About Lean On Me
Purpose-driven community empowerment since April 2018.
We are committed to restoring dignity, responsibility and purpose in the lives of boys and men.
Our story
Stronger men. Stronger families. Stronger communities.
Lean On Me Community Empowerment was established in April 2018 to respond to a growing need for focused support for boys and men. Across many communities, males face absent fatherhood, limited access to positive male role models, gender-based violence, substance abuse and emotional challenges.
Our work is grounded in a simple conviction: when boys are guided and men are empowered to live with dignity and responsibility, their families and communities benefit.
To empower boys and men with dignity, purpose and practical skills through mentorship, education and community support so they can lead responsible lives and strengthen their families and communities.
How we work
Reach. Restore. Equip. Replicate.
A practical approach that moves from direct engagement towards sustainable community leadership.
Reach
We meet boys and men where they are, including schools, churches and community halls.
Restore
Through dialogue and support groups, we address abuse, fatherlessness and trauma while rebuilding self-worth and healthier understandings of masculinity.
Equip
We provide practical tools in parenting, emotional intelligence, goal setting, conflict resolution and mentorship.
Replicate
We train local volunteers and emerging leaders so that programmes can be sustained and multiplied within communities.
Our values
The principles behind our work.
Compassion
Supporting emotional and mental wellbeing with empathy and dignity.
Commitment
Remaining dedicated to the people and communities we serve.
Integrity
Doing what is right, even when nobody is watching.
Team Spirit
Working together because sustainable impact is built collectively.
Linah MnisiFounder, Lean On Me Community Empowerment
Meet the founder
Linah Mnisi
A God-fearing woman, wife to Mr JJ Mnisi and a mother with a deep passion for helping boys and men build lives of dignity, responsibility and purpose.
Over the years, Linah became increasingly aware of the challenges facing boys and men. Many young boys and adult men approached her for counselling, guidance and direction as they navigated personal, family and social challenges. Those encounters deepened her compassion and inspired a structured platform through which boys and men could receive meaningful support.
Drawing on her experience and knowledge in theology and counselling, Linah helps young boys grow towards responsible manhood and future fatherhood, while also supporting adult men to become responsible fathers, husbands and positive contributors within their families and communities.
Through Lean On Me Community Empowerment, she continues to create opportunities for mentorship, counselling, education, dialogue and practical support.
“Our desire is to see boys grow into responsible men, men become responsible fathers, and families strengthened through dignity, guidance and support.”
Stakeholder engagement
Community impact depends on collaboration.
Lean On Me engages with public and community stakeholders including Social Development, the South African Police Service, Correctional Services, Education, Health and victim-support structures.
