The Empowerment Network, Inc.

The Empowerment Network, Inc. (TEN) was born out of a life-changing movement. 

When founder Mellve Shahid Sr. was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, he was told he might only live two years. Beyond the fear of the disease, he faced something equally difficult — isolation. There were no support groups that addressed the emotional, spiritual, and personal realities men experienced during treatment. Conversations about prostate cancer, especially among men, were often avoided. Many suffered silently.

Mellve made a promise: if he survived, he would make sure no man would ever have to face prostate cancer alone. In 2008, that promise became The Empowerment Network.

What started as one survivor sharing his story grew into a grassroots movement across the St. Louis region. TEN began meeting men where they were — in churches, barbershops, hospitals, community centers, and living rooms — providing education, encouraging early screening, and creating a brotherhood of support where men could openly discuss fear, treatment, relationships, faith, and survival without shame or judgment.

Today, TEN is a trusted community resource serving men, caregivers, and families impacted by prostate cancer.

Our Impact

For more than 18 years, The Empowerment Network has worked to reduce health disparities, increase early detection, and support survivorship. Through outreach, education, and compassionate care, TEN has:

• Reached more than 150,000 men and families
• Provided nearly 12,000 free PSA prostate cancer screenings
• Hosted over 1,200 community outreach events
• Supplied hundreds of After-Surgery Care Kits to patients and caregivers
• Connected individuals to counseling, peer support, and medical resources

Early detection saves lives. Many men in our community credit their first PSA test — encouraged by TEN — with catching cancer early enough to treat.

Our Programs

TEN supports individuals throughout the entire cancer journey — from prevention to survivorship — addressing not only physical health, but also emotional and spiritual well-being.

Support & Survivorship

• Monthly prostate cancer support group meetings for survivors and caregivers
• Peer mentoring and fellowship
• Mental health counseling referrals for individuals, couples, and group sessions
• The Bell of Hope Program, where survivors completing treatment receive an engraved bell symbolizing strength, healing, and survival

Patient Care

• Hospital Prayer Team that visits men before surgery
• After-Surgery Care Kits containing recovery and hygiene supplies for both survivors and caregivers
• Ongoing encouragement, follow-up, and connection to resources

Education & Prevention

• Free community PSA testing in partnership with hospitals, universities, and health centers
• Health education presentations through our Speakers’ Bureau
• Community outreach events throughout neighborhoods, churches, and public gatherings
• Media campaigns and awareness initiatives promoting early detection and men’s total health

Access & Connection

• Technology access support for members to attend virtual meetings and telehealth appointments
• Referrals from physicians and healthcare providers who trust TEN’s supportive services

Why Your Support Matters

Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early — yet too many men delay testing due to fear, stigma, or lack of information. TEN exists to change that.

We do more than raise awareness.

We walk beside men and families during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Your Give STL donation helps provide free screenings, patient care kits, education, counseling connections, and life-saving outreach to individuals who might otherwise go without support.

At The Empowerment Network, we believe knowledge saves lives, support strengthens families, and no one should fight cancer alone.

Get tested. Follow up. Live empowered.