Family Service Agency (FSA) will offer 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 Lisa Brabo, executive director.

Forever A Father has three components: case management to provide economic and employment stability; 24 hours of healthy relationship and parent education; and 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.

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 in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs.

All services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale, and no one is denied assistance due to an inability to pay. Visit fsacares.org or call 805-965-1001.

Funding for Forever A Father was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. The services are available to all eligible individuals, regardless of race, gender, age, disability or religion.