The Power of Teamwork in Fatherhood

I am incredibly blessed to work alongside an amazing team at Man Up and Go. One of the things I love most is their passion for fatherhood. Our team doesn't just know the statistics about fatherless homes—they’ve lived through the real-life struggles. It hits home for them, and because of that, they bring an authenticity to everything we do. It’s inspiring to see how their personal stories fuel their dedication to our mission.

For example, one of our team members was adopted as a child. But his story doesn’t stop there. His adoptive father later abandoned him. He’s experienced firsthand the brokenness that so many of the men in our program are dealing with, and that gives him a unique credibility when guiding others through their own questions about fatherhood and purpose. There’s something incredibly powerful about having lived the pain and being able to turn that experience into a source of healing for others.

Another one of our team members has adopted five children. His firsthand understanding of the foster care system, fatherhood, and the complexities that come with it is invaluable. When a dad in our program is facing the potential loss of his children, this team member can speak to that experience in a way that resonates deeply. He knows the struggles, he’s walked that path, and he offers hope and guidance that only someone who’s been through it can provide.

One of the greatest joys for me is seeing the men in our program realize they’re not alone. Whether it’s during a mentoring session, at Topgolf, or just over pizza, there’s this moment when they look around and think, “Wait, I’m not the only one going through this.” That moment of connection is life-changing. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” That’s exactly what happens when these men realize they’re part of a community that understands them and wants to walk alongside them.

Our team and the men we work with are all in this together. None of us are perfect, and that’s the point. We learn from each other, share best practices, and support each other through the tough times. Watching our dads get their lives back on track and become a part of the Man Up and Go family is a privilege. It’s a full-circle moment when they not only get engaged with us, but they also become a part of the team, mentoring others and sharing their stories.

At the end of the day, fatherhood is a journey we take together, and I’m grateful for the men on our team who inspire me daily. We’re in this together, sharpening each other, and growing in our faith and commitment to being the best dads we can be.

Thanks for reading,

Jeff Ford