Be Men Life Coaching & Networking
In a critical effort to enhance public safety and dramatically accelerate economic equity in St. Louis, Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC) and Washington University’s nationally recognized HomeGrown StL project have formally launched the “Be Men” life coaching intervention. This program is a new, personalized coaching and networking opportunity for young fathers and youth ages 18-35 who are current or past graduates of FFSC’s programs.
This intensive, evidence-informed, and community-driven program provides targeted support for Black males, and also leverages FFSC’s long-standing expertise to immediately address personal obstacles that block employment, stability, and positive parenting.
The Ultimate Goal: Home Ownership or Independent Rental Lease
The cornerstone of the two-year post-completion plan for every “Be Men” participant is to achieve gainful, stable housing opportunities. This means securing either home ownership or an independent rental lease to establish a safe and healthy foundation place to live. This milestone is key to full family and community stabilization and sustained asset building.
“This is not just another training program; it’s a commitment to transformative change that targets the root causes of economic instability and lack of generational wealth,” said FFSC Project Manager and Life Coach Devon Townsend. “By combining the rigorous research of Washington University with FFSC’s deep, daily expertise, we are providing a direct, measurable pathway out of economic disparity, with the clear end-goal of putting our graduates in their own homes or independent rentals within two years. This is how we build sustained leadership and equity.”
Dr. Sean Joe, PhD, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis and director of the Race and Opportunity Lab, underscores the synergy of the partnership:
“The ‘Be Men’ initiative, in collaboration with Fathers & Families Support Center, represents a critical intersection of evidence-based research and deep community expertise. By pairing Washington University’s rigorous, data-driven approach with FFSC’s proven ability to deliver comprehensive, immediate, and holistic support, we are not just addressing symptoms of instability—we are building a powerful, customized infrastructure for stability and long-term economic mobility in St. Louis.”
The “Be Men” life coaching intervention is built upon three critical pillars: resource navigation, social mobility skills development, and relational changes. The program is designed to disrupt cycles of poverty and recidivism by providing actionable, individualized guidance focused on the long-term goal of housing security and asset building.
Immediate Impact and Foundational Steps
The partnership is already generating concrete, life-changing support through the “Be Men” framework, with services directly preparing participants for financial independence and housing stability:
- Legal & Family Empowerment: Direct connections to the FFSC Legal Services Director to urgently address complex issues such as child support modification, establishing paternity, and securing necessary legal documentation—essential steps for long-term financial planning. Session topics include Family Law & Childcare.
- Financial Literacy & Asset Building: Strategic partnerships, including with STL Community Credit Union, deliver essential financial literacy training and introduce critical wealth-building skills that are foundational to achieving the goal of home ownership or rental security. Participants receive focused presentations on Banking & Credit, Financial Planning, and Home Ownership.
- Holistic Stability: The program addresses comprehensive well-being, including Health & Wellness, Transportation, and Violence Prevention.
These foundational efforts are serving as a powerful driver for participants to develop responsible financial goals, improve communication skills, and build positive relationships, ensuring they are financially and socially prepared to secure independent housing and lead their families. The cohort is on-going and scheduled to run on Wednesdays in 2026, from 2pm – 4pm, culminating in a Graduation.
How to Access Be Men
Be Men operates out of Fathers & Families Support Center in downtown St. Louis. For more information on the Be Men intervention, how to access, locations, or registration please call/email Life Coach Devon Townsend at 314-333-4170. dtownsend@fatherssupport.org