Today we’d like to introduce you to Curtis Hines
Hi Curtis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins right here in Memphis, Tennessee, in the historic 38126 community, where I was born and raised. Growing up, I personally witnessed and experienced the harsh realities of poverty, crime, and the struggles of living in a single-parent household. Despite these challenges, I had a few mentors that taught me resilience, the importance of faith, and the power of determination. I graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, which further embedded in me a deep sense of pride and responsibility toward my community.
Life’s journey led me through various paths—I became a husband to my high school sweetheart and a father to five incredible children. Fatherhood and family ignited a passion within me to ensure other men could find the same strength and stability I eventually achieved. Through my experiences, including facing personal struggles and finding the courage to overcome them, I realized the tremendous need for mentorship, resources, and support systems tailored specifically to men.
In 2022, with my friend Frederick Holmes—who grew up in the same community and shared a similar vision—I co-founded Better Men Better Families. Our mission is to empower men by equipping them with tools, mentorship, and community support to become financially stable, emotionally strong, and socially engaged. We’ve developed transformative programs like our Financial Empowerment Pathway (FEP) and ThriveMEN initiatives, hosted annual Better Men Conferences, and cultivated partnerships with amazing organizations, including Simmons Bank, United Way of the Mid-South, and AFIRM.
Today, my journey is about paying forward the blessings and lessons I’ve received. Each day, I strive to break generational cycles of poverty, absentee fatherhood, and emotional isolation. At Better Men Better Families, we aren’t just creating programs—we’re building a community where men feel seen, supported, and inspired to live better lives, not only for themselves but for their families and future generations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road definitely hasn’t been easy—personally or professionally. Growing up in the 38126 zip code, in a single-parent household, I faced firsthand the hardships that many men I serve today struggle with. Poverty, witnessing crime, lacking financial literacy, and wrestling with the emotional impact of not having a consistent father figure in my life shaped my early years.
As a young man, I battled internally with anger, depression, and self-doubt. I found myself falling into patterns of unhealthy behaviors—getting involved with alcohol, drugs, and relationships that weren’t good for me. At one point, I became a father myself but wasn’t fully present emotionally or physically for my children. I carried deep guilt about this and knew I needed to change.
Turning my life around wasn’t a straight line. Even after deciding to walk a better path, I stumbled through financial instability, personal insecurities, and the heavy burden of learning to be a better husband and father. I had to unlearn many unhealthy behaviors and mindset patterns, rebuild my financial understanding from scratch, and cultivate new relationships and connections that aligned with my goals.
Balancing my role as a husband, father of five, full-time employee, and nonprofit founder has stretched me thin at times, leading to periods of burnout, mental fatigue, and self-sabotage. The passion that fuels Better Men Better Families often meant sacrificing rest, personal time, and even my mental wellness at times.
But through faith, resilience, and a commitment to my family and community, I’ve continually overcome these personal struggles. Now, I share these experiences transparently with other men, helping them understand that their current challenges don’t define them, and that with support, resources, and determination, real transformation is possible. Every challenge I’ve faced has ultimately prepared me to empathize deeply, connect genuinely, and lead authentically.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Better Men Better Families is a Memphis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and uplifting men, husbands, and fathers—particularly those facing economic, emotional, and social challenges. We specialize in creating safe, supportive spaces that help men transform their lives, families, and communities.
We offer impactful programs designed around three core pillars:
Financial Empowerment for Progress (FEP) – Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and personalized resources, we guide men toward financial stability and generational wealth.
ThriveMEN – A program focused on mental wellness, emotional healing, personal growth, and strengthening relationships as men, fathers, and husbands. We openly address topics like mental health, parenting skills, and emotional vulnerability.
38126 Volunteer Corps – A community-focused program designed to engage men directly in neighborhood revitalization, service, and community-building activities.
What sets us apart is our authenticity and lived experience. Our organization was born out of personal journeys—my own and my co-founder Frederick Holmes. We both grew up in the 38126 zip code, attended Booker T. Washington High School, and personally navigated the struggles many men in our community face daily. Because we’ve walked these roads ourselves, we have deep empathy and genuine credibility. We’re not just speaking from theory—we’ve lived the transformation.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve earned and the real impact we’ve created. Through our annual Better Men Conference, impactful workshops, and community events, we’ve connected with over 100 men and families across Memphis, helping them rebuild self-confidence, improve family dynamics, and establish financial stability.
Ultimately, I want your readers to know that Better Men Better Families is more than just another nonprofit; it’s a movement—a commitment to building stronger men who can lead stronger families and communities. Our services and offerings aren’t just about “helping,” but about genuinely empowering men to become the best versions of themselves, setting powerful examples for future generations.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I believe our industry—especially organizations focused on men’s empowerment, family stability, and community uplift—will experience significant and positive evolution. One big shift will be a growing societal recognition of men’s mental health and emotional wellness, particularly in communities where stigma has historically silenced important conversations. We’ll see more openness around men seeking support and prioritizing their mental and emotional health.
I also anticipate an increased emphasis on economic empowerment and financial literacy as crucial components of community development. Financial literacy will evolve from being optional to becoming essential, particularly in historically underserved communities.
Moreover, the rise of digital resources, virtual coaching, and AI-driven personalized learning paths will become commonplace, making support and education more accessible than ever. Finally, partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, banks, and government entities will strengthen, creating more holistic, wrap-around support services.
At Better Men Better Families, we’re excited and ready to lead and adapt within these trends, continuing our mission to transform families and communities through empowered men.
Pricing:
- Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bettermenbetterfamilies.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettermenbetterfamilies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554667623967&mibextid=9R9pXO
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-men-better-families
