20 hours ago
BHERC Operation Love Hosts Special Gathering To Honor Fathers Leading Through Crisis
As communities continue to rebuild from the devastating January firestorms, the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) Operation Love announces a distinct celebration Saturday, June 14, dedicated to senior fathers who have shouldered the immense burden of keeping their families and communities together during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory.
Following the overwhelming outpouring of gratitude for Operation Love's Mother's Day event in May that served over 150 senior mothers and their families, it became clear that the next endeavor should focus on addressing the unique needs of senior men who have served as pillars of strength for their families and communities.
This experience, part of BHERC Operation Love's fourth iteration of tangible community support, provide recognition of the senior father who stands behind every family's survival story, who has worked tirelessly—often while processing his own trauma—to provide stability, hope, and strength for those depending on him. These seasoned men, drawing from decades of life experience, have become the steady foundation upon which entire extended families have relied during the recovery process.
'These senior men have been the steady hands in the storm, the voices of reassurance when everything felt uncertain,' said Sandra J. Evers-Manly, President of BHERC Operation Love. 'While they've focused on everyone else's needs, we want to focus on theirs. This celebration is specifically designed to acknowledge the sacrifices of our senior fathers and provide them with the mental health support and community connection they desperately need.'
Recognized as a hidden struggle, in the aftermath of the January firestorms, many senior fathers have found themselves serving as the primary emotional and logistical anchors for their families—coordinating insurance claims, securing temporary housing, maintaining employment, and reassuring children and grandchildren—all while grappling with their own loss and uncertainty. They often carry additional burdens, supporting not just their immediate families but also serving as advisors and resources for their adult children's families affected by the fires.
Mental health experts emphasize that senior fathers in crisis often suppress their own emotional needs to maintain their role as protectors and providers. This celebration aims to create a safe space where these distinguished men can step away from that role temporarily and receive the love, appreciation and support they deserve.
BHERC promises an unforgettable experience featuring powerhouse vocalist Elaine Gibbs, whose world-class musical performance will uplift spirits and remind attendees of the joy that persists even in difficult times. Rev. George Cowart will perform inspirational gospel music, delivering soul-stirring melodies, food for the soul and mind that speak directly to the hearts of senior fathers who have carried so much for so many.
BHERC Operation Love has crafted a comprehensive celebration that goes beyond recognition to create genuine moments of joy and connection specifically tailored for senior men. The event will include a delicious brunch, engaging trivia activities, and special prizes including recognition for the oldest dad in attendance—a tribute particularly meaningful to this celebration's focus on honoring our senior fathers.
True to Operation Love's tradition of creating deeply meaningful moments, there will be a surprise special gift addressing a particular need—but attendees must be present to witness this surprise that consistently brings tears of joy to everyone in the room. Each senior father will also receive a special gift as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication to their families and community across the decades.
This gathering represents the fourth event as part of the recovery initiative from BHERC Operation Love since the firestorms struck, demonstrating the organization's unwavering and enduring commitment to the community's long-term recovery. Unlike emergency response efforts that fade as headlines disappear, BHERC Operation Love has pledged to remain engaged throughout the entirety of the recovery crisis. 'When the flames were doused, our work was just beginning,' said Evers-Manly. 'We understood from day one that recovery isn't measured in weeks or months—it's measured in years. These senior fathers need to know that support isn't disappearing when the immediate crisis passes.'
The Ripple Effect of Supporting Senior Fathers
Research consistently shows that supporting a fathers' mental health creates positive ripple effects throughout entire family systems. When they receive the care and recognition they need, they're better equipped to continue providing the stability and wisdom their families require during extended recovery periods. Their influence often extends across multiple generations, making their wellbeing crucial to the recovery of entire family networks.
It is believed that a father's wellbeing is directly connected to his family's resilience. BHERC Operation Love believes in supporting the entire family. By investing in these seasoned men's mental health and community connections, the organization helps to strengthen entire families and, by extension, the whole community's recovery.
Committed to a sustained presence in all of the communities they serve reflects a deep understanding that disaster recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. BHERC has committed resources and personnel to remain active in the community for as long as families face fire-related challenges. 'Other organizations have come and gone, which is natural in disaster response,' said Evers-Manly. 'But we made a promise to walk alongside these families for the entire journey. This celebration for senior fathers is just one example of how we're keeping that promise.'
Event Details
The gathering is free and open to all senior fathers impacted by the January firestorms. Family members are welcome to join in celebrating these remarkable men who have kept their communities strong.
For more information about the celebration or BHERC Operation Love's ongoing recovery efforts, please contact Sandra J. Evers-Manly, President of BHERC Operation Love, at [email protected], (323) 957-4656, or (310) 365-2080 and visit
About BHERC 'Operation Love'
BHERC 'Operation Love' provides vital support to vulnerable populations, with specialized focus on seniors, unhoused individuals, and those with health conditions. Initially formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Love expanded in January 2025 to deliver rapid disaster aid for those affected by wildfires and other emergencies.
For seniors and unhoused individuals impacted by COVID and other disasters, the team has assisted with emergency supplies, gift cards, gift baskets for various holidays, special luncheons, transportation assistance, legal assistance, and coordinating with mental health professionals for emotional care.
Since inception, Operation Love has distributed more than 25,000 blankets, 16,500 rolls of toilet paper, 48,000 essential goods, gift baskets and back bags to those in need. The organization has donated over $202,000 to individuals needing assistance, partner organizations and honored frontline workers through events reaching 2,500 participants in various cities across our nation. The Operation Love Initiative remains committed to creating a compassionate safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors in times of disaster.
For more information, visit
Media Contact
Sandra Evers-Manly
[email protected]
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SOURCE: Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center
Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
