Man Up & Grow

Looking back on the journey of Man Up and Go over the past decade, I’m amazed at how much we’ve grown and evolved. As the CEO of this nonprofit, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and guiding our transformation. When we first launched Man Up and Go in 2014, it was driven by a profound sense of purpose and urgency. A friend and I had just returned from a transformative trip to Africa, and we were on fire with ideas. We knew we needed to act on our experiences and make a difference. This was also the year we decided to climb Kilimanjaro—a symbol of our commitment to reaching new heights in both personal and organizational goals.

In those early days, our focus was intensely international. We were all about mission trips and helping communities abroad. But as the years rolled on, our scope began to shift. By 2018, we were starting to see the fruits of our labor, but it became increasingly clear that the needs in our own backyard were just as urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this shift. With international travel restrictions in place, we had to pivot to local efforts.

One of the most significant changes has been our transition from an almost exclusively international focus to a much more balanced approach. Today, about 80% of our efforts are domestic, addressing the needs right here in our communities. This shift wasn’t just about reacting to the pandemic; it was a deeper recognition that the same issues of fatherlessness and vulnerability existed closer to home.

One scripture that has profoundly guided our journey is James 1:27, which states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This verse encapsulates our mission. It’s about caring for the vulnerable and ensuring that we are not just checking boxes but truly making a difference.

In practical terms, this means we’ve grown our team significantly. Just two years ago, we had only four employees stateside. Now, as I review hires for 2023, 2024, and 2025, it’s exciting to see our staff roster expand. Our current team serves over 600 people on a daily basis, providing not only essential items like baby gates, washers, and dryers but also emotional support and prayer. It’s incredible to see how the people we serve are now turning around and asking how they can give back. This reciprocal relationship is at the heart of what we do.

One of the most powerful aspects of our work is our commitment to long-term, upstream solutions. Early on, we were very much in the triage phase, reacting to immediate needs. Now, our focus is on breaking the cycle of generational fatherlessness. This shift is about looking upstream—understanding how these issues arise and working to prevent them rather than just addressing the symptoms.

A pivotal moment in this journey was our development of the Authentic Masculinity program. Initially launched in Uganda and Ethiopia, this program has become a cornerstone of our work. We’ve seen incredible success stories, such as men who, after participating in the program, have transformed their relationships and families. For instance, one participant, after years of never expressing his love to his wife, returned home and told her, “I love you,” for the first time. Stories like these are what drive us.

We’ve also adapted this program for an American context with our Patros Discipleship Tool. By involving prominent figures like Tony Dungy and engaging leaders from diverse backgrounds, we aim to present biblical masculinity in a way that resonates with modern audiences. This approach ensures that our message is inclusive and impactful, reflecting the diversity of our communities.

Throughout this evolution, one thing has remained constant: our reliance on Biblical principles. We continuously strive to align our strategies with timeless truths, ensuring that our work is not just effective but enduring. As we move forward, our goal is to maintain this balance—serving immediate needs while also addressing the root causes of fatherlessness.

In reflecting on these changes, I am reminded that God’s work in our organization is far greater than anything we could have planned on our own. We’re not just about immediate fixes; we’re about creating lasting change and transforming lives for the long haul. As we continue this journey, I am filled with hope and gratitude for the opportunities we have to make a meaningful impact.

Thanks for reading,

Jeff Ford