When conversations about grief and loss arise, one group is too often overlooked: men. Burdened by long-standing stigmas and stereotypes, they’re frequently left out of the narrative, until Don’t Forget The Dudes stepped in. What began as a simple phrase within the nonprofit Faithfully Restored Women has grown into a compassionate community initiative that’s made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless men.
At the heart of Faithfully Restored Women is the organization’s co-founder and executive director, Jamie Heard, who leads the nonprofit’s mission to offer hope, connection, and support, where they’re able to serve more than 2,500 women each year. Among those involved in the organization are Beth and Paul Frankenberg, whose commitment to uplifting others helped lay the foundation for what would eventually become Don’t Forget The Dudes.
“Paul's always asked, "But what about the guys?" Jamie explains. “Anyone who has ever asked me that same question of: "Do you do anything for guys at Faithful Restored?" I always say, "No, we don't, but my friend Paul would like to."
Another key member of the Don’t Forget The Dudes team is Michelle Warren, whose relationship with Faithfully Restored began during a season when she received the organization’s support. “About five years later, Michelle and I were having a conversation,” Jamie explains. “It came up the same way. Someone we were talking to asked, ‘Do you do anything (for the men)?’ I said, ‘Well, I have a friend who really wants to do something for the guys.’ So I connected Michelle and Paul. That’s when it took off, in the Lord’s perfect timing with the right people getting involved.”
From there, Don’t Forget The Dudes was born, an idea brought to life by a selfless team united by the same purpose. Their mission is simple: to help men feel supported, seen, and reminded that they’re never alone in what they’re facing.
“Don’t Forget The Dudes completely started as a joke,” Beth recalls. “From the name up to the idea. It was almost as if it was talked into existence.”
What began lightheartedly has since become a deeply impactful effort. Don’t Forget the Dudes officially launched in May 2025, making it a brand-new organization that is already creating meaningful change. While the team is grateful for the early impact they’ve had, they know their mission will only grow stronger with the community's support, often using the phrase “Here we grow” as the DFD community continues to expand. Today, the team not only supports men by sending handwritten notes and gift cards during difficult times – reminding them that they are not alone – but also creates a safe space for honest, vulnerable conversations about men’s mental health. Anyone who feels called to be part of this mission is welcome to get involved, whether by handwriting notes or reaching out to DFD to learn other ways to lend a hand.
Michelle, a mom of three boys, has felt the weight of this mission personally. After losing one of her sons five years ago, she has worked tirelessly to support her boys through their grief. “As a mom, I would encourage them to share feelings, show their feelings, but again, it's the stigma of being a male,” she says. “They deserve acknowledgement of their pain.”
On Dec. 8, the group gathered to handwrite notes, knowing that the holidays can be an especially difficult time when grief feels heaviest. Their acts of kindness never go unnoticed, and while the gesture alone is meaningful, they occasionally hear back from the men who receive these notes.
One recipient of these notes was Joshua Collier, owner of Middle TN Christmas Lights. After losing his business partner of more than 30 years to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) last January, Joshua and his wife stepped away from Middle Tennessee for a break to process the difficult season. When they returned home, he found a handwritten letter from DFD in his mailbox, an unexpected gesture that moved him so deeply he reached out to the team by email.
“Today, I began to dread sifting through the huge bag of mail,” Joshua wrote. “I came to an envelope with DFD on the letter; however, it was handwritten. I opened it, not understanding what was happening. Reading the handwritten message to me took my breath away. Who does this! I mean, we as a company gift holiday lights to homes of families that are having possibly their last Christmas with their loved one, or sick children, or whatever the case may be, but I never dreamed someone would send something like this, and so perfectly written. Whomever sent this or told you about my situation...I'm forever grateful. Thank you so much for this gift card, but mostly the message. God is faithful and close to the brokenhearted. I sincerely appreciate your company and would love to get involved in your mission in the future, if possible. Thank you again, so very much. God bless you and your company!”
Both Don’t Forget the Dudes and Faithfully Restored operate out of The Foundry, a coworking space that houses several kingdom-minded non-profits – a fitting home for two organizations so committed to hope, healing, and community.
“I will beat the drum of gratefulness for Faithfully Restored as long as I'm alive,” Paul expresses. Without Faithfully Restored, Don’t Forget The Dudes I don’t think exists. That can never be minimized or left out.”
For more information or to find out how to get involved, visit their website or social media.
“As a mom, I would encourage them to share feelings, show their feelings, but again, it's the stigma of being a male,” she says. “They deserve acknowledgement of their pain.”