By Rebecca K. O’Connor
The Press Enterprise
July 1, 2023

Recognizing higher rates of Black infant mortality in California, the Perinatal Equity Initiative, or PEI, was launched in 2018 to address causes of this disparity and look at best practices. Under the PEI, San Bernardino Fatherhood, a nonprofit based in Highland, was contracted by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to provide fatherhood services. Working with the fathers and partners of pregnant and parenting African American women with a child under a year old, the organization aims to assist in the elimination of Black infant mortality.

Recognized by the state as an impactful intervention, the organization’s 24/7 Dad program, educates men on the tools, behaviors and attitudes needed for fathers to help their children thrive. The program provides 12 group sessions that each last two hours. Participants explore their family history and experiences with fatherhood and then learn the characteristics of a 24/7 Dad. Characteristics include self-awareness, self-care, fathering, parenting and relationship skills. Participants are also given guidance on maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship with their child’s mother. The next 24/7 Dad program will be offered at the end of July at a location that has not yet been announced.

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By Inland Empire Community Foundation (iecf)
June 2023

Recognizing higher rates of Black infant mortality in California, the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) was launched in 2018 to address the causes of this disparity and best practices. Under the PEI, San Bernardino Fatherhood was contracted by the San Bernardino County, Public Health Department to provide fatherhood services. Working with the fathers and partners of pregnant and parenting African American women with a child under the age of one, the organization aims to assist in the elimination of Black infant mortality.

Recognized by the State of California as an impactful intervention, the organization’s evidence-based 24/7 Dad program educates men on the tools, behaviors and attitudes needed for fathers to help their children thrive. The program provides 12 group sessions that each last two hours. Participants explore their family history and experiences with fatherhood and then learn the characteristics of a 24/7 Dad. These include self-awareness, self-care, fathering, parenting and relationship skills. Participants are also given guidance on maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship with their child’s mother. The next 24/7 Dad program will be offered at the end of July at a location to be announced.

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By Dianne Anderson
Precinct Reporter News
June 8, 2023

It’s never too late for dads to learn how to be better dads, even if they never had one in the house when they were growing up.

In the 1960s, and long before that when Black men couldn’t find work due to discrimination, welfare rules banned fathers from living at home, or risk losing welfare payments for their family.

That disconnect still reverberates and impacts the family structure today.

“One of the biggest things we have are the systems in place that continue to systemically dissociate fathers,” said Ryan Berryman, founder and CEO of the San Bernardino Fatherhood.

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Posted by Erik Vecere
National Fatherhood Initiative
October 11, 2022

How does a community embrace the inclusion of fathers in a community’s human service programs and services? Look no further than what leaders in San Bernardino County, California (CA) are doing.

I had the honor of facilitating a Leadership Summit for Fatherhood (LSF) in San Bernardino, CA on August 24^thand 25^th, 2022.

The LSF was coordinated by San Bernardino Fatherhood (SBF) whose mission is to eliminate fatherlessness in San Bernardino by promoting a culture of father inclusion and responsible fatherhood in its communities. Their mission will be accomplished in collaboration with local schools, community partners, faith-based organizations, and public and private agencies. SBF’s vision is to see a society where children thrive, families are stronger, and communities are safer as a result of responsible fathering.

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