Service Missions

The ManKind Project challenges you to find and develop your own life’s mission, and to live that mission fully with the support of a powerful network of other men. Through your mission, you can realize your purpose and share your gifts with the world. Like a pebble in a pond, your mission ripples out, serves and affects those around you, and transforms the world.

Here are just a few of our men’s stories:

David Rich

My mission is to create a world of healing and belonging by honoring and blessing myself and those around me and acknowledging my connection to the spiritual.

For the past 12 years I have run the grants department for a charitable giving foundation. We give grants to not-for-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area.

Jim Lemonides

I create joy by listening, affirming, and guiding.

C.E.O., Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation since 1981 (a non-profit community development organization serving Chicago’s West and Northwest Sides)

Founder and President, Lantern Advisory Services (provides individual and organizational coaching, emphasis on managing transitions)

Dave Freedman

To brighten the world by sharing my brilliance

I serve on the Advisory Board (a volunteer position) of Play for Peace (www.playforpeace.org), an international, non-profit organization that brings together children, youth, and organizations from communities in conflict, using cooperative play to create laughter, compassion, and understanding between cultures. Play for Peace currently operates hubs in Chicago, Northern Ireland, Guatemala, India, and Israel.

George Rounds

I create a peaceful and loving world by honoring the Divine in myself and nurturing it in others.

Vice President - Boys To Men Chicagoland

Pro Bono Career Coach - Career Transition Center in Chicago coaching people “in transition”.

Editorial Working Group - Association Forum Magazine

Dale Nowicki

I have been involved with PADS for (12) seasons. I started out as a volunteer and then became a Site Captain for one of the shelters. West Sububan PADS is a help up, not a hand out. There are 10-12 congregations of all faiths supporting the program with over 1000 volunteers. My staff has 3 Warrior brothers (Peter Thompson, Dan Bergstrom, Keith Endo) and 2 Woman Within (Carla Lawless & Pam Endo).

back in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit, our organization was the first on the scene to help when (55) victims were flown up to Chicago. We speak to each other at least once a month and still exchange much of our lives stories with each other.

I have been involved with CVLS Legal Clinic as a Paralegal for 2 years. Our organization provides legal services for homeless people for free.

I have been a participant and volunteer of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago since 2001. They sponsor a 3 day bike ride from Northern Illinois to northwest of Milwaukee. All monies raised by the event goes to cure lung disease, research and development in local hospitals all in the Metropolitan Chicago area

I also participate in another event called the Hustle up the Hancock stair climb. It is a 94 story climb up the stairs at the John Hancock building.

Daniel Baldwin, LCSW

I create caring communities

Service - In-Home Therapist and Community Resource Developer

Dave Kaiser

I serve the world by helping individuals discover and live out their passions and values.

I volunteer as a career coach at the Chicago Transitions Center at Old St. Pat.s Church downtown.

Joe Liss

My life mission is to create a world of mutual respect by respecting myself and others.

My role as board president of Connections for the Homeless is to manage the board of directors, run board meetings, attend committee meetings, raise money, provide advice, exercise oversight and act as an ambassador to the community. I spend time on Connections for the Homeless activities almost every week and make a substantial financial sacrifice on its behalf.

This is my second year as board president. Prior to becoming president, I was the board treasurer for 2 years.

Thomas Price

Mission - “I inspire others to be loving, giving and caring through my own example of being loving, giving and caring.“

Service - HRDI Outreach Program at Cook County Jail speaking to inmates about my own experience with recovery from substance abuse. Cooking meals and performing in benefit dinner/concerts at my church in west Rogers Park. Volunteer through my church repacking donated food at Chicago Food Depository. Volunteer work at substance abuse treatment centers in Lincoln Park, Humboldt Park and Lakeview. Service commitment coordinator at my AA home group.

Michael Manning

My mission is to create a loving world by listening to men, and women; then act from empathy.

I’ve been sober since 1992. When I meet people struggling with addictions, whatever they may be. I am able to listen without judgment. I can then step into their shoes, so to speak, and help them along their path. I have helped many with my mission, and luckily kept myself on a path of inspiration, and joy.

Evan Freund

To enable people to live and work together with dignity. I am a volunteer consultant with Executive Service Corps of Chicago, which provides organizational consultation and executive coaching to non-profit organizations.

I am a volunteer with the Rotary Club to provide jobs for high school youth and large solar cooking ovens to schools, orphanages, and community organizations in Africa.

I am a member of the Board of Directors of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago

I volunteer as an advocate of multilateral foreign policy and the ICC with Citizens for Global Solutions, and am Treasurer of the Chicago Chapter.

I volunteer time and money for my 13 year old godson, elected Captain of his football team, and recipient of MVP award in his first year of league play.