Fundamentals of Fatherhood Program
Important update regarding the Long Beach Fundamentals of Fatherhood Program: As of September 30, 2025, the Fundamentals of Fatherhood Program has officially closed. During this transition, the department will continue to support participants by connecting them with other community-based services and resources.
We deeply appreciate the dedication, partnership and collaboration that made this program a meaningful space for fathers and families in Long Beach. The relationships built and stories shared through this program will have a lasting impact.
Community members are encouraged to connect with local programs and services that support fathers and families, including:
- The East Los Angeles Women’s Center
- All4Kids Father Engagement Program
- Shields For Families
- Thriving Dads
- Healthy Relationships California
- Children’s Institute, Inc., Project Fatherhood
- Volunteers of America of Los Angeles (VOALA)
- Friends Outside in Los Angeles County
The program works to improve father child bonding, co-parenting, economic stability and mobility. It offers Life Coaching, the Nurturing Fathers parenting program in 10 weekly sessions and employment development. Our employment services are available not only to our fathers, but also their partners and adult children. Fathers that can attend program services and activities in Long Beach and reside in Service Planning Area 8 are welcomed to enroll. We also offer a twice-monthly support group, open to all fathers and father-figures, called the Fatherhood in Action Network which allows a space for fathers to get support and build community. All services are FREE and offered in English and Spanish. This program does not ask about or collect information about immigration status.
Benefits of the Program
- Improve child father bonding and co-parenting
- Improve economic and financial stability
- Increase sense of community
Want to hear directly from past participants about their firsthand experience in our program? Checkout this podcast episode from the Long Beach Post.
For more information about services or to enroll, contact:
Name: Stephanie Chmelik
Office Phone: 562-570-3281
Email: Stephanie.Chmelik@longbeach.gov
Meet Our Team
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If you are a community partner or service provider and would like to learn more about the program model, contact:
Name: Stephanie Chmelik
Office Phone: 562-570-3281
Email: Stephanie.Chmelik@longbeach.gov
This website is supported by Grant Number 90ZJ0025-01-00 from the Office of Family Assistance within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Family Assistance.
