Preschool Services honors 12 dedicated fathers in Fatherhood FIRE graduation ceremony

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Ten of the 12 proud fathers who graduated from the Preschool Services Department’s Fatherhood F.I.R.E. program were recognized in a May 17 ceremony for their dedication to cultivating healthy relationships with their children and strengthening their families.

The Fatherhood F.I.R.E. (Family-Focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential) program is a transformative initiative designed to equip dads with the skills and knowledge necessary to be positive, active and engaged parents.

“We are honored to recognize the commitment of these fathers and validate the importance and value they bring to their children’s lives,” said Program Manager LaShawn Love-French. “The program has empowered them with the tools and education to overcome fatherhood challenges and be successful parents and partners.”

Graduates of the Class of 2025 Fatherhood F.I.R.E. program include Jorge Caldera, Anthony Washington, Jose Contreras, Alfonso Uribe, Joshua Rosas, Marc Winters, Jonathan O’Brien, Manuel Jaquez, Rene Zapata, Jeremy Zapata, Johnny Camarillo and Joseph Hernandez.

The Preschool Services Department provided graduates with a certificate of achievement and a certificate of recognition from Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

For 13 weeks, the 12 graduates dedicated themselves to weekly workshops on topics ranging from understanding teamwork between a father and spouse/co-parent in the Nurturing Relationships series to the powerful teachings of legacy and overcoming personal challenges in Healing the Father Wound.

The fathers formed a visible brotherhood and an undeniable bond that was felt by the families in the audience who supported them along the way.

“My promise is to keep trying and be the best moving forward,” said Jose Contreras.

The facilitators met with the fathers one-on-one to discuss their needs, remind them of their roles, and offer them a consistent system of support to remain engaged throughout the program.

The 12 fathers now have a support system they can relate to and rely on in challenging times, the resources and tools to get them through it all, and newly formed friendships with fellow graduates and facilitators.

This initiative advances the Countywide Vision’s Cradle-to-Career goal by fostering parental engagement and delivering education and mentorship designed to address social and economic challenges to strengthen families.

The Preschool Services Department looks forward to welcoming the next cohort to continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of San Bernardino County’s families. To sign up for free Fatherhood F.I.R.E. virtual workshops, please call 888-543-7025. To learn more about future sessions or to get involved, visit the Preschool Services Department website at psd.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – June 5, 2025