What Makes Us Unique?
Global reach with local impact
We support both international and U.S.-based communities.
Faith-based, yet inclusive
We provide mental health services that honor both spiritual and secular approaches.
Holistic programs
Our approach combines counseling, mentorship, education, and financial empowerment.
Who we serve
Groundwork for Freedom’s primary clientele are individuals and groups lacking access to essential resources. They include:
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Men, youth, and families who need trauma recovery and mental health support;
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Formerly incarcerated individuals seeking rehabilitation and life reintegration; and
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Communities in underserved regions needing mental health services, mentorship, and vocational training.
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We also seek to establish referral relationships with organizations such as ministries, schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.
Groundwork for Freedom also foresees growing collaborative relationships with churches both in the U.S. and internationally that will entail joint mission work, resource sharing, hosting outreach events, and providing referrals. Our goal is to ensure that our strategic partnerships align with our values, while expanding our impact and allowing us to stay rooted in accountability and results.
The Founder
Cornelius Lamar Mannings is a compassionate and dedicated individual who’s on a mission to empower others as he draws inspiration from the transformative journey he himself has traversed. His story is a testament to resilience, triumph over adversity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need.
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Growing up in a challenging environment, Cornelius faced mental health challenges that fueled his determination to rise above his circumstances, thereby serving as the foundation for his passion to help others overcome their own obstacles. It solidified his belief that many individuals face hindrances in life simply due to lack of knowledge, resources, and exposure – challenges he intimately understands.
As a previously licensed foster parent in the State of Washington, Cornelius opened his heart and home to children of all ages, embodying the essence of selfless care and support. His pride in parenting two children and joy in being a grandparent reflect his commitment to building a legacy of compassion, resilience, and empowerment. This foster parenting experience continues to be an important part of his background and supports his deep understanding of working with adolescents.
In the corporate realm, Cornelius is a multifaceted professional, holding certifications through Scrum Alliance: Certified Agile Leadership Essentials (CAL-E) and Certified Agile Leadership for Organizations (CAL-O). He specializes in facilitation, particularly in helping executive teams identify process gaps that hinder business progress. Additionally, he designs and leads workshops on Agile best practices and has created a retrospective program tailored for leadership teams. This program helps organizations identify areas of failure and implement actionable steps for growth based on the “fail fast, learn fast” model.
Cornelius is likewise a certified Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is currently studying generational trauma, with focus on its impact within the African American community - from the legacy of slavery to present-day systems.
Mr. Mannings is currently completing his internship at a mental health facility where he’s privileged to work closely with adolescents navigating substance use and mental health challenges. This gives him a hands-on experience that further shapes his passion and professional growth in the field.
With his unwavering passion to be a strong advocate for the people, Cornelius is actively exploring opportunities to contribute to and collaborate with existing mental health organizations, with the intent of driving meaningful change.
