Including High School and the Navy, I worked for 50 years before retiring as the President/CEO of a thriving local Defense Company in January 2021. After retiring for the second time, I enjoyed traveling and relaxing with my wife, family, and close friends. However, like the rest of the nation, the pandemic disrupted our peaceful life, and little did I know what was coming.

Despite the challenges, my wife and I became avid prayer warriors, praying for a cure every morning and evening for anyone caught in Covid’s grip. I also began exercising and walking 10,000 steps daily, shedding the weight I had gained over 15 years of neglect only to gain it back. My walks became a precious time to draw closer to God, listening and singing praise and worship tunes. One day, I discovered my purpose: serving Fatherless children in America. I researched the Bible, studied tirelessly, watched videos (spiritual and secular), and read books and studies while interviewing community and clergy leaders, family, close friends, and highly knowledgeable people I didn’t know.

Even though I had retired, it became clear that it wasn’t my turn to retire. Despite doubts, I met people who believed in my mission and became thankful for their support and encouragement. Eventually, through multiple chance encounters, I met relatives in separate locations and fields of work. I applied to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Business Innovation Program, which allows university students to participate in helping create the nonprofit organization Fatherless Age. I am forever grateful for the technical and administrative project expertise they completed on my behalf as their client. After seeing discussions about fatherless children everywhere, I jumped at the opportunity to help them.

Our nonprofit programs aim to transform children’s lives through 103 multifaceted life lessons, completed over a period of four years if the child begins at the age of ten. The lesson categories include Spiritual, Academic Studies, Personal Character, Job Success, Family, and Protection, modeled after my journey and positively backed by my passionate, sustained capability to achieve their success. The unique model was built from my instructional foundation of faith, as a U.S. Navy enlisted and officer career, Chapman University graduate, Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business program alums, Allstate (Insurance) Mentorship Program for business leaders, Vistage Worldwide, Inc. CEO collaboration, and The Alternative Board (TAB) offering CEO advice, guidance, support and Landmark Worldwide enhancing business understanding, spiritual awareness, and proven academic disciplines. I am now prepared to help change young lives.

I am grateful for your time in reading this story, and I encourage you to consider donating to our cause to help Make Fatherless Children productive citizens after high school. Here are some thoughtful examples related to Fatherless Age’s path forward that could genuinely allow you to make a difference, helping in this beginning:

1. **Getting Involved with the Fatherless Age nonprofit**: There are excellent opportunities for anyone passionate about making a difference! Volunteering as a mentor for fatherless children, leading tutoring sessions, or organizing community events can be impactful ways to raise awareness and funds for this vital cause.

2. Exciting Programs and Activities from the 103 Life Lessons: We offer an array of enriching workshops that cover financial literacy, personal character, human behavioral understanding, individual development through storytelling, and essential life skills training. Additionally, academic support sessions for STEM subjects, such as math and science, will empower our kids while also encouraging spiritual growth through vibrant group discussions and engaging activities.

3. Navigating Challenges in Establishing the Nonprofit: While there are certainly hurdles, such as securing the necessary funding and navigating legal requirements, there’s also a great opportunity in building a strong network of volunteers and community partnerships to bring these initiatives to life and help children and young adults flourish!

Thank you