Statements

Mission

To break the cycle of poverty, crime and dependency by providing faith-based educational, vocational, and life skills training.

Background

4:13 Strong began as a redevelopment of the local YMCA program Y-Build. After a 10 year run, the YMCA ended Y-Build in 2014. Seeing a continued need for job and life skills training for young men in Nashville, 4:13 Strong's current Executive Director created an independent nonprofit and transitioned all operational and financial responsibility to 4:13 Strong on January 1st, 2015. 4:13 Strong continued the focused of serving young men, 18-30 years old, seeking opportunities to distance themselves from experiencing unemployment, homelessness, and incarceration.

4:13 Strong is a faith-based residential program that radically transforms the personal and professional lives of young men in Middle Tennessee. The first phase of the program includes curriculum focused on both professional and life-skills training. Men learn the basics of the construction industry and earn three certifications; NCCER Core, OSHA 10, and Aerial Lift. Life-skills training includes topics such as Bible study, GED prep, financial literacy, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), physical fitness, and diet and nutrition. In the second phase, 4:13 Strong helps participants secure meaningful, full-time employment through a well-established network of highly respected construction and trades industry job partners. In order to graduate the program, participants must complete 4 months of continuous work and meet personal and financial criteria to prepare them for a life of independence and self-sufficiency.

Men come from various backgrounds and circumstances, but complete the program as confident, independent providers for themselves and their families. 4:13 Strong is a stepping stone for men to become the leaders, contributors, and the men of God they are called to be.

Impact

Since our start in 2015, 4:13 Strong has secured meaningful full-time employment for 230 men. These jobs are with some of the leading construction industry employers in Middle Tennessee and offer real opportunities for advancement and a long-term career. In 2022, more than 9% of the male workforce between the ages of 18-24 are unemployed. This age group represents roughly 80% of our participants at 4:13 Strong. The program has demonstrated it can break this cycle of unemployment and improve participants' outlook for the future through our wholistic training and employment with job partners.

Beyond earning a living for themselves and their families, the men in our program are beginning to save for their future and make wise financial decisions, they are learning to trust and be trustworthy, and they are strengthening their character. They are inspired by stories of hope from men who have gone before them. They are encouraged to see the value of their contribution through work and service to their community, friends, and families. They are growing in their faith through study and community, and learning the be the man God created them to be.

Needs

New van: Our aging van is requiring more repairs and need to be replaced to provide safe and reliable transportation for the men in our program.

Uniforms: Each man entering our program is issued a uniform consisting of a couple pairs of pants, shirts, a belt and work boots. At 10-15 men per class, 5 classes per year, and $150 per set, the yearly cost is approximately $10,000.

Increased recruiting: Our program is seeking to reach more men to fill every possible space available in each class. We will be building a new recruiting website and separate social media presence to specifically target the men most suited to succeed in the program. We will also increase our advertising, and presence at community events and networking opportunities.

Program development: 4:13 Strong would like to expand job opportunities beyond the construction industry. We are seeking new job partners and developing systems to offer different types of work opportunities.

CEO Statement

4:13 Strong is a unique program that is helping a very underserved population within our city, men between the ages of 18-30. As one of only a few programs for this age range, we are making a tremendous difference in their lives. Some are breaking the cycle of poverty, crime and welfare dependency that has gripped their family for generations, others are successfully putting unfortunate decisions behind them and moving forward in a positive way. The one thing they all have in common is they are becoming hard-working, productive men who are making a real contribution to the city of Nashville. 4:13 Strong is also having an impact on those who choose to volunteer. There is nothing like helping a man who is trying to help himself. The guys in our program are serious about wanting to make a change in their life and are so appreciative of those willing to help them achieve it.

Board Chair Statement

I am involved in 4:13 Strong because I believe every man deserves an opportunity to succeed. I was very fortunate growing up having multiple opportunities for growth and success available to me. However, there are guys growing up in Nashville who either don't have those opportunities or don't know how to take advantage of them. 4:13 Strong is all about providing opportunities, support, coaching and encouragement for the man who wants something better for his life and his family. We are working hard to increase awareness within the city about who we are, what we do, and the results that we are generating. Every man who completes our program goes from being a cost to the city of Nashville to being a productive, contributing citizen. The economics of 4:13 Strong makes a lot of sense. As we look into the future, we hope to continue developing collaborative partnerships with other organizations within the city. Specific areas of collaboration that we are focusing on are: men's health and wellness, addiction services and recovery, GED training and tutoring, and secondary education and trade school opportunities.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Employment  - Employment Preparation & Procurement
Secondary Category:	Crime & Legal - Related  - Prison Alternatives
Tertiary Category:	Employment  - Job Training

Areas Served

Located just south of downtown Nashville, we primarily serve the Middle Tennessee region, but are open to any man who, regardless of their current residential location, is able and willing to move onto our campus for 6-8 months.

TN - Davidson