Man Up and Go

08/21/2026

He was once a problem; now he’s a Patros.

Pastor Kendar is the Man Up ministry partner in the Dominican Republic. There, he and his wife, Hozanna, run a school where their mission is to show the love of Christ through education, discipleship training, and a help center.

However, this was not always his story.

Growing up on the streets, he was a troubled kid, someone who once brought fear to his community. Now, he serves as a pastor, pouring into the lives of kids growing up just like he did.

This summer, 8th graders from Ignite Academy visited the Dominican Republic. They saw the community they serve and the school they run, and heard the testimonies of Pastor Kendar and Hozanna.

It was a transformational trip for everyone involved, and a firsthand look at how a life, a family, and a community change when a Patros answers the call.

08/19/2026

“You don't fully realize what you just did with this conference. The Dominican Republic will never be the same!”

That’s what one attendee shared after last year’s Patros Conference in the DR, where 300 men returned to their communities, inspired to fully realize God’s design for manhood and committed to living with purpose, integrity, and love.

November 6-7, we have the chance to go back to the DR for two days of revival and renewal among the men - but we can’t do it without you!

A gift of just $40 sponsors one man to attend this life-changing conference. Your generosity helps to provide:

- Travel and Transportation
- Conference materials and Patros curriculum
- Lunch for every attendee
- Translation and administrative support
- Follow-up resources to launch ongoing men’s groups throughout the country

Learn more about the Patros Conference in the DR or give today at manupandgo.org/dr

08/17/2026

This is Robert.

Robert came to Man Up carrying an almost unimaginable weight — his children in the dependency care system, his path forward unclear, and a temp job that barely covered the basics.

What Robert needed wasn’t just resources. He needed brotherhood.

From day one, Robert leaned into the work. Coaching sessions turned into budgeting plans. Budgeting turned into a real strategy for stability. Man Up walked alongside him as he moved from a temp service position to part-time work, and eventually into a full-time career as a CDL driver - a job that gives his family the security and future they deserve.

Today, Robert has his children back, and their family has just welcomed a brand new baby into their home. He’s not just present; he’s leading. He’s not just surviving; he’s building a legacy. Robert says Man Up gave him more than support; it gave him family. We say the same about him. Robert is proof that restoration isn’t just possible. It’s happening, right here in Tampa Bay.

Watching a father fight this hard is why we do what we do, and the doodles of a child who knows his family loves him- that’s the reminder that whatever it takes - it’s always worth it.

Let’s let Robert know how proud we are in the comments!

08/16/2026

08/13/2026

Young men still want something more for their lives. What many are missing isn't ambition—it's fathers, mentors, brotherhood, structure, and community.

(Statistics from Institute for Family Studies)

08/12/2026

This is Nathan and his Man Up Fatherhood Coach, JB.

What stands out about Nathan isn't just where he’s going—it's how he’s choosing to show up along the way.

Nathan is walking through a season of real growth. He’s expanding his business, preparing to buy a home, strengthening his finances, and casting a bigger vision for his family's future.

But even in the middle of building his own life, he’s making room to carry someone else’s burden.

A close friend recently lost his mother, and Nathan has been there—steady, present, and willing to step into the grief with him.

That’s what growth looks like in the Man Up coaching program. It’s not just becoming a better man for yourself. It’s becoming the kind of man who has the strength, maturity, and margin to show up when someone else needs you.

During this recent meeting, Nathan and JB worked through some emotional triage and then shifted into strategy—organizing expenses, evaluating his budget, and creating a clearer roadmap for what’s ahead. JB also gave Nathaniel a Man Up Journal to help him put growth goals on paper and hold himself accountable.

Growing in your own life while refusing to overlook the people around you.

That’s brotherhood. That’s leadership. That’s Man Up.

08/10/2026

What does it look like when young men know they don’t have to figure life out alone?

It looks like brotherhood.
It looks like showing up.
It looks like new experiences, hard conversations, laughter, service, growth—and someone consistently in their corner.

These are just a few highlights from the Higher L.I.F.E. program at Blake High School, led by Man Up Coach Marc Diaz as part of the Man Up Young Men Coaching Program.

For young men growing up without a consistent father figure, having a trusted man who keeps showing up can make all the difference. Marc isn’t simply leading activities—he’s building relationships, creating community, and helping young men see what’s possible for their lives.

From fishing and kayaking to serving together, celebrating accomplishments, and simply sitting around a table together, every moment is another opportunity to say:

You matter. You belong. And you don’t have to walk this road alone.

This is what coming alongside the fatherless looks like.

This is what Man Up is all about. 💪

08/07/2026

👏 Partner Shoutout!

We’re incredibly grateful for our Man Up business partners, FHLB Des Moines and Table Rock Community Bank, for investing in the work of Man Up and standing with us in the fight to end generational fatherlessness.

Their support helps make programs possible that equip fathers, mentor young men, strengthen families, and build healthier communities.

This mission takes all of us—and we’re thankful to have organizations like these stepping up and choosing to make a difference.

Together, we’re building a generation of men who show up, lead well, and change the trajectory of their families. 💪

Thank you, FHLB Des Moines and Table Rock Community Bank, for joining the fight!

08/07/2026

Last night, the atmosphere at our men's gathering with the group from Grace Family Church shifted in an instant.

While reviewing The Way of the Patros book, we turned to the section on "Praying with your Wife," and the response was immediate. One man, deeply convicted, challenged the group to commit to praying over their wives every day for the next 14 days. The enthusiasm was contagious; the brotherhood was ignited.

The men took the challenge home and put it into practice that very night. The group text lit up with encouragement and accountability. One man shared, "Just prayed over my wife! And she shed tears! Happy tears! Lol"

Men sharpening men. Husbands loving their wives. Faith turning into action. This is what it’s all about.