Redefining Strength: Building Resilient, Healthy M

The Circle That Changed His Life

At 14, "Malik" sat in the back of the classroom, hoodie up, head down, doing his best to disappear. School didn’t feel like a safe place. Home was tough too. He had learned early on that showing emotion made him weak. When his counselor suggested he join a Boys to Men Tucson circle, he almost laughed.

But something about the way she said it, like it wasn’t just another program, like it was different, made him pause.

So, he showed up.

At first, he stayed quiet, arms crossed, staring at the floor. But then he heard something unexpected: grown men, sharing real feelings. No posturing. No pretending. Just honesty.

Week after week, he came back. Listened. Then, one day, he spoke. About his anger. About missing his dad. About feeling like he had no one.

And no one laughed. No one told him to “man up.”

Instead, they listened.

For the first time in his life, "Malik" felt seen. He felt safe. He felt like he mattered.

Today, Malik is thriving. He’s passing his classes, helping mentor younger kids, and dreaming of college. But there are so many more Maliks out there, waiting for someone to show up for them.

This Arizona Gives Day, you can be that someone.

Your donation helps us expand our Healthy Masculinity Group Mentoring Program to reach more young men like Malik. Every dollar ensures they have access to trusted, supportive mentors who will stand by them, no matter what.

Donate now and help us create more life-changing circles.