Vista Community Clinic has received a $3.5 million federal grant that will significantly expand its Dad’s Club program, an initiative focused on supporting fathers and strengthening family stability across North San Diego County, the organization announced in November.
The grant comes as Vista Community Clinic announced its new pediatric and family dentistry location in Oceanside last month as well.
Funding for the Dad’s Club, awarded over five years at $700,000 annually, will allow the nonprofit to grow the program’s reach while building on work that already supports men navigating parenting, relationships and economic challenges.
According to the clinic, the Dad’s Club program focuses on strengthening family relationships through communication skills, parenting education and support aimed at helping fathers play more active and positive roles at home. Participants also receive guidance on conflict resolution and building financial stability. The program has been operating locally for several years.
“This award is a recognition of the measurable difference Dad’s Club has already made in our community,” clinic CEO Fernando Sanudo said in a news release.
He added that the funding will allow the program to reach more families and expand its long-term impact.
“We’ve seen fathers come into the program struggling with communication and leave with stronger relationships, healthier parenting skills, and a renewed sense of confidence,” he said. “This grant ensures that more families will share in that success.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-49th District) also commented on the grant, noting that the investment will help strengthen families throughout the region and support long-term community stability.
“Organizations like the Vista Community Clinic are leading the way in community health and family stability,” Levin said in the news release. “Thanks to this $3.5 million federal grant, the clinic can continue its meaningful and necessary work of supporting dads in our community
through the Dad’s Club Program.”
At the same time, Vista Community Clinic announced its new pediatric and family dentistry site in Oceanside, located at 815 College Blvd.
“We are thrilled to expand our dental services to the Oceanside community,” Sanudo said in a November announcement. “This new site will allow us to reach even more families in our community and ensure that every child and adult, regardless of income or insurance status, has access to compassionate dental care in a welcoming environment.”
The clinic aims to offer care for children, adults and seniors. Services will include preventive dental care, exams, cleanings and restorative treatments, with a focus on access for families who may otherwise face barriers to care.
“Dental care plays a vital role in overall health and well-being,” said Dr. Rebecca Cornille, Vista Community Clinic’s chief dental officer at VCC, said in the announcement. “Investing in this new site allows us to continue strengthening the health of our community and ensuring every patient has the opportunity to smile with confidence. We look forward to opening our doors as we expand access to high-quality, affordable care for families across North County.”
The Oceanside location joins the clinic’s broader network serving more than 70,000 patients across North San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties. The organization operates multiple health centers and provides services ranging from primary care to behavioral health and wellness education.
More information is available at vistacommunityclinic.org.
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