We had the privilege of sitting down with nonprofit leader, Marcus Meniz, whose organization, Stronger Than My Father, provides much-needed mentorship to fatherless youth. He explained how his own upbringing, with both parents in a stable home, fueled his passion to help kids who don’t have that same support system. What began with Marcus mentoring a young cousin quickly evolved into a larger mission: guiding students with structure, accountability, and above all, compassion. We heard about the real-life impact a dedicated father figure—or mentor—can have on a child’s character, resilience, and future ambitions. Through programs like Stronger Sons and Moms with Purpose, he’s created a safe, family-like environment where kids feel nurtured and single mothers find community.

Beyond one-on-one support, Marcus is already planning more ways to uplift Middle Tennessee youth. Whether it’s an upcoming entrepreneurship center teaching life skills such as cooking, graphic design, or photography, or a Father’s Day and Family 5K promoting the importance of dads walking hand-in-hand with their children, everything he does revolves around uplifting families and fostering strong father-child bonds. Along the way, he’s learned that running a nonprofit demands grit, authenticity, and a clear vision to stand out and truly make an impact. Listening to Marcus, it’s clear that embracing fatherhood and dedicating ourselves to helping one another can bring real hope and lasting change to our community.

Key Takeaway Points

• The Power of a Present Father: Having an engaged dad—or a father figure—gives children a stronger sense of identity and a pathway to success.
• Mentorship Basics: Genuine mentorship goes beyond meeting once a week; it involves consistent guidance, discipline, and love.
• Building Standards: Marcus uses clear-cut rules (no sagging pants, no cussing, respectful behavior) to teach young men the importance of self-presentation and accountability.
• Support for Mothers: Recognizing that single moms often need encouragement, Stronger Than My Father hosts “Moms with Purpose” to create a caring community.
• Entrepreneurship & Life Skills: Future plans include offering hands-on training in photography, culinary arts, and more, giving kids outlets to discover their passions.
• Nonprofit Realities: It takes grit, vision, and a strong network to keep a nonprofit thriving. Get a mentor, develop a clear structure, and be ready to stay the course.
• Honoring Fatherhood: Marcus’s upcoming events, like the Father’s Day & Family 5K, aim to celebrate dads and show the community that strong families start with present fathers.

Stronger Than My Father
https://strongerthanmyfather.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville
The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/