African American Mental Health and Wellness (AMEN) team is collaborating with KAZI FM 88.7 in producing a radio series to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and physical wellness in the African American community. The bi-monthly series will feature AMEN team members from the School of Nursing, leaders from Mt. Zion Baptist and Rehoboth Baptist churches, and community organizations who provide mental health resources and support in Travis County.
Educating, Strengthening, and Supporting Men Towards Responsible Manhood and Fatherhood
June 14, 2023 Podcast:
Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Isaac Rowe, a designer at Sargent & Lundy, a global design firm with expertise in power and energy. Mr. Rowe is also the CEO and Founder of the program Man in Me, Center for Fathers and Families. He is a certified anger management specialist, certified father engagement specialist, and motivational speaker.
Established in 2012, the Man in Me program provides equitable support to men and families seeking guidance towards responsible manhood and fatherhood. Before becoming a father, himself, Mr. Rowe recognized that millions of young people in this country do not live with a biological or father figure in the home and wanted to create a program to address this. The Man in Me successfully engages men by promoting "real" conversations and creates a safe space for them to share their experiences and foster social connection. The program also helps men to identify their goals and connect them with resources to achieve their dreams. Over the last 11 years, the Man in Me has offered programs that build skills ranging from parenting, life skills, personal and career development, mentoring, financial literacy, housing support, and mental health services.
Many of the struggles men have historically faced were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the loss of financial, social, physical, and emotional health. This is one reason why the program's efforts to increase positive outcomes and healthy relationships in the lives of fathers, children, and families is needed now more than ever. Men who have participated in this program have greatly benefited from connecting with other men seeking to overcome similar struggles. Participants and their families have reported an overwhelmingly positive response to the program and describe feeling valued and supported.
Mr. Rowe has also created two multi-award-winning documentary films to raise awareness about these important issues, and to inspire men to participate in Man in Me programs. The latest film interviews women about the critical roles men and fathers have played in their lives. “We believe healthy men are empowered to cultivate healthy families and that healthy families are the foundation of strong communities.” The Man in Me program plans to continue to grow and help more fathers in need.
To learn more about the Man in Me programs or donate to support them, visit the links under the Resources section below.
Resources:
- Man in Me
- Donate Now to the Man in Me
- Watch Man in Me Trailer
- Watch the World Premiere of Fathers Wanted (Official Trailer)
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