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.
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
Cornelius Lamar Mannings is a compassionate and dedicated individual who’s on a mission to empower others as he draws inspiration from the transformative journey he himself has traversed. His story is a testament to resilience, triumph over adversity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need.
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Growing up in a challenging environment, Cornelius faced mental health challenges that fueled his determination to rise above his circumstances, thereby serving as the foundation for his passion to help others overcome their own obstacles. It solidified his belief that many individuals face hindrances in life simply due to lack of knowledge, resources, and exposure – challenges he intimately understands.
As a previously licensed foster parent in the State of Washington, Cornelius opened his heart and home to children of all ages, embodying the essence of selfless care and support. His pride in parenting two children and joy in being a grandparent reflect his commitment to building a legacy of compassion, resilience, and empowerment. This foster parenting experience continues to be an important part of his background and supports his deep understanding of working with adolescents.
In the corporate realm, Cornelius is a multifaceted professional, holding certifications through Scrum Alliance: Certified Agile Leadership Essentials (CAL-E) and Certified Agile Leadership for Organizations (CAL-O). He specializes in facilitation, particularly in helping executive teams identify process gaps that hinder business progress. Additionally, he designs and leads workshops on Agile best practices and has created a retrospective program tailored for leadership teams. This program helps organizations identify areas of failure and implement actionable steps for growth based on the “fail fast, learn fast” model.
Cornelius is likewise a certified Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is currently studying generational trauma, with focus on its impact within the African American community - from the legacy of slavery to present-day systems.
Mr. Mannings is currently completing his internship at a mental health facility where he’s privileged to work closely with adolescents navigating substance use and mental health challenges. This gives him a hands-on experience that further shapes his passion and professional growth in the field.
With his unwavering passion to be a strong advocate for the people, Cornelius is actively exploring opportunities to contribute to and collaborate with existing mental health organizations, with the intent of driving meaningful change.
