Why RIGS Exists
It All Began Here
A powerful testimony from co-founder Ricardo Ramirez.
Millions of young men grow up without fathers — searching for identity, guidance, and belonging.
The consequences are profound:
1 in 4
Children grow up without a father in the home
71%
Of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
90%
Runaway and homeless youth come from fatherless families
85%
Of youth in juvenile detention grew up without fathers
3-4x Higher
Suicide rates among fatherless youth are 3-4 times higher than their peers.
Fatherlessness is not just a social problem — it is a relational crisis.
RIGS exists because healing requires more than advice. It requires community, mentorship, and men walking together in truth.
Our Programs
The RIGS Project builds strong men and strengthens families through mentorship, community support, and practical life development.
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Our core program surrounds young men growing up without consistent father figures with a multi-generational network of mentors.
Participants meet bi-weekly and walk through discipleship curriculums that build identity, resilience, and Christ-centered character.
Includes:
Mentor Training
Ten Wounds of the Fatherless (Ages 14–18)
Ten Wounds of Modern Men (Ages 20+)
The program concludes with a Rite of Passage ceremony recognizing each young man’s growth and commitment to biblical manhood.
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The Village is a support network for the families of fatherless youth participating in RIGS.
Single parents are surrounded by a community that helps meet practical needs such as:
Home repairs
Transportation
Groceries & meals
Volunteer support
Because raising strong young men requires strong communities.
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As RIGS grows, we plan to expand into additional programs that support young men and families beyond mentorship.
Life Skills & Financial Literacy Workshops
Academic & Career Support
Intentional Parenting
Legacy & Retirement
Our Impact So Far
First mentor cohort launched with 14 active men
Strong early engagement
Biblical discipleship curriculum developed
Church partnership established
Youth cohort launching Fall 2026
Our Team
The RIGS Project was born from two men who experienced fatherlessness firsthand.
Through loss, healing, and God’s calling, Ricardo Ramirez and Mark Waller created a mentorship model rooted not in theory — but lived experience.
RIGS is a brotherhood built on redemption, discipleship, and generational restoration.
Ricardo Ramirez, CRNA
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Mark Waller, JD, MEd, MA
Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Family Engagement Coordinator