Empowering Men Through Community: A Conversation With Charles Alvarez

Charles went from being secluded, depressed, and in a lot of pain to motivating other people with disabilities, even starting the Men's Group at Ability. His story is a testament to the power of peer support, resilience, and the transformative work of Ability.

A Personal Journey of Overcoming

Charles's life took a dramatic turn when medical injuries from his time in the military service deteriorated and he became unable to walk at times and in a lot of nerve pain. This began a battle of physical and mental challenges. For two years, he was a self-proclaimed recluse, isolated, depressed, and struggling. "I couldn't work anymore,” Charles recalls. “For two years, I just shut myself away in our cabin."

Slowly, Charles learned to overcome, regaining his confidence with crutches and a cane. Then, he was introduced to Ability by a loved one, where he reluctantly attended a "Living Well With a Disability" class — an unexpected lifeline and turning point. Two years later, his certification in behavioral health peer support caught the attention of Ability's CEO who offered him a position as an Independent Living Specialist.

Empowering Others Through the Men’s Group

Charles's mission goes far beyond his personal recovery. Recognizing the unique barriers faced by people with disabilities, he founded a men's support group named Man to Man (M2M) that has become a beacon of hope. With the majority of suicides in Montana involving men, Charles created a space where individuals with various disabilities — from autism, to depression, to addiction — could share their experiences and support one another.

Men who were once told they would never ride a bus, have friends, or leave their parents' home are now doing all of those things independently — thanks to help from Charles and their peers. “They are breaking barriers and overcoming fears, all thanks to peer support,” Charles says. “I get a little choked up by their success. And people are always telling me I did a great job, but I didn't do anything. The guys did all the work.”

The group began with just one attendee, but now has up to 15 at a time, ranging in age from 18- to 60-years-old. New men are always welcome to attend, no matter their age or disability. The men learn from each other and support one another; according to Charles, they have all become friends who want to see each other succeed.

Men’s Group Summer Campouts

Charles also hosts a campout with members of the Men’s Group, where he encourages participants to become both teachers and learners, challenging themselves to try new activities and share skills and knowledge. Thanks to its popularity and success, Charles now organizes up to three camping trips each year in Montana.

“No matter the disability, there is always a way. We are about breaking the guys' fears, their parents’ and guardians’ fears as well,” says Charles. “We want them to realize that no matter what the disability is, they can still be independent.”

Breaking Barriers, Building Independence

Charles's approach to supporting individuals with disabilities is different. He believes in empowerment through independence, not dependency. "It is not about doing things for people," he explains, "but giving them the tools and resources to do things for themselves."

In addition to starting the Men’s Group, Charles fosters independence as an Independent Living Specialist and by teaching a class called “Living Well in the Community” — the very same class he attended when he first connected with Ability years ago (but with a new name). The class shows people how to thrive on their own, covering topics like goal setting, communication, mindfulness, and more. The philosophy he teaches in this class is simple yet powerful: start with small goals, like making your bed in the morning, and gradually build towards larger achievements.

Charles has even found opportunities to share the course with people outside of the disability community, presenting the class for Veterans, inmates at the local jail, and homeless communities in Helena.

Charles's Guiding Philosophy

One of Charles's favorite quotes from Robert M. Hensel encapsulates his mission: "The greatest disability in society is the inability to see a person as more." This belief drives his work, whether he's supporting men in his group, helping individuals as an Independent Living Specialist, or advocating for accessibility in local businesses, and in the Community.

Despite facing ongoing hurdles — including a brain tumor that doctors said would end his life — Charles continues to encourage and support others. With the right support, resources, and belief in oneself, individuals can overcome tremendous obstacles and live full, independent lives.

“People always ask me, ‘What do you do?’,” Charles responds: “I help people with life.”

Learn more about attending the Men’s Group here. Find more support groups and activities on Ability’s Events Calendar. Please contact us if you have any questions — we're always happy to help!