Stephen J. Ryan, Jr. founded a new not-for-profit organization this year (2005). In the spring term of 2005 at Marquette University, Stephen took an education course and read research that examined emotional side effects experienced by boys whose father had died during their childhood. These side effects included the inability to foster relationships with adult males, the tendency to cling to teachers in school as another female role model, and the inability to maintain a large group of male peers because of the intimidation fear. This research hit home for Stephen because he vividly remembers experiencing all of those at some point in his own childhood. He contemplated this situation and talked to a variety of people to get their feedback of how he could "right the wrong" and help other boys who were in his situation to overcome these obstacles and realize their full potential as men. Thus, the Stephen Joseph Ryan Foundation: Guys Like Us was born in loving memory of his father who died over sixteen years ago.

The foundation has three main goals to aid in the social development of boys: (1) create a mentoring program to have a positive adult male role model continuously in their lives which will raise self-esteem levels, provide greater confidence in themselves, and begin the process of establishing trust with males and adults, (2) have a retreat program, monthly activities and other social events to bring all the boys together and have them build off of each others' experiences, and (3) to develop a curriculum for the boys and their mentors to use to facilitate discussions about how the boys are feeling and what they need in terms of growth and assistance.

As you can see, we have an ambitious mission, but one to which the Board of Directors, officers and Stephen are deeply committed. At age 19, he has discovered in himself a very strong desire to help other boys whose fathers have also died. Stephen has assembled a great team of professionals, advisors, and experts who ARE going to make a difference in young boys' lives.

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Guys Like Us seeks to help fill the void in a boy's life caused by
the death of his father through interactive activities and
a mentoring program that encourage trust, growth, and maturity.