What the Heck is "Man Cave"? 
by Rick Nash
About two years ago, my son Bryan, who is a resident at Shannon Apartments, told me on the phone that he was late for “Man Cave”. Man Cave? What the heck is Man Cave? Bryan just said he needed to be there and hung up the phone. Later, I learned that Man Cave was a program started by one of the Shannon Qs. It’s part physical fitness, part team building, part motivational exercise, part dance party, and really a lot of fun. Here's how the Shannon Q describes the Man Cave:
"Man Cave was created to address the challenges faced by the guys at Shannon Apartments, especially some of their health issues related to weight gain and not-so-great eating habits. Many of them struggled to express these concerns, so I wanted to provide a safe, open space for them to come together and be vulnerable without feeling less than a man. The program encourages physical fitness and unity, teaching the guys not only how to work out, but also valuable life lessons like motivation, accountability, and teamwork.
"Man Cave strives to push the guys beyond their limits and help them grow as individuals. If someone isn’t performing an exercise correctly, the whole group supports them until that person gets it right. This approach motivates everyone, as the team works together to ensure everyone succeeds. Even when it’s frustrating, it builds unity and teaches them the importance of working together.
"Man Cave sessions take place after dinner twice a week at Shannon Apartments. To earn an outing of their choice at the end of the month, participants must attend at least six sessions. Over time, the program has seen significant growth, with the residents showing noticeable physical improvements. They often quote things I’ve said to hold themselves accountable, and the lessons they’ve learned extend beyond the sessions. Man Cave has truly been about teaching these men how to embrace their strength, both physically and mentally."
All of us - parents, family members and guardians - are so fortunate to have our loved ones living good and happy lives at Misericordia, living in a community of close friends and caring staff. Thank you to Jacolby Simmons and all the other Misericordia staff members, who go the extra mile to help make Misericordia one of the safest, most inclusive, and most joyful places on earth.
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