Fatherhood Breakfast aims to inspire and empower fathers

San Bernardino County men are invited to attend a breakfast that aims to inspire, educate and better equip them to tackle the challenges of fatherhood on Saturday, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Westside Christian Center, 785 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino.

The breakfast will feature community resources, words of encouragement, awards, music, networking and prizes. Keynote speakers Samuel Mahan and Jake Tarpley, will be recognized as Fathers of the Year. Justin Sayre, Armin Alverado, Justin Smith, and Eduardo Marin will also be honored. To register free for the breakfast, visit https://tinyurl.com/eventbrite-fatherhoodbreakfast

“Fathers are a strong part of the family unit and for them to be not involved in their children’s lives puts their kids at a deficit,” said Clyde Stewart, Pastor of Westside Christian Center, who hosts the San Bernardino breakfast and is a key sponsor of the Kinship program. “This time is set aside to get dads involved and to let them know they are important to our community and their children need them. “

Now in its seventh year, the effort is a collaboration with Children and Family Services (CFS), County agencies, community and faith-based organizations and individuals from various professions working to reduce father absenteeism and the negative effects of fatherlessness.

“We are proud of the contributions fathers make in their children’s lives, “said Marlene Hagen, Director of San Bernardino County CFS. “We know fathers who attend our breakfasts will be uplifted, encouraged and empowered to be positive and engaged fathers.“

Participating San Bernardino County agencies include the Children’s Network, Preschool Services Department, Probation Department, Child Support Services, Department of Behavioral Health, and Court Appointed Special Advocates.