. These services are available to all eligible persons, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or religion.