6,000,000+
men in the U.S. suffer from depression annually, yet less than half seek treatment.
60%
of men experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, with veterans having the highest rates of PTSD.
x4
Men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, with the highest rates among those aged 45-54.
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My Why
(A Daily Reminder)
I started this mission to serve and help those who do not have a voice. I remember going through life’s storms, searching for a way out but lacking positive direction. I was that young, homeless man without hope , yet somehow, I survived. And not just survived, but grew.
Through God’s grace, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel to many places around the world These experiences shaped my vision through a global lens. I’ve seen poverty face to face, felt the weight of hopelessness, and still chose to be a light in the world. Each trip reminded me to appreciate the things I’ve been blessed with and to never forget the pain that drives my purpose.
I am called to rescue, restore, rebuild, and help others rise because I’ve lived every step of that process myself. My businesses, my education, my healing, and my mission are all rooted in that truth. I do this for the men and youth like I once was the ones who need someone to believe in them, walk beside them, and show them there’s more to life than just surviving.
This is bigger than me.
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This is legacy.
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This is GROUNDWORK FOR FREEDOM.
Empowering Purposeful Leadership
Through Healing
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Groundwork for Freedom Foundation partners with Equinox Empowerment Services to ensure every man and youth not only finds healing but also pathways to purposeful leadership. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to uplift individuals through trauma-informed coaching, community-rooted support, and purpose-driven mentorship.
By combining expertise and compassion, we’re not just facilitating restoration—we're cultivating leaders equipped to make meaningful impact within their families, communities, and beyond.
Who we are
Groundwork for Freedom is a nonprofit mental health initiative created to support men, youth, and families who lack access to quality mental health care and life opportunities. It aims to provide mental health resources, rehabilitation centers, and education in the U.S. and globally.
Founder C.L. Mannings believes that trauma and generational cycles of struggle can be broken when there’s access to the right mental health resources, mentorship, and life skills.
This is what Groundwork for Freedom is about - to create transformation from trauma to triumph.
Because everyone deserves a second chance.
Our Founder
Raised in hardship, Cornelius left home as a teen, survived unstable housing, and witnessed the harsh realities of poverty, addiction, and broken systems. As a father, foster parent, and entrepreneur, he brings his lived experience into the mission of restoring men and youth around the world through structured support and compassion.
