BATON ROUGE — More than a dozen fathers were celebrated Tuesday evening after successfully completing a 13-week program geared toward becoming stronger parents and community role models.

Nonprofit organization Fathers on a Mission (FOAM) honored 18 dads during a graduation ceremony celebrating their completion of the group's Responsible Fatherhood Class Program.

Over the course of the program, participants focused on essential life skills, including managing family and personal responsibilities, strengthening communication and building healthier relationships with their children and partners. Each graduate received a certificate of completion and snapped photos to mark the milestone.

For many participants, the program provided a crucial support system during the early stages of parenthood.

"I definitely would recommend this program to any father who wants to learn more about being a father, cause more fathers need guidance with your first child," said one program graduate. "You need all the help, all the assistance—any jobs, any resources that can help you along your journey."

FOAM works year-round to equip men with the mentorship, resources and life skills needed to foster stable homes and actively engage in their children's lives.