ManUP

Summary


Despite an array of well-meaning government and social programs, Grand Rapids continues to experience chronic poverty, unemployment, fatherlessness, teenage pregnancies, unwed fatherhood, violent crime, and gang-related killings. Urban Transformation Ministries (UTM) has responded to these social pathologies by reaching out to more than 200 urban youth and young adults through sports outreaches, Bible studies, mentoring, crisis counseling, leadership development, and employment assistance on an annual basis. As a result, several young men and women have trusted Christ in their lives. For the men, many have also turned away from their former lifestyles. However, without intentional economic,
spiritual, and emotional support, these men are still at-risk of continuing the cycle of fatherlessness and poverty. In response, UTM created the ManUP program to assist at-risk urban young men between the ages of 18 and 29 to become self-sufficient through spiritual development, employment assistance, goal-setting, and financial management. The goal is that they both become loving and responsible fathers and that they also become Christian leaders in their communities.

ManUP Structure

The ManUP Program is a 2-Year intense discipleship program where 3-4 young men experience life together and are provided the spiritual, social, and economic tools to become self- sufficient, better fathers, and Christian leaders. ManUP teaches the basic concepts of life-skill and spiritual training in the first year of the program followed by advanced training in those areas in the second year. The Man Up program takes place at a home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids that is owned by UTM. Potential residents are required to fill out the ManUP application, and upon acceptance, sign a guest arrangement agreement. After careful screening to make sure the candidate is a “right” fit for the program, students are paired with a Titus 2 coach (older Christian male) for mentoring, accountability and discipleship. To qualify, residents must be 18-29 year-old males, have been connected to UTM’s programs for at least six months (or the programs of one of UTM’s partners) and secured part-time employment for at least two months. They pay a portion of their monthly income for rent/utilities, while the other expenses will be supplemented through gift-in-kind and financial donations to UTM. Each quarter focuses on different aspects of their training and development. Capable men come in and lead Bible studies, teach courses and demonstrate how to accomplish program goals. Twice a month,
ManUP residents meet with staff/volunteers for life-skill development, financial budgeting, and personal goal setting. On the off weeks, participants meet for Bible study and spiritual accountability. Personal and group counseling are provided as needed. Weekly meetings are held to take the pulse of the group, have Bible studies and inspect the house, making sure rules are being followed.

Basic Spiritual Training

  • Gospel Story – What is the Gospel (its power and purpose) and how does it affect me?
  • Stewardship 101 -Understanding how to use your time, talents, and treasure for God’s Glory (through UTM’s Hustle City Program)
  • 20 Things: What every Christian should know
  • 52 Weekly Devotions Knowing God’s Will
  • Bible Doing-Turning a Bible study into Bible doing

Basic Life-Skills Training

  • Time, Skills, & Money Management-Making stewardship practical (through UTM’s Hustle City Program)
  • Housekeeping-Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry
  • Climbing the Ladder-Resume, Interview, and Job Skill Training
  • Relationships and Communication-Learning personality types, conflic resolution, and anger-management techniques

Advanced Spiritual Training

  • Gospel Fluency – Understanding how the gospel affects every area of life
  • Work as Worship – Christian Ethics in the workplace
  • Biblical Manhood/Womanhood-Being the person God wants you to be
  • Christian Family-Dating, Marriage and Parenting
  • Spirit-led Life-Living the Christian Life by the power of the Holy Spirit

Advanced Life-Skills Training

  • Service – How serving others can influence culture
  • Entrepreneurship – Creating business to transform culture (through UTM’s Hustle City Program)
  • Home Maintenance – Building a home is not simply living in a house
  • Vehicle Maintenance – selecting and maintaining a vehicle
  • Home Buying – Selecting your crib

Results

  • 100% of the ManUP graduates obtained and have maintained living-wage employment
  • 80% of the ManUP graduates entered into the life-long commitment of marriage and are still married
  • 80% of the ManUP graduates have served as volunteers within UTM during the past two years
  • 80% of the ManUP graduates have started their own business, either as their main source of their income or as a side hustle