Allie Lindsley
For over 50 years, SAY San Diego has been a cornerstone of “America’s Finest City,” working tirelessly to ensure that every resident has the support they need to reach their full potential. While our catalog of over 30 programs addresses everything from mental health to military family support, there is a specific, often overlooked demographic that holds the key to long-term community resilience: fathers. Our commitment to these men is rooted in the understanding that when a father is empowered to lead with heart and presence, his children are more likely to thrive, his partner is better supported, and our entire city becomes more stable and secure. Our Dads Corps program is not just another service; it is a strategic investment in the architectural integrity of the family unit. To understand why this matters to our corporate partners, civic leaders, and the city at large, we must look beyond the “how-to” of a program and examine the profound “why” behind fatherhood support in San Diego.
Cultivating Connection: The Heart of the Father
In a city as vibrant as San Diego, it is easy to miss the quiet struggle of a father trying to do his best while feeling entirely alone. We recognize that many dads face the heavy pressure to provide while lacking the emotional support systems that allow them to truly connect with their loved ones.
When a father feels he lacks the resources to succeed, the entire family feels the strain. By the time a family reaches a crisis point, the social and economic costs to the community are significantly higher than the cost of proactive, preventative support.
Why Dads Groups Are a Community Necessity
A dedicated space for fathers serves a different intent than a general parenting class. It addresses the specific cultural and emotional barriers that often prevent men from seeking help.
Why Dads Groups Are a Community Necessity
A dedicated space for fathers serves a different intent than general parenting classes in San Diego. It addresses the specific cultural and emotional barriers that often prevent men from seeking help
1. Breaking the Cycle of Absence Many of the men we serve did not have positive father figures themselves. Without a “blueprint” for healthy parenting, they risk repeating cycles of instability. Peer-based fatherhood support provides a new community-based blueprint. At SAY San Diego, we see the results of this intervention daily: 94% of participating parents reported that they and their families are better equipped to handle challenges.
2. Enhancing Economic Stability There is a direct link between emotional well-being and economic productivity. A father who is confident and supported at home is more resilient in the workplace. Our holistic approach ensures that as dads grow emotionally, they also grow in stability: 100% of participants in our Economic Empowerment initiatives reported an increase in their financial well-being.
3. Strengthening the “Support for the Supporters” In San Diego, a city with a massive military presence, many fathers are active-duty service members or veterans. These men face the double burden of service-related stress and the challenges of reintegrating into family life. Providing a “corps” of peers through military family resource centers allows them to translate their military discipline into domestic devotion.
A Message from Leadership: The Refugee Perspective
Our CEO, Louie Nguyen, often speaks to the resilience required to build a life in a new land. Having arrived in San Diego as a refugee, he understands that the strength of a community is built one family at a time.
“The response to our programs has been incredible and is a testament to the belief that opportunity, equity, and well-being should be accessible for all San Diegans,” says Nguyen. “This event [and these programs] are a powerful statement from our community partners that they are willing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us to create a more resilient, equitable, and just San Diego.“
The Corporate Partnership: Investing in the Future
For our corporate and foundation donors, supporting programs like Dads Corps is more than charity; it is a commitment to the future workforce and the stability of the region. A well-managed nonprofit that operates with transparency and a track record of success is a natural partner for San Diego businesses.
Questions or want to learn more about the program?
Contact:
Jessica Chiesman, Jessica.Chiesman@saysandiego.org, 858.289.7101 (Eng)
OR
Jesus Torres, Jesus.Torres@saysandiego.org, 858.289.7110 (Esp.)
To learn more about this program please visit:
https://www.saysandiego.org/program/healthy-start-military-familyresource-center/dads-corps/
https://www.facebook.com/dadscorps
Dads Corps has a proud history serving well over 1,000 fathers and families since 2008. GET CONNECTED TODAY!
“Because of Dads Corps I am/have… “
“Confidence to be a better father and a support group to help me and let me know I am not alone as a father”
“Changing my old habits to more effective and better view/perspective on becoming a father”
*During COVID-19 conditions, Dads Corps will ONLY offer virtual format
All qualified applicants and program participants will receive consideration for employment/ program services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
