Twenty-five years ago, a small team in Big Bear Valley set out with a simple but ambitious promise: help as many families navigate parenthood as possible.
The Mom & Dad Project provides free parenting education and resources for families and local residents in Big Bear Valley, Lake Arrowhead and surrounding communities. From parenting resources, fatherhood engagement and home visiting to mental health support and early childhood programs, the real story isn’t found in the list of services. It’s in the parent walking through the door in crisis, then leaving with a plan. It’s in the father finding his footing. It’s in the child finding stability. That has been the heartbeat of this work.
“Celebrating 25 years is incredibly meaningful to us because The Mom & Dad Project has truly grown alongside the families of Big Bear Valley,” said Megan Meadors, program director at The Mom & Dad Project. “What began as a small program created to fill a gap for local parents has grown into a Family Resource Center serving families at every stage, from pregnancy and early childhood through adolescence and beyond.”
The First 5 San Bernardino team had the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with The Mom & Dad Project at their location on Summit Blvd.
“Moving into our new home this year feels like the beginning of our next chapter. We are incredibly grateful for the community partners, funders, staff, families and supporters who have believed in this work over the past 25 years,” shared Meadors. “This milestone is really a celebration of all of them and of what is possible when a small community continues to show up for its families.”
The Mom & Dad Project has been a First 5 San Bernardino partner for over 20 years, united by a shared commitment to helping families and young children thrive.