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Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you nd out why.” Victory Project, Monnie, and staff help the young men in the program nd out the “why” of their lives so that they can discover the higher purpose the Almighty has for them. —Kamran Afzal, Chief, Dayton (Ohio) Police DepartmentVP has impacted me in many ways. I can’t thank Monnie and the team enough for helping me become the young man I am today. VP helped me learn about budgeting, agriculture, handling taxes, and how to better myself as a man, or what we call an “overall gentleman” (OG). The list can go on, but one of the best things I walked away with was stronger faith, better business etiquette, and budgeting discipline. Shout out to VP! —Robert Harrison Jr., VP Alumnus, Wright State University Student and Ohio Air National Guard MemberVP taught me the importance of consistency and that you can’t for-get your Bible, no matter how hard life gets. VP also showed me that your environment doesn’t have to dictate your life and that hard work goes a long way. —Tiyaun Williams, VP Alumnus, US Army, and Diesel MechanicAlthough VP impacted my life in numerous ways, the most notable is how it provided me with an environment in which my peers engaged in productive activities and behaviors that promote well-being. Outside of VP, it was easy to be surrounded by negativity that could have led me astray. Therefore, VP was vital in helping me stay on a positive path and encouraging better living in all aspects of my life. —Marquis Henry, VP Alumnus, Prelaw, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityAs someone paid by a health network to look at health equity, access, and success, I haven’t seen a model like this anywhere else in the world, and I haven’t seen it executed in such an effective way. —Jonathan Duffy, Public Health Expert, Kettering Health Network

With VP watching my son, I didn’t have to worry as much, because I knew he had support. As a single mom, this allowed me to focus on being the head of the household, especially when I was concerned about how I could go to work and school while worrying about my son. VP took that burden from me, and I am incredibly grateful. Thanks to Monnie and VP, I was able to concentrate on my goals and have now achieved a master’s degree and become a registered nurse. I am deeply thankful. —Tanya Sharpe, Parent of VP Alumnus and Director of Nursing, Detroit (Michigan) Public Schools Victory Project is one of the most effective ministries for break-ing the cycle of intergenerational poverty among inner-city young men. Through their innovative approach, they maximize the lifelong potential of at-risk youth, guiding them toward productive careers, strong families, and personal fulllment.—Dr. Stan Tharp, Author and CEO

Cultural ContinuityHow the Victory Project Discerns “Good” from “God” and Stays True to Christ’s Calling

Cultural ContinuityHow the Victory Project Discerns “Good” from “God” and Stays True to Christ’s CallingMONNIE L. BUSH JR.Founder of Victory Project

Copyright © 2024 by Monnie L. Bush Jr. All rights reserved.For publishing information, visit GoodCommaEditing.com.All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Ofce by Biblica, Inc.™Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

To my unbelievable wife, Kelly, sons Liam, Quinten, Cooper, and Clay, daughter-in-law Cassandra, and grandson Logan—your love and support are the foundation of this work. Ultimately, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose divine guidance has shaped every word within these pages.

Table of ContentsIntroduction .....................................................................................11. Foundations .................................................................................52. Who We Are ................................................................................. 113. What We Do ...............................................................................194. Measuring Success ................................................................335. How We Do It .............................................................................376. What We Believe .................................................................... 457. God’s Solution for Trauma and Recovery .........................518. The Value of “Something to Lose” ......................................579. Outcomes ...................................................................................61Glossary .........................................................................................67

IntroductionThe Victory Project (VP) is committed to staying true to its original vision, ensuring the integrity of its core values and objectives. This booklet includes valuable insights to prevent our organization from becoming copies of copies, gradually degrading into irrelevance and obscurity. Discerning “Good” from “God”As Christ followers, the challenge is not determining good from evil; that should be relativelyeasy. The challenge is to develop a deeper understanding of how God calls us to live and what He is calling us to do. Well-meaning individuals, Christians and non-Christians alike, will offer many good ideas. They’ll say things like, “What you need to do is . . .” and “VP should start . . .” Most of thesuggestions we get aregoodideas, but they aren’t necessarily part of God’s plan.

Introduction2 Over the past fteen-plus years of leading Victory Project,I’ve learned that the Enemy attacks in many ways, but the most insidious way is by using the good todistractus from God. Christ has us on individual and collective missions as His fol-lowers. In reality, anything not of Christ is anti-Christ. It’s up to us to seek wisdom, discernment, and courage from the Holy Spirit to comprehend and then follow the opportunity God has pre-sented, no matter how many good opportunities come our way. I hope this culture booklet will help you understand this, both in VP’s journey and in your own. In everything, we strive to faithfully reproduce God’s original vision for VP. Our processes may change, but God’s plan and our prin-ciples will not. Our underlying values serve as VP’s foundation. They allow for adaptation while helping VP staff and volunteers maintain an unshakable belief in God’s plan. This booklet will introduce you to VP’s values and will hopefully unveil ways for you to apply the lessons shared. VP’s values have enabled this ministry to become a powerful and transformative orga-nization. I introduce a variety of Victory Project concepts and terms in this Introduction. Each will be dened and explained in subsequent chap-ters.Applying My ExperienceAuthor and political commentator Armstrong Williams wrote an article titled “Unraveling Morality, Rising Anger: A Disturbing Trend among Young People.”1 Williams highlights the alarming moral disin-tegration among today’s youth and the vital role organizations like VP play in addressing these challenges. Young people are committing grave crimes in increasing numbers, and society’s unwillingness to maintain true north on the moral compass shares the blame. Time-honored values are diminishing, creating a moral void and blurring the lines between right and wrong. My fteen years of law enforcement experience exposed me to the stark realities of social ills, often traced back to the disintegration of family structures and the resulting moral vacuum. One poignant incident stands out in my memory. A single mother called 911; the

Cultural Continuity 3police responded and discovered that what she wanted was help dis-ciplining her son. This plea for intervention marked me. It highlighted the urgent need for early and compassionate intervention to prevent young lives from being swept into the criminal justice system. The reliance on the criminal justice system to ll the void left by absent parental gures, especially in single-parent households, exemplies a broader societal malaise—a cycle of dependency on government support that mirrors the self-consuming Ouroboros, an ancient symbol of a serpent devouring its own tail. Governmental social systems are unsustainable and create a self-destructive pattern. The dramatic rise in single-parent households led to the 1960s poverty alle-viation programs; sadly, their failure clearly underscores the insufciency of bureau-cratic solutions alone. The proposed solu-tions our country has attempted for decades are simply not working. If we hope to reverse these troubling trends, the solution lies in a deliberate, faith-driven approach that is anchored in community support. Breaking the cycle of poverty, incarceration, and associated social ills demands a radical approach. We’ve learned this approach must be rooted in hard work and faith. This booklet serves as a call to action. It weaves together VP’s mission with valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way. You will note an emphasis on intentional action, as its transformative power is far more effective than passive reliance on systemic solutions.

1FoundationsFamily Values—Lessons from Hillbillies and HomeboysThe onboarding process for VP staff and students begins with view-ing a childhood photograph of my father, Monnie Sr. He is pictured as a toddler in his yard in Harlan County, Kentucky. The scene is aus-tere. It speaks of poverty in the coal mining hollers of Appalachia. The revelation of the photograph’s subject serves as a starting point for a legacy-changing conversation.

Foundations6 The lesson begins with my grandfather, Curtis Bush. He left school at age eleven to work in the coal mines. In the 1950s, he moved his family to Dayton, Ohio, seeking better opportunities. This decision profoundly reshaped my family’s prospects, steering them away from hardship and setting the stage for a future lled with pos-sibilities. For my father, this relocation opened doors to educational achievements previously unimagined in the family. He graduated from high school, served in the Marines, and secured a job at General Motors. This allowed him to raise a family in a vastly different com-munity from his family’s coal mining past. When I tell this story to new VP students, it resonates with them. This narrative of fate-changing decisions and resilience is what many of our students crave—and it’s one of the lessons that God has taught us. Accordingly, it’s what Victory Project bases its unique 3E curric-ulum on: education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment. Students are encouraged to harness their talents to reconceive the trajectory of their family legacy, often demonstrating that changing one’s direc-tion need not presume a traditional college degree. Victory Project challenges the notion that success is synonymous with being a sports icon or media star, highlighting other respected avenues like the trades or military service. The emphasis is on nding fullling and prosperous paths to break the cycle of poverty. Through this journey, VP aims to inspire students to redirect their presumed legacy by redening success—all while having a lasting impact on their families and communities.The Holler and the HoodMy family’s transformative story echoes in the hearts of those young people who have experienced our program. VP alumnus Daylan exemplies determination and resilience. Daylan joined VP at age thirteen. He came into our program with a 0.15 GPA—and he faced hurdles in his community, including a broken home, high crime rates, and failing schools. Over three years with VP, he was transformed, becoming an example of hard work and joy within the VP community. Five years later, Daylan graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA, secured a well-paying job, and obtained his Commercial Driver’s License. Today, he is a married homeowner with a growing family,

Cultural Continuity 7demonstrating the transfor-mative power of persever-ance and faith. Daylan’s story from the hood mirrors my grandfa-ther’s legacy, an Appalachian coal miner from the hollers who reinvented himself for his family’s benet. Both men emerged as legacy changers, steering their families onto prosperous paths. Their jour-neys illustrate what Booker T. Washington said: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while try-ing to succeed.”2 Victory Project recognizes the inherent potential in every indi-vidual, regardless of background or circumstances. By providing stu-dents with tools, support, and faith-based guidance, VP helps them overcome obstacles to achieve extraordinary success. We aim to cul-tivate a community of legacy changers who transform their lives and inspire those around them to do the same. The journey from the holler to the hood—and beyond—is one of resilience, faith, and an unwavering belief in the potential for change. Victory Project is committed to walking alongside students on this transformative path. We want to help them discover the life God intends. The Great Reversal—Understanding the Shift in American ChurchesThe early stages of VP’s development posed a pressing question: How did governmental roles become so deeply interwoven with aspects of life that were traditionally managed by the family and church? Exploring the answers revealed profound insights.

Foundations8 Historically, the American church was a bastion of social innovation, pioneering institutions like hospitals, homes for unwed mothers, city missions, and support programs for the needy and incarcerated. It also led people out of ignorance by founding world-renowned edu-cational institutions. Gary Ferngren, a history professor at Oregon State University, captures this legacy by noting the Christian origins of many hospitals and the church’s historical commitment to charity and philanthropy. The dawn of the twentieth century witnessed a signicant change within Protestantism. Now dubbed the “Great Reversal,” this shift from the church’s societal engagement to a focus on individual salvation was spurred by diverging theological interpretations. This division redirected resources and diminished the church’s societal focus, inadvertently paving the way for secular forces to ll the void left by the church’s withdrawal. In today’s landscape, Christians often voice concerns about gov-ernment encroachment. Moreover, the void left by the church’s shift was lled by entities that are often at odds with Christian values. The ramications are palpable: the sidelining of spiritual values in educa-tion, the redenition of marriage, increased dependency on govern-ment support, and a health care system that often supports practices contrary to church teachings. Victory Project emerges as a bridge, reconciling social involve-ment and personal faith, demonstrating that these two philosophies can coalesce within God’s grand design. Through the work performed by our students, we reafrm the church’s role in societal transforma-tion, merging the pursuit of individual salvation with a commitment to communal well-being. This philosophy revives the church’s foun-dational ethos in the modern age. We recognize that the challenges faced by society today are, in part, a consequence of the church’s retreat from its historical role as a champion of justice and progress. By understanding the implica-tions of the Great Reversal, VP seeks to reclaim the church’s rightful place in shaping a better world. But let me be clear: VP is not the church. Our mission is not to replace or compete with the church but to complement its efforts—to bridge the gap between an individual’s faith and the church’s impact on society. By empowering individuals, particularly the youth, with

Cultural Continuity 9education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment, VP aims to reig-nite the spirit of the early church and create a movement of Christ-centered individuals who will transform their communities from within. Victory Project draws inspiration from the rich legacy of the church’s social innovations and the countless lives it has touched throughout history. We remain committed to honoring this heritage while adapting to the unique challenges of our time, always guided by the unchanging principles of faith, compassion, and service. Through VP, the church is invited to rediscover its transfor-mative potential and join in the great work of building a society in which every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive and contribute to God’s original plan. Together, we can bridge the gap between the holler and the hood—the church and the world—creating a future that reects God’s love and grace.Crafting Balance: The Rube Goldberg ApproachStructurally, Victory Project can be likened to the mechanics of a Rube Goldberg machine (RGM). The idea behind an RGM is to use ordinary objects in extraordinary sequences to complete tasks in intricate ways. That’s what we do at VP. We use diverse people who are precisely aligned to function in unison. J ust as an RGM reveals the hidden potential in common items, VP stands as a testament to how God masterfully orchestrates the lives of ordinary indi-viduals for extraordinary missions. These endeav-ors draw others closer to Him, showcasing the gran-deur of God’s eternal plan. VP mirrors the ingenuity of an RGM—but with a theological out-come. God’s use of everyday people and ordinary resources to fulll His divine intentions reveals a unique, intricate design. At the end of

Foundations10the day, success points back to the Creator Himself: God and only God gets the praise for transformed lives. This divine orchestration demonstrates the power of leveraging unlikely people to reect God’s glory. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.3 The signicance of each person’s contribution to this intercon-nected system is profound. Recognizing the depth of mutual depen-dence—and that slight deviations in roles or processes among them can have far-reaching consequences—is essential to VP’s success. Students, staff, parents, and volunteers must work harmoniously to achieve the overarching mission, each performing their role with dedication and excellence, mindful of how their actions impact the larger whole. While the intricacy of the VP structure may seem daunting, it is this complexity that gives rise to its beauty and effectiveness. By embracing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the interconnected system, individuals open themselves up to the trans-formative power of God’s grace, which can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. As we navigate the delicate balance of the VP ecosystem, we draw inspiration from the ingenuity of the Rube Goldberg machine: we marvel at how God can use the most unlikely elements to create something remarkable. Humility and the recognition that individual contributions—no matter how small—are essential to the success of the larger mission both honor God’s divine engineering behind the VP approach. We thereby plant the seeds of legacies that may impact lives for generations to come. All the while, the Creator is gloried because He makes it all possible.

2Who We AreVictory Project is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprot organization funded exclusively through private and corporate contributions. It serves disengaged twelve-to-eighteen-year-old youth who volun-teer to be part of the VP 3E curriculum (education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment), which we use to collapse the “pillars of poverty.”Our Mission“Empower youth to discover the life God intended by master-ing self-awareness, self-sufciency, and seless service. Tearing down the pillars of poverty—without government funding.”At Victory Project, we empower youth, guiding them toward a life God intended—a life characterized by self-awareness, self- sufciency, and seless service. These principles are at the core of VP’s mission: they inspire the individual to work to break the chains of poverty. Victory Project is invested in helping students understand that God has given them a distinct purpose. We help them to engage with God and seek His personalized, unique path for each one of their lives. However, today’s culture often promotes self-absorption over self-awareness; society calls young people to evade responsibility instead of establishing self-sufciency. Genuine, sacricial giving is becoming rare.

Who We Are12 Isaiah 5:20–23 warns of a time when values are inverted—evil is considered good, darkness is seen as light, and people’s moral com-passes are severely skewed: Woe to those who call evil goodand good evil,who substitute darkness for lightand light for darkness,who substitute bitter for sweetand sweet for bitter.Woe to those who consider themselves wiseand judge themselves clever.Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine,who are champions at pouring beer,who acquit the guilty for a bribeand deprive the innocent of justice.Victory Project believes that part of the solution is to teach students the virtues of self-awareness, self-sufciency, and seless service. These virtues can set them on a righteous path, anchoring their char-acter in Christ. The “pillars of poverty” depict a physical representation of a life devoid of purpose. Demolishing these pillars is a visual metaphor for the transformative work VP does, helping students replace them with the foundations of faith, character, and service. Victory Project deliberately chooses not to accept government funding for three reasons: 1. Faith without Bounds: Accepting government funding inhibits us from practicing and sharing our faith freely.2. Immediate Community Needs: Government grants cannot adapt quickly to our community’s urgent and evolving needs.3. Living Our Values: We want to embody the principles we teach, including nancial independence.Victory Project is a faith-fueled movement dedicated to shaping youths into purpose-driven, integrity-rich, service-oriented individ-uals. Through the 3E curriculum, students are equipped with tools to break free from the cycle of poverty and to embrace a life of meaning, success, and service to others.

Cultural Continuity 13Our Vision“Offering an alternative to the streets for America’s youth.”Central to VP’s mission is a genuine commitment to providing America’s youth with a sanctuary from the perilous allure of street life, where crime, drug abuse, violence, and despair prevail. The aim is to combat the true adversary, which can vary by student. The streets operate tirelessly, seducing youth with false promises of belonging and purpose. Victory Project is dedicated to exposing these delu-sions with unwavering determination and purposeful action. In preparation for launching VP, I spent eighteen months engag-ing with young men who were either incarcerated or on probation. I delved into their needs and aspirations and sought to eliminate any misconceptions I may have had. While the discussions were varied, the desires of these men were remarkably consistent, encompassing nancial needs, family support, academic achievement, respect, and purpose. Cody, a seventeen-year-old at the time and facing serious legal charges, exemplied the demographic that VP aspired to assist: young individuals on a self-destructive path. Raised by his grandmother alongside his siblings, Cody’s lack of a positive male role model didn’t dampen his innate desire to support his family. Unfortunately, a series of detrimental choices led him down a criminal path, culmi-nating in a life-changing incident. Throughout Cody’s incarceration, I connected with him and his grandmother, offering support and encouragement. Upon his release, Cody faced a pivotal decision: revert to his former life—which had abandoned him in his darkest hours—or courageously forge a new path. Thankfully, Cody opted for change. His journey has been nothing short of transformative. In time, Cody became VP’s inaugural program director. He served in that role for four years before beginning a skilled labor career, establishing a family, starting a rental business, and achieving homeownership—all before turning thirty-two.

Who We Are14 Cody’s story is a testament to the transformative power of avail-able alternatives to the streets and the criminal justice system. With the annual cost of juvenile incarceration in Ohio exceeding $185,000 for each youth, the nancial and social implications are profound. By intervening early and offering a supportive, faith-based environ-ment, VP not only helps young people like Cody but also alleviates some of the burden on taxpayers and the justice system. Victory Project’s vision extends even further. Beyond offering an alternative to street life, we aim to present a holistic solution to fam-ilies who feel trapped by “the system.” We seek to ll the gap, offering a comprehensive support system, rooted in Christ’s teachings, that empowers families to break free from poverty and discover their God-given purpose too. The challenges facing America’s youth are not conned to any single community or demographic. Through its work, VP aims to cre-ate a ripple effect of positive change, not only in the lives of young people and their families but also in the communities they belong to. Our broader vision is to expand our reach, establishing a network of faith-based support centers that can serve as beacons of hope and transformation in communities across America.

Cultural Continuity 15Our Guiding Verse“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” (Matt. 5:14 MSG)This verse from Matthew has been a cornerstone for VP, inspiring its mission and guiding its endeavors. It reminds us that faith should not be concealed but actively demonstrated, serving as a beacon for those searching for direction. Victory Project’s logo sym-bolizes its dedication to shining light into the darkness, replacing the letter “I” with the number 1. This underscores our belief that Christ is the singular path to hope and salvation. We believe that every individual has the potential to be a light in this world and to reect God’s love and grace. VP’s role is to help young people discover and embrace this identity, equipping them with the tools and support they need to shine brightly in their communities. The metaphor of a city on a hill speaks to the transformative impact a group of committed, faith-driven individuals can have on the world. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, VP believes that the positive change it seeks to create should be visible and far- reaching. The idea of “bringing out the God-colors in the world” integrates well with VP’s mission. By providing a safe, nurturing environment in which young people can explore their faith, develop their talents, and discover their purpose, VP aims to help students identify and reveal the unique “God-colors” they possess. This process of self-discovery and empowerment is at the heart of VP’s work. When young people come to understand their worth and potential in Christ, they can become unstoppable forces for good. They begin to see themselves not as victims of their circumstances but as agents of change. They are capable of overcoming adversity and are able to make positive differences in the lives of others.

Who We Are16 As VP grows and expands its reach, it remains committed to the principles outlined in our guiding verse, Matthew 5:14. Our organi-zation will remain a light in the darkness, publicly proclaiming faith in Christ and our dedication to empowering America’s youth. We strive to create a community that reects the diversity and beauty of God’s creation, in which every young person feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. As we shine His light, we trust that others will be drawn to the hope and purpose found only in Christ. Together, we can make a lasting impact for the Kingdom.Our Roles and Dependencies Every person in the VP mechanism has at least one valuable role to play in the transformation process. When each is faithful to their role, the results are stunning—by the grace of God. Here are the most signicant responsibilities for each of the positions within the VP framework.Students• Voluntarily engage in the program• Follow the membership agreement• Be dedicated to achieving success through attitude, effort, and consistencyParents• Provide transportation• Offer constructive feedback for program improvement• Meet and maintain parental engagement with staff Program Director• Implements the “Authenticity + Consistency + Proximity = Opportunity” formula (explained in chapter 5)• Offers love to each student—and holds them accountable • Executes the program philosophy at all times

Cultural Continuity 17Executive Director• Instills VP’s core values into the team• Oversees staff professional development• Monitors and adjusts operational goals and objectives Victory Improvement Project (VIP) Managers• Create opportunities for students to develop a strong work ethic• Promote fundamental workforce values and etiquette• Serve as the primary contact between customers and the VIP VIP Site Leads• Provide supervision and mentorship of students during work-days • Ensure customer service is responsive and quality assurance is robust• Model proper equipment usage and safety techniquesVolunteer Coordinators• Communicate opportunities to serve at VP and VIP • Lead the onboarding of new volunteers• Serve as points of contact between staff and volunteers Community Support Specialists • Serve as primary points of contact for visitors • Coordinate external communications• Manage front ofce Volunteers• Collaborate with staff to augment programming• Share personal and professional expertise • Offer students deeper exposure to diverse subjects and expe-riences

Who We Are18Board/Shareholders• Furnish leadership guidance and ensure scal accountability • Network with like-minded individuals or organizations to fur-ther the mission• Provide necessary direction, including personal nancial sup-portCFO• Writes grants• Coordinates payroll services• Manages accounts payableCEO• Sets VP’s overarching vision• Cultivates a culture that embodies our core values • Develops and maintains philanthropic relationships for long-term stability Everyone at VP shares at least one role: to abide by the “Leave room for God” (LRFG) slogan, signifying our determination to defer to Christ and His teachings in all respects.ConclusionThe Victory Project represents an intricate, interconnected com-munity in which every role is crucial. It is constructed not by human wisdom but by divine design, blending ordinary people and extraor-dinary missions in innovative ways. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when roles are understood and harmoniously executed to achieve a shared vision. Leaders associated with VP—staff, volunteers, and supporters—are urged to familiarize themselves with these tenets, deeply assimi-late them, and allow them to guide their daily endeavors. This living document will adapt and mature, echoing the unwav-ering commitment to Christ’s vision for our mission.

3What We DoShattering the Pillars of PovertyTackling poverty is an exceedingly complex task. Capturing the many and varied cultural and socioeconomic factors, then addressing and overcoming them, demands endurance, compassion, and analytical rigor. Ron Haskins of the Brookings Institution provides a valuable framework for understanding the persistence of poverty through generations. Haskins points to three signicant traits of the pillars of poverty, or POP, often observed among teenagers trapped in the cycle of pov-erty. None are unexpected; together, they are nearly unyielding:1. Dropping out of high school2. Getting a criminal history3. Having a child before marriage4 These are stark and accurate indicators. Doubly troublesome, they are often rooted in deeper societal and familial issues.The Three Stark RealitiesHaskins elaborates on three parallel realities that offer a nuanced context for the POP:

What We Do201. Lack of Familial Support: Many impoverished children receive a lower level of emotional and educational support than those in healthy, intact families.2. Educational Decit: Many impoverished children start school at a disadvantage and must try to catch up as they progress through the educational system.3. Poor Decision-Making: Many impoverished children make poor life choices that perpetuate poverty because of various factors inherent to their environments.Knowing this, we approach our students with love and accountabil-ity. Our curriculum philosophy and core values expose students to a world of opportunities outside their limited environment and are designed to address POP’s pitfalls directly. At VP, we understand that collapsing the POP is not a one-size-ts-all process. It requires patience, perseverance, and a deep com-mitment to walking alongside our students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life. By providing a safe, consistent environment in which they can grow, learn, and thrive, we can make a meaningful difference in the ght against the hopelessness that pov-erty presents. Operating Philosophy: Not Compliance but TransformationVictory Project is not designed to force compliance but to create an environment so valuable that students modify their behavior to maintain membership. During the research and development phase of VP, I grappled with a pressing question: How could VP attract and retain students without compromising its biblical foundation? After substantial reection, I identied three pitfalls to avoid:1. Government funding2. Accepting “court-mandated” youth3. Compassion fatigue

Cultural Continuity 21Avoiding Government Funding: The Blessing of IndependenceMany organizations rely on government aid. But I’ve noticed a recur-ring problem with this approach. Government funding often comes with limiting conditions: whom you can serve, what services you can provide, and even restrictions on religious expression.ThebenettoVP: By avoiding government funding, we’ve ensured that Christ remains at the helm. We maintain the agility to adapt to the changing needs of our community without compromising our mission. This has opened doors for us that would have otherwise remained closed. For example, even during the COVID-19 shutdown, VP was able to provide tangible support to our students, keeping them connected with school and the wider community.Avoiding Mandated Youth: Quality with QuantityAnother tempting path is to accept court-mandated youth, a pro-cess that often comes with the temptation of lucrative government contracts. However, yielding to this temptation introduces two chal-lenges, and this time, one benet:1. Cost-Driven Decisions: Financial considerations often out-weigh program quality. For instance, the more youth in the program, the more money that comes in from the government.2. Loss of Control: Any program’s soul and essence can be diluted when nancial incentives become the driving force.3. Authentic Framework: Students choosing to participate set the stage for a positive, authentic environment.Thebenet to VP: By avoiding mandated youth, our budget is less than it otherwise could be, but we retain complete discretion over whom we serve and how we serve them. This means we can make decisions based on divine guidance, not on nancial imperatives. This principle fosters a healthy environment driven by the students’ gen-uine commitment—not by external obligations.Avoiding Compassion Fatigue: The Importance of Sustainable ImpactCompassion fatigue is a legitimate concern for many nonprot orga-nizations. The emotional toll of constantly serving others can lead to

What We Do22burnout, decreased effectiveness, and even resentment. To prevent this, we’ve implemented several strategies:1. Boundaries: We encourage our team to set healthy boundar-ies between their work and personal lives, ensuring they have time for rest, reection, and renewal.2. Support Systems: We foster a culture of mutual support, in which staff and volunteers can lean on each other for encour-agement, accountability, and prayer.3. Spiritual Nourishment: We prioritize spiritual growth and de-velopment, providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to deepen their faith and draw strength from their relationship with God. Picture this: a person has fallen through the ice on a frozen lake and is struggling to stay aoat, unable to climb out on their own. If I attempt to rescue him alone, I risk being pulled under, too. However, if people on the shore link arms, and we reach out together to the person in need, the rescue is far more likely to succeed. Similarly, with God as our foundation and people of faith united in their purpose, we can work together to rescue those in danger, without becoming part of the problem ourselves.The benet to VP: By prioritizing the well-being of our team, we create a sustainable model for long-term impact. Our staff and vol-unteers are able to approach their work with passion, energy, and a clear sense of purpose. This translates into more effective support for our students. Our operating philosophy is rooted in the belief that true trans-formation comes from within. By creating an environment that is so valuable that students are motivated to modify their behavior to maintain membership, we empower them to take ownership of their growth and development. We do not believe in forcing compliance or imposing our beliefs on others. Instead, it is about providing a safe, supportive space in which students can explore their faith, discover their potential, and make positive life choices. We believe that modeling Christ’s love and compassion can inspire our students to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.

Cultural Continuity 23 At VP, we are committed to walking alongside our students on their transformation journey. We recognize that the process can be difcult; challenges and setbacks along the way are inevitable. However, we also know that with faith, perseverance, and a strong support system, anything is possible. By avoiding the pitfalls of government funding, court-mandated youth, and compassion fatigue, VP is able to stay true to our mission and create a transformative program. This approach benets our students and can impact entire communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter tomorrow for future generations. We remain committed to our operating philosophy of transfor-mation through choice—by both declining government funding on VP’s part and striving to remain in the program on the student’s part—as we continue to grow and evolve. We trust that by staying true to our values and creating an environment that inspires positive change, we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people we serve. By offering a valuable and transformative program, VP inspires students to alter their behavior out of a genuine desire to be part of something meaningful and life-changing, not out of fear or obli-gation. This approach fosters a sense of agency and empowerment, as students recognize that they can shape their own futures through their own choices. By staying true to our biblical foundation, maintaining our inde-pendence, and fostering a culture of choice and intrinsic motivation, VP believes it can continue to impact the lives of America’s youth profoundly, one student at a time. As VP moves forward, we remain committed to this philosophy, knowing that VP is the key to unlock-ing the full potential of our students and to creating permanent, transformative change in their lives and communities.The Pitfalls of “Clientitis”—Compassion’s Double-Edged SwordWhile many are familiar with compassion fatigue—the toll of aiding others marked by emotional, physical, and psychological strain—there exists a subtler yet equally critical challenge that some have dubbed clientitis. This phenomenon offers a cautionary tale stem-

What We Do24ming from the diplomatic corps, where national representatives become overly immersed in their host country’s culture and lose sight of their own nation’s mission and objectives. Clientitis can also infect service-oriented organizations like VP.Clientitis in Our ContextImagine the VP staff as diplomats and students as the citizens of a dif-ferent cultural domain. The mission is to cultivate a Bible-based envi-ronment that students eagerly pursue. Perhaps surprisingly, mission completion requires careful management of the environment rather than direct control of the individual. The challenge arises when the pursuit of accommodating, indi-vidual needs could potentially compromise VP’s core value of “Offer love and require accountability.” This would risk the integrity of the VP framework. Initial, well-meaning, but not fully informed decisions that reect emotional considerations and yield clouded judgment can quickly tip the scales toward the student. Wrong decisions inad-vertently sacrice the advantages of the managed environment. Manifestations of ClientitisThis shift can manifest itself in several ways, including:• Undisclosed interactions between staff and students or their families• Failure to act upon behavior that contradicts VP standards• Unsanctioned nancial investments in a student or their familyMaintaining BalanceTo navigate these waters, VP adheres to its core values and ensures that students meet the expectations found in their membership agreement. Failure to do so triggers the disciplined response of adhering to the “Never Forever Clause” (fully explained in the next chapter), which allows for potential reentry under specic condi-tions. It’s not unusual for newer students to be at odds with VP’s stan-dards. Despite their potential, some repeatedly engage in behav-ior that contradicts the values upheld by the program. Invoking the “Never Forever Clause” can return a transformed young man to VP some months later. His renewed commitment inspires his peers and

Cultural Continuity 25serves as a testament to the power of second chances and personal growth. Victory Project appreciates the views of Robert D. Lupton, a Christian community developer. He provides valuable insights that encapsulate the dangers of unbalanced giving in his book Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, and How to Reverse It. He illustrates how repeated aid can evolve from grati-tude to dependency, undermining the principles of self-reliance and empowerment:Give once and you elicit appreciation;Give twice and you create anticipation;Give three times and you create expectation;Give four times and it becomes entitlement;Give ve times and you establish dependency.5The Solution: Cultivating the Right EnvironmentVP’s strategy pivots on creating an engaging, resource-rich environ-ment that naturally attracts and nurtures youth. This setting, infused with community, educational opportunities, and vocational training, becomes the soil for transformation. By focusing on the collective environment rather than individual interventions, VP creates a sus-tainable and scalable model for change. VP has indeed witnessed profound transformations by empha-sizing the collective setting while inviting God’s presence into our endeavors. Youths have surmounted mighty challenges and victo-riously crushed cycles of poverty to emerge as inspirations to their communities. Their success stories are powerful testaments to the effectiveness of VP’s approach and the transformative power of faith. VP’s philosophy distinguishes it and propels it forward, enabling impactful change that emerges from VP’s mission and values. By steadfastly adhering to these principles, we facilitate God’s work, touching countless lives and fostering generational progress. As VP continues to navigate the challenges of compassion and service, it remains committed to creating an environment in which God’s love and grace can ourish.

What We Do26Disengaged Youth—Identifying Our Core ConstituencyAs declared on page 1, the Victory Project focuses on disengaged youth. These young individuals often reside in high-poverty commu-nities without productive engagement or supervision. They do not have easy access to entry-level jobs or organized, consistent, posi-tive extracurricular activities. Research underscores the risks associ-ated with such idleness, linking it to a spectrum of adverse outcomes, from mental health struggles to criminal behavior and other forms of self-harm. This void in constructive engagement stalls the emotional and social growth in young people and leaves them vulnerable to negative inuences, regularly prompting destructive choices. In retort, Victory Project’s environment and experience afrm a critical insight: disen-gaged youths are primed to benet profoundly from purpose-driven initiatives. To combat the allure of the street, VP approaches every day with intensity and intentionality.Transformative EngagementVictory Project’s offerings extend far beyond mere pastimes. Each class and activity is meticulously chosen to engage the mind and nur-ture the spirit. Through immersion in a support-ive and structured set-ting, VP aims to divert these youths from neg-ative trajectories while promoting their holistic development. On that path, it’s cru-cial to clarify that VP’s mission fosters comple-mentarity, not competi-tion. We design ventures that promote working together to advance a collective uplift. Celebrating transitions—such as securing outside employment or qualifying for school sports—is part of VP’s ethos. Such milestones are resounding afrmations of

Cultural Continuity 27VP’s impact, signaling a successful redirection of energy and ambi-tion toward productive pursuits.Driving ForceThe VP staff—supported by volunteers—is the driving force behind the mission to offer disengaged youth an alternative to the street. Dedication and passion make profound and daily differences in the lives of these young people. Each interaction, each lesson, and each moment of support a staffer or volunteer offers can change a young person’s life. Their efforts, no matter how small, are vital in redirecting individual paths and build-ing stronger communities. Their impact extends far beyond VP’s walls. Investing in these youths creates waves of positive change that will be felt for generations to come. Embracing humility, discernment, and environmental cultivation is at the core of VP’s work. Success is a collaborative effort guided by divine wisdom; our role is to create the conditions in which these young people can thrive. Therefore, we approach each day with passion, purpose, and gratitude. As a united family, we lay the foundations for a brighter future, one empowered youth at a time—and we do it to represent the Lord, not to exalt ourselves. The work of our volunteers and staff, guided and emboldened by the Lord, matters. Their contributions are invaluable. The 3E Curriculum: Education, Entrepreneurship, and EnlightenmentEducation: Shaping the Complete IndividualEducation at VP transcends conventional academics; our holistic approach nurtures the complete individual. Our educational strat-egy encompasses tutoring, integrated study halls, homework sup-port, and a variety of synergistic efforts with parents and educators. By focusing on the collective environ-ment rather than individual interven-tions, VP creates a sustainable and scalable model for change.

What We Do28This collaborative stance ensures a unied message of love and accountability, bridging the gap between home, school, and VP. Real-time oversight of academic progress allows for the meticulous tracking of attendance, assignments, and grades, cementing a seamless cycle of accountability. This vigilance ensures the values instilled within VP resonate beyond its walls and translate into sustainable habits that benet the family and the broader community. Our efforts have yielded powerful results:• 99%–100% high school graduation rate• 2X the school attendance rate of non-VP students• 3X the math and reading scores of non-VP studentsEntrepreneurship: Victory Improvement Project (VIP)Cultivating a Work EthicThe heart of entrepreneurship within the Victory Project pulsates through the Victory Improvement Project. This microenterprise serves as a dynamic, hands-on classroom, allowing students to immerse themselves in the business world under the guidance of experienced mentors. From the intricacies of landscaping and construc-tion to the logistics of haul-ing services, VIP transcends traditional workforce devel-opment, nurturing a deep-seated work ethic essential for professional success.

Cultural Continuity 29Reward and Recognition Mechanism As stipulated in their membership agreement, active participation in VIP hinges on students achieving specic academic and behav-ioral benchmarks. Work is not just a duty but a reward—a tangible acknowledgment of their weekly accomplishments. Earning the privilege to work over the weekend, students gain their rst taste of employment and learn the fundamentals of nancial responsibility, including taxation and opening savings accounts. We walk through our students’ rst paychecks, outlining the detailsof taxes and deductions. We ask the studentswhat they plan to do withthe money, and almosteveryone says they are going to buy somethingfor their mom or another family member, which proves that God has instilled the innatedesireto be a provider for our loved ones. With this experience, VP alumni become valuable employees and leaders. Traditionally, our alumni pursue careers in the trades and the military, where they nd purpose in providing a good living for their families.Enlightenment: Illuminating Lives through FaithCultivating Community through Shared MealsVictory Project’s commitment to fostering community and belonging extends to our nightly dinner gatherings. These meals provide nutri-tional sustenance and an opportunity for fellow-ship. This is particularly vital for those grappling with food insecurity. By offering consistent meals throughout the week,and uplifting con-versation during them, VP lays a foundation of stability and security for students and their fam-ilies.

What We Do30Shaping Men of Character to Be “Overall Gentlemen”At VP, we reject, then redirect, the idea that an “original gangsta,” or OG, is someone to be admired. Our version of OG introduces young men to the concept that the kind of man to be respected is an “overall gentleman.” This kind of OG sacrices for his family, takes respon-sibility for his behavior, and stands rm on biblical conviction in the face of cultural expectations. Progressing beyond aca-demic and vocational train-ing, the Overall Gentleman course is designed to mold students into well-rounded individuals. Covering criti-cal life skills from nancial literacy to spiritual develop-ment to character-building activities—such as dating eti-quette, formal attire, a social dance, personal hygiene, changing a tire, and so forth—this curriculum prepares students for the challenges of the real world, reafrming and copying the traditional wisdom once imparted from fathers to sons. Inspired by Matthew 5:14 (NIV), “You are the light of the world,” we strive to shine as a beacon in students’ lives through the OG course, nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.Faith-Based EngagementWhile participation in local church services is encouraged, VP’s ded-ication to students’ spiritual growth encompasses more than a once-a-week experience. We delve into the essence of biblical teaching during weekly Bible studies and worship sessions, applying absolute, eternal truth to daily life. For many students, the personal and social connections made within VP represent their rst experience of a genuinely loving and sup-portive community, transforming VP into more than an institution—it becomes a second home.As one student, Darius, shared, “Before VP, I never understood what it meant to have a relationship with God. Through the Bible stud-ies and the love [I’ve] experienced, I’ve discov-“VP isn’t just a program; it’s a family that has shown me the transformative power of God’s love.”

Cultural Continuity 31ered a faith that anchors me and guides me through life’s challenges. VP isn’t just a program; it’s a family that has shown me the transfor-mative power of God’s love.” At VP, the pillars of education, entrepreneurship, and enlighten-ment are not standalone concepts. They are interwoven threads that fortify our mission. Students are guided toward realizing the life God has envisioned for them—a journey transcending mere existence or even livelihood to embrace a life lled with purpose, meaning, and service to others.

4Measuring SuccessHow do we measure success? To ensure that staff, volunteers, and students are on the same page, VP has developed three basic tenets: attitude, effort, and consistency (AEC). These are not dependent on external factors but focus squarely on individual responsibility.• [Positive] Attitude—Openly demonstrating gratitude and gen-erosity. This shapes how one interacts with others and takes on challenges.• [Honest] Effort—Pursuing outcomes with urgency. This signi-es a genuine commitment to improvement and growth.• [Long-Term] Consistency—Demonstrating resilience, both verbally and through action. This is a reliable indicator of long-term success.Why AEC MattersVictory Project has found AEC to be an impartial, effective method for guiding individual growth and maintaining organiza-tional integrity. It consistently and fairly measures what VP values most: personal responsibility and a personal commitment to self- improvement by pursuing God’s purposes. External factors, like access to good schools, safe streets, or parental engagement, are beyond our control, but students can be held accountable for what they can control—their attitude, their effort, and their consistency.

Measuring Success34 The Bible speaks frequently to topics related to a positive atti-tude, honest effort, and steadiness over time. While the Bible does not use the acronym, it absolutely provides principles and teachings that inform AEC. Here are three relevant passages.Positive Attitude“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honor-able, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what-ever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). This verse encourages believers to focus on positive, virtuous thoughts.Honest Effort“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people” (Col. 3:23). This verse implores honest and diligent effort in all that one does, with a focus on serving God.Consistency“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up” (Gal. 6:9). This verse emphasizes reliability and endurance in all things good. The Bible encourages believers to maintain a positive mindset, put forth honest and diligent effort, and remain dependable in exer-cising their faith and good works. These principles fully align with VP’s ecosystem.The Imperative of Setting ExpectationsUnderstanding what’s expected is not just good practice; it’s imper-ative in a setting like VP— particularly given the challenges of work-ing with disengaged youth. While societal conditions often stack the deck against young people, VP refuses to allow low expectations to gain a foothold within our ecosystem: we will not allow low expecta-tions to threaten our students. The journey of accountability and growth begins with the signing of the membership agreement and the completion of the onboard-ing process. Every student and their parent must sign a membership agreement outlining VP’s tenets, goals, and objectives. This agree-

Cultural Continuity 35ment serves as a guiding light for staff, parents, and students, clearly outlining shared expectations and cultivating an environment of mutual respect. Membership agreements are a testament to VP’s commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive community in which every student can thrive. Drawing from the belief that God created each individual for a purposeful life, irrespective of circumstances, VP sees potential where others might see problems. With Christ’s guidance, every student has the capacity for peace, joy, and meaningful contribution, despite obstacles in the way. A student’s worth or potential is not measured by isolated failure incidents, such as poor grades. Instead, VP focuses on how students respond to corrective actions. For instance, a student who reacts positively to tutoring after a low grade is celebrated for their attitude and effort. Conversely, a student who responds negatively to correc-tive action jeopardizes their standing, irrespective of their grade.The Path of Redemption: The “Never Forever” ClauseThe “Never Forever” clause is a beacon of grace and redemption within VP’s framework. This rule permits students released from the program to reapply. Deeply rooted in the Christian faith, the princi-ple of redemption is central to VP’s ethos. VP doesn’t just offer sec-ond chances; it opens the door to transformation. When a student is released from the program, we all feel the emotional weight. But release need not be the end of their journey. It can merely be an interlude—a moment for pause and reection. The opportunity for redemption is the bedrock of the Christian faith! At VP, lives have been reshaped, dreams reclaimed, and spirits renewed because of the belief in the power of growth and redemption. A second chance at VP is more than just an organizational policy. It is a life-altering opportunity to course correct and grow closer to fullling God’s plan. It is a testament to the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to rise above their past and forge a new path forward. Through the “Never Forever” clause, VP re-extends a compassionate hand, offering a chance for students to return, learn from their experiences, and continue their journey of personal and spiritual growth.

Measuring Success36The Criteria for ReleaseWhile VP strives for forbearance, certain criteria, if not met, may lead to a student’s release. These may include persistent academic struggles, disruptive behavior, or a blatant disregard for the positive learning environment. However, even in these instances, the “Never Forever” clause serves as a blueprint for reentry, offering a path to redemption and growth. When a student faces potential release, VP’s resolute staff engages with the student and their family to identify the core issues. Supplemental agreements may be enacted for more severe or per-sistent cases to address specic problems, such as missing school-work or confrontational behavior. The nal step in the process is the release itself, which is accompanied by a comprehensive letter detail-ing the issues, the corrective measures taken, and the necessary steps for reentry. Upon their return, many released students become shining examples of commitment and success.6 Their personal transformation reso-nates throughout the VP community, setting inspiring examples for their peers. These students’ stories serve as powerful testimonies to the transformative power of redemption, fortifying the credibility of VP and underscoring its truthful repre-sentation of Jesus Christ. The “Never Forever” clause sets VP apart from programs driven solely by numbers and statistics, focusing instead on creating a gen-uine, lasting impact in the lives of our students. The VP message is simple yet profound: “We want you here but don’t need you here.” Restated, it’s about God-given potential, not lling seats. At VP, every student has the capacity for growth, redemption, and success—even after temporary estrangement. When success is found, it’s not because of VP—it is because of the student’s hard work, positive choices, and, mostly, God’s grace that never gives up on the seeking soul.VP doesn’t just offer second chances; it opens the door to transformation.

5How We Do ItCrafting Transformative Connections: The ACP = O FrameworkAt the heart of Victory Project’s methodology lies a simple yet pro-found formula: authenticity + consistency + proximity = opportu-nity (ACP = O). This formula encapsulates the approach to forging impactful, enduring change. The strategy stands in contrast to other well-meaning efforts that often fall short due to a lack of personal engagement. Our approach underscores the critical steps toward achieving authentic inuence.Authenticity: The Cornerstone of TrustAuthenticity underpins every facet of interaction at VP, ensuring actions and intentions are genuine.• Inclusive Decision-Making: A collaborative environment is fos-tered by involving students and families in critical decisions. Students, or team captains, more specically, are part of the interviewing process for potential staff, and their decisions are highly valued. These team captains assist their assigned program directors and are paid for their extra duties. Besides interviewing potential staff and students, they assign chores, give tours to guests, and represent VP in the public.

How We Do It38• Integrity in Action: The commitment to forgoing government funding reects dedication to autonomy and principled oper-ations.• Living Our Values: Acknowledging faults and celebrating achievements openly demonstrate the commitment to model-ing the principles that we advocate.Consistency: Establishing StabilityRecognizing that many students navigate environments marked by unpredictability, VP strives to introduce a reliable rhythm.• Structured Daily Life: Nightly meals and snacks offer comfort and regularity.• Accessible Support: We operate six days a week, year-round. This ensures presence, even on holidays, to provide a depend-able sanctuary.• A Predictable Framework: Scheduled classes and activities pro-vide structure, enabling students to thrive within a set routine.Proximity: Closing the DistancePhysical and emotional closeness over time is the groundwork for the dismantling of barriers and the building of meaningful relationships.• Dedicated Support: Assigning a program director to each stu-dent ensures personalized attention and guidance.• Volunteer Engagement: Regular interactions with volunteers cultivate trust and camaraderie.• Communal Dining: Eating meals together reinforces the com-munity ethos, nurturing a sense of belonging and unity.Program directors will also go outside our walls, meeting families and studentswhere they live when invited to the program, attending teachers’ conferences, doing home visits, and going to court if they are court involved.Opportunity: The Fruit of Our LaborWith the foundation of ACP rmly in place, barriers are removed, and the “O,” the opportunity for profound impact, awaits. We know that people respond when they feel genuinely cared for, and although this

Cultural Continuity 39approach may not always lead to students immediately accepting our guidance, it nearly always builds trust over time. Reecting on the inuential gures in our own lives, we can look back and see that our inuencers poured into us in order to build trust. Their genuine concern for our welfare was unmistakable—even if, at the time, we were not quite ready to heed their advice. Though ACP = O demands time and patience, it represents the most authentic path to transformative relationships.Cultivating ResilienceThe Victory Project operates like a nurturing greenhouse. Young lives are carefully cultivated, nourished, and occasionally pruned for optimal growth. This environment enables the deepening of roots and the strengthening of character, preparing “seedlings” for their eventual transition into the wider world. With faith, education, love, and an unwavering work ethic, these young men can ourish through life’s varied seasons—and stand strong in life’s storms.Creating a Spiritual Greenhouse: The Heliotropic EffectThe term heliotropic describes the natural tendency of plants to lean toward the sun’s light. Similarly, VP seeks to foster a spiritually heliotropic effect, cultivating an atmosphere that draws the commu-nity—staff, volunteers, and especially the students—toward the illu-minating presence of Christ, the Son of God. As an environment for spiritual growth, we are openly dedicated to the spiritual advance-ment of staff and students.Growing Toward the Light: The Unique Path of Each IndividualVictory Project’s mission far transcends planting seed. We intentionally create and maintain conditions under which seed can germinate and grow—that is, we guide each person toward their unique relationship with the Son. We are well aware that each student’s journey is distinct; therefore, we walk alongside them, providing the support and guid-

How We Do It40ance they need to root their growth in faith and discover their God-given potential. Through the spiritual greenhouse approach, we foster an envi-ronment in which students can explore their faith, ask questions, and experience the transformative power of Christ’s love. By nurturing their spiritual growth, we equip our students for success and prepare them for a life of purpose and meaning, sprinkled with grace and wis-dom, in service to God and others.The VP Staff: Success Starts at HomeAt the Victory Project, leadership and success start at home. This applies most of all to staff members, who must live biblically based personal lives before qualifying to serve as inuential gures within our organization. For married people, VP emphasizes respecting and upholding the sanctity of marriage and family. Accordingly, staff members are encouraged to model behavior that prioritizes their spouse and children by living out biblical teaching regarding love, kindness, and understanding in the home. When our staff demonstrates a strong commitment to family and faith in their personal lives, the stage is set for authentic and impactful leadership at VP. These policies stem from the principle that only when God and family enjoy paramount importance can one truly grow into a leader who serves with passion and purpose. Certainly, the work demands at VP inevitably require sacrice from the staff and their families. The two need not conict, and the Lord is most honored when prior-ities at home and VP are fully congruent. Given the signicance of the family, VP strongly encourages staff to spend quality time with their loved ones. One way to do so is through family presence “on the job.” The integration of family into the work environment is actively promoted through the following initiatives:• Hosting dinners to which staff family members are invited. This creates opportunities for fellowship and bonding.• Encouraging staff family members to volunteer. This opens the door to their active involvement at VP and allows them to wit-ness the impact of their loved one’s work.

Cultural Continuity 41• Inviting families of staff to participate in various activities and events. This fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.Most obvious, the assimilation of staff families also benets VP stu-dents: they observe practical demonstrations of healthy familial interactions. By witnessing the positive dynamics among staff and their families, students observe—often for the rst time—biblical behavior in the home that actually works. These insights into strong family structures are critically important to the students someday leading and cherishing their own spouse and family. At VP, we look beyond building leaders within the organization, as important as that is. We are also committed to supporting leaders who value family and God. By prioritizing these foundational ideals, the staff, their spouses, and their children enjoy one another while serving as authentic, impactful role models for our students, inspir-ing them to lead lives centered on faith and family.The Art of Situational AwarenessSituational awareness is a critical skill in an increasingly fast-paced and evolving society. It empowers our staff to perceive and under-stand the context of their surroundings, make informed decisions, and respond effectively to changing circumstances. This outline explores the concepts and applications of situational awareness, its importance in various domains, and practical strate-gies for enhancing this essential skill with an overall ability to man-age and mitigate risk. The Bible serves as the ultimate guide for all areas of our lives. Applying situational awareness allows us to respond with biblical wisdom to everyday circumstances. Wisdom is an ever-responsive art that must be practiced to improve, but situational awareness is never 100 percent accurate; evolving conditions require constant learning. The following Bible verses illustrate the importance of a person’s awareness of his spiritual, emotional, and physical environ-ments, respectively:• “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”7 • “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.”8

How We Do It42• “So he brought the troops down to the water, and the LORD said to Gideon, ‘Separate everyone who laps water with his tongue like a dog. Do the same with everyone who kneels to drink.’ The number of those who lapped with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men, and all the rest of the troops knelt to drink water. The LORD said to Gideon, ‘I will deliver you with the three hundred men who lapped and hand the Midianites over to you. But everyone else is to go home.’”9Through the narrative of Gideon at the water, God distinguished the vigilant from the inattentive. Alertness and discernment, key compo-nents of situational awareness, were critical to fullling God’s plan. Situational awareness is invaluable: it enables navigating the present, making informed decisions, and responding effectively to dynamic environments. Through continuous learning, practice, spir-itual discernment, and the application of appropriate tools, anyone can learn to be situationally aware. Fully armed, we can then adapt, thrive, and positively impact those God has allowed us to inuence. The art of situational awareness involves four key components:1. Observation: Actively engaging senses to gather information about surroundings, including people, objects, and events2. Interpretation: Analyzing the information collected to under-stand the signicance of what is observed and identifying po-tential threats or opportunities3. Anticipation: Understanding the situation to predict potential future outcomes and prepare for different scenarios4. Action: Responding appropriately to the situation based on observations, interpretations, and anticipationsBy cultivating these skills and applying them in our daily lives, we can enhance our ability to navigate complex situations, make sound decisions, and protect ourselves and others from potential harm. Situational awareness is paramount to creating safe and stable envi-ronments. Note that situational awareness can encompass spiritual and emotional awareness, not just physical environments. As Christians, we must be attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, discerning God’s will and guidance in our lives. We must also develop an aware-ness of our own emotions

Cultural Continuity 43and those of others, fostering empathy, compassion, and under-standing. Situational awareness is a vital tool for effective leadership and decision-making. By remaining vigilant and being discerning and responsive to our surroundings, each of us can better serve those entrusted to our care and help them to fulll the purpose God has for their lives. As this skill is developed, wisdom and inspiration can be drawn from additional examples set forth in Scripture. As mature believers, we should seek to be ever mindful of the spiritual, emotional, and physical realities that shape the world.

6What We BelieveUnlocking Potential: The Power of UndoingVictory Project’s Motto: “It’s less about what we do and more about what we undo.”Sometimes in the VP journey, it isn’t about what is added; it’s about what is removed. While VP cultivates student skills and abilities, we play an even more crucial role in dismantling the barriers that block their paths to success. This is the charge of “undoing.” We help stu-dents break free from the limitations that hinder their growth and prevent them from realizing their full potential. Countless young people nd themselves trapped by adversity: poverty, isolation, and a spectrum of other barriers impede their aspi-rations and obscure their true potential. These challenges are often personal, day-to-day trials of survival, such as the lack of familial sup-port, exposure to trauma, and, perhaps most pervasive, navigating resource-scarce environments. These serve as formidable obstruc-tions to self-realization. Victory Project passionately believes in the potential within each student, and we are committed to helping them remove or hurdle these obstacles. As introduced earlier, to facilitate this undoing process, VP’s cur-riculum is structured around the 3Es: education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment. This holistic approach provides stability, guid-

What We Believe46ance, and the necessary personal development tools to overcome the barriers of adversity. Focusing on these key areas creates an environment that uncovers and encourages the students’ inherent strengths. This empowers them to break through the limitations of their circumstances. Yet it is crucial for both the students and their families to recog-nize that, while VP plays a critical supportive role in their journey, the true measures of success are the stewardship of their inherent abilities and their reliance on God through Christ. Talent and poten-tial are always present, if still undiscovered; Victory Project merely assists in unveiling and developing the students’ gifts. Those who excel grasp the more insightful realization that God shapes their des-tinies as they trust in Him. They hear, then accept, then understand that their achievements are rooted in their faith and the unique qual-ities bestowed upon them by the Creator. Once understood, that is a compelling undoing! Undoing is not just for students and their families. It applies to practically everyone the VP interacts with. Our approach is so novel that it takes folks a good length of time and exposure to our process to understand our mission fully. For many well-meaning new staff and volunteers, we have to undo their preconceived ideas of our stu-dents’ capabilities. I refer to this phenomenon as “the soft bigotry of low expectations.” We’ve been told that because of our race, economic status, or educational background, we don’t have a lot in common with people of different races, economic statuses, or educational back-grounds. In my case, if you justwent by what society says, I’d be the last person hired to work at VP—and I certainly wouldn’t be the founder. I’m a White former police ofcer of Appalachiandescent, and I have no formal education beyond high school. I even used to be a little embarrassed when sitting in formal meetings with pro-fessors, doctors, politicians, pastors, and so on. The more peo-ple learn about me, the more they thinkthere is no way a guy like me could have such a successful organization. And yet, God has made it happen. I’m just another ordinaryperson, but, when work-ing for God’s purposes, ability is less important than availability. Aligning with God’s plan rather than what we’ve learned to expect is just one way the VP team has to experience “undoing” alongside our students.

Cultural Continuity 47Our Core ValuesTransformative Principles: Undo, Model, Offer, and ProvideUndo Hopelessness with Godly PurposeThe notion of undoing permeates VP. It allows us to emphasize what matters most—the individual relationships between students and God. Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) advises us to “train up a child in the way he should go.” From a planting and growing perspective, train-ing happens early in the life of a child just as tilling hap-pens early in the gardening process. Early preparation yields well-turned and ara-ble ground where the stu-dents’ faith can germinate and develop roots toward God. By undoing hope-lessness and replacing it with a sense of godly purpose, students are empowered to discover their true calling and grow into the people God desires them to be.Model Work as the RewardNotice the standard Paul establishes for leaders:Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6–8 NIV)These verses call the staff of VP to model good works with integrity, dignity, and sound speech. At VP, we prioritize developing a strong work ethic in our students before focusing on actual workforce development. The aim is to instill the values of sacricial service and diligence. This is particularly important for students who come VP students regularly engage in acts of kindness, including through mission trips to Guatemala.

What We Believe48from families in which stable employment has been absent for gen-erations. By following Titus’s guidance, the VP staff demonstrates an important component of God’s design: blessings ow when people work hard to provide for their families. Work itself is a reward, bringing fulll-ment and purpose to life.Offer Love and AccountabilityPeople often have an unhealthy understanding of love and account-ability. Mentors can underestimate the potential of youth, especially those in poverty. For instance, well-meaning gestures that lower expectations can harm a young person’s development, while the Word of God holds out itself as the best mitigator of poor circum-stances: “All Scripture is . . . protable for teaching, for reproof, . . . and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16 ESV). This verse and oth-ers inform VP’s desire to display both sides of the same coin to students. As explained earlier, we pro-vide a supportive envi-ronment that nurtures their growth while also holding them accountable to the standards outlined in their membership agreement. Through this two-sided approach, students are helped to develop a healthy understanding of love and accountability, equipping them with the tools to navigate life’s chal-lenges with wisdom and grace. A new student receives his rst paycheck as his mom and sister look on in admiration.Students must meet weekly goals and objectives to maintain their membership.

Cultural Continuity 49 VP is more than a place of learning and growth; it’s a lighthouse of hope and transformation as we guide each student toward a life aligned with God’s will for them. This empowers them to see success measured by the depth of one’s faith and character, not by material achievements. Provide a Safe and Consistent EnvironmentSolomon observed, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Prov. 18:10 ESV). At the Victory Project, we champion the impor-tance of safety and stability. For many students, the fundamental necessities of food, shelter, and a sense of security— elements rooted in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—are conspicuously absent. As implied by all three elements of ACP, this aggregates to “O” and underscores VP’s com-mitment to providing and maintaining a reliable safe haven—a strong tower—for our students. Our doors are open six days a week throughout the year, includ-ing holidays. We recognize that providing a safe and consistent environment is crucial for students’ well-being and growth. VP’s unfailing accessi-bility emulates Christ and His promise never to leave us or forsake us. Victory Project aspires to provide a holistic and spiritually nour-ishing landscape through our undo, model, offer, and provide princi-ples. Each pillar serves as a guidepost, shepherding students toward realizing their divine purpose and arming them with the requisite skills for their life journey. VP is open six days a week, year around, even on holidays because the streets don’t close.

7God’s Solution for Trauma and RecoveryUnderstanding Trauma Bonding: Being Trapped in an Abusive RelationshipTrauma bonding, a complex psychological condition often likened to Stockholm syndrome, describes the paradoxical emotional entan-glement victims develop with their abusers. This phenomenon, char-acterized by periods of perceived kindness amid abuse, creates a pathological loyalty and affection toward the abuser. Victims caught in this trap may exhibit the following:• Gratitude for sporadic kindness, overlooking the overarching pattern of abuse• Positive feelings toward their abuser, despite the harm inicted upon them • Adoption of the abuser’s beliefs and viewpoints, losing sight of their own perspective• Reluctance to escape or seek help, fearing the consequences of leaving the abusive relationship• Distrust toward external support, including law enforcement, due to the manipulative inuence of the abuser

God’s Solution for Trauma and Recovery52Trauma bonding is a deeply entrenched psychological trap that can leave victims feeling helpless, confused, and unable to break free from the cycle of abuse.VP’s Context: Breaking the CycleAs VP serves in various communities, especially those within urban and impoverished settings, we are recognizing patterns that mirror trauma bonding. These patterns are indicative of deep, systemic entrapments. Beyond the psychological realm, spiritual and societal forces can conspire to keep victims trapped in cycles of despair and isolation. These cycles perpetuate the wounds of trauma, hindering personal growth and safety. Victory Project endeavors to disrupt these cycles by providing safe refuge for our students, focusing on our core values. This is aug-mented by a kind yet clear portrayal of the situation as opportuni-ties arise. We strive to unlock mental jails, breaking the students free from the chains of their past, boldly to discover their true potential in Christ. How? By illuminating the deceptions that bind them, replacing despairing narratives with the hopeful teachings of the Bible. This involves educating young people about Christ’s love, forgiveness, and redemption—and openly contrasting them with the detrimental ideologies that led to their emotional and spiritual stagnation. The light of God’s Word can dispel trauma’s darkness and guide individu-als toward healing, salvation, and restoration.Overcoming Collective IllusionsCollective illusions, as described in Todd Rose’s book by the same name, refer to situations in which most individuals in a group pri-vately hold one belief or preference but incorrectly assume that the majority of others in the group hold a different view.10 This leads to a disparity between private opinions and perceived public consensus, and this disparity can lead to the following consequences:• Conformity Pressure: People can suppress their true beliefs in order to t in, which often leads to personal dissatisfaction and societal stagnation.

Cultural Continuity 53• Psychological Stress: Living in discord with one’s true beliefs can lead to anxiety and cognitive dissonance.• Slow Cultural Change: Benecial social norms can take longer to develop if people are unaware of shifting attitudes.• Polarization: Overestimating differences between groups can increase social divisions and conict.• Social Desirability Bias: Individuals can publicly express views they think are socially acceptable, even if they privately dis-agree with those views.• Echo Chambers: Social media and personalized content can re-inforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspec-tives.11 Understanding and addressing collective illusions can help create a more authentic and dynamic society in which individuals feel empowered to express their true beliefs and preferences. And the awareness of collective illusions can lead to more accurate decision-making in various sectors, from business to public policy. At Victory Project, we build awareness of collective illusions in order to equip students to address them. Applying the ACP = O framework, we rst help students understand their authentic, true beliefs. We then help students see areas in their life in which they are not living consistently with those beliefs and are, therefore, creating internal conict. Finally, through close, meaningful relationships, we teach students to live out their true beliefs without fearing societal pressure. By following this process, we give students the opportunity to live in accordance with their beliefs rather than to give in to collec-tive illusions. The key to this process of disrupting collective illusions is the undoing mindset. We must undo the pressures, expectations, and social norms that lead students to live inauthentically and act in opposition to their true beliefs. By dening collective illusions and helping students overcome them, we equip our students with the tools they need to face societal pressures in all situations.Mission: LiberationCombatting spiritual entanglements demands immense faith, dil-igent effort, and divine guidance. At Victory Project, we’re here to

God’s Solution for Trauma and Recovery54help. We believe that the blessings and victories won while serving in His Kingdom far outweigh the burdens of the trials we enter into, shoulder to shoulder with the distressed. As VP stands in solidarity with those trapped in the shadow of trauma, we remain steadfast in our mission to bring hope, heal-ing, and freedom through the transformative power of the gospel. Victory Project is dedicated to walking alongside individuals, fami-lies, and communities to provide the support and resources neces-sary to break trauma’s clasp. In place of past injury, we point them to a future lled with purpose, resilience, and faith in God’s plan for them. In this battle against the forces of darkness, we draw our strength from God’s promises, knowing that through Him, all things are pos-sible. Victory Project is committed to being a light in the darkness, a voice for the voiceless, and a sanctuary for the wounded. By our unchanging Lord, we have time and again witnessed the positive impact that can be made in the lives of those we serve. We have seen students break the chains of trauma, leading them toward futures of hope, healing, and abundance in Christ.Leave Room for God (LRFG)Years ago, before VP even had a concrete plan, “Leave room for God” became a guiding principle etched into the very bers of our mission. It started as a note passed between volunteers during the founda-tional brainstorming stages. It served to remind us then, as it does now, that it’s not by VP’s strength but by God’s grace that VP can thrive. Over the years, the evidence of His provision, guidance, and protection has afrmed the signicance of LRFG. This ethos is no mere slogan—it is the essence of our being, infus-ing every plan, decision, and action. By consistently leaving space for God’s intervention, VP embraces its role as a conduit for God’s extraordinary work. His grace and might ow freely into the lives of the young men we serve. As VP navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to LRFG. We trust Him to guide, provide, and empower. Through our invariant faith and dedi-cation to His will, we believe that God’s VP ministry will continue to thrive, not by our own strength but by His boundless grace and power.

Cultural Continuity 55Pray, Plan, Proceed, Repeat (3PR)Victory Project personnel strive to include and glorify Christ in all aspects of our work. The following steps are followed whenever we face vital decisions:• Pray—Believing that God leads us, we praise Him for the op-portunity to serve, we carefully steward our resources, and we ask for protection and discernment.• Plan—We dene objectives, outline steps, and conrm that the desired results are biblically based.• Proceed—When God directs us to move forward, we trust His guidance, advance with courage and conviction, and resist second-thought analysis paralysis.• Repeat—As the plan unfolds, we remain sensitive to God’s leading by repeating the prayer, planning, and proceeding pro-cess to remain aligned with His will or adjust as He leads. The 3PR construct, if undertaken in a spirit of humility, over-comes VP’s limitations. We genuinely desire to serve God as He directs; resting on His promises and secure in His sovereignty, we have found this process to be invaluable. That’s particularly true when a potential path implies signicant sacrice from the staff, vol-unteers, or even students at times.

8The Value of “Something to Lose”Consider the following decisions and the underlying reasons people make them every day:• Why remain faithful in marriage?• Why fulll work obligations? • Why comply with the law?Each of these responsibilities is tied to something precious— something you want to hang onto:• You remain faithful because you love your spouse and do not want to lose them.• You do your job well because it puts food on your table and a roof over your head—and you want to continue to provide both.• You comply with the law because it makes society a better place and keeps you out of trouble. Unsurprisingly, as in many areas of life, the concepts these deci-sions reect mirror the ethos we implement at the Victory Project. We offer students compelling reasons to align their behavior with a purposeful and peaceable way of life. The goal is to illustrate a path marked by sacrice and purpose—but also one that helps students realize that their lives have meaning and value. When they come to understand that their lives can align with God’s plan for them, they gain a sense of familial signicance that extends well beyond tem-

The Value of “Something to Lose”58poral personal fulllment. Perhaps for the rst time, they sense real purpose—and hope.The Surprising Value of Possibly Losing SomethingVictory Project is a multifaceted ministry. It requires divine inspi-ration and complicated human endeavor. The impact we pursue is woven into our culture, vision, mission, and philosophical founda-tions—but summing up the essence of VP’s impact remains challeng-ing. Paradoxically, perhaps the most concise way to express what we want young men to grasp is this: they have something to lose. Even that statement begs explanation; at rst glance, it might seem stark or crude. Yet it implies a weighty truth: the youth VP engages are of immense value to God simply because they exist! Plus, they brim with potential. However, they have much at stake—particularly from an eternal perspective. For many of them, their sense of self-worth has been shaped by poverty’s adversities that we discussed earlier: educa-tional decits, emotional trauma, economic hardship, etc. These tri-als shroud any understanding of their real value and purpose. Real, day-to-day challenges consume them and lead them to believe they have little to lose in their choices and actions. That is, they rarely comprehend they have something to lose. Cultivating Self-Discovery within VPWhile societal issues are beyond VP’s control, they greatly inuence its environment. As a strong tower in the community, we teach our students that their current circumstances absolutely do not dene their worth or destiny. We emphasize God’s unique plan for each of them. Through our curriculum and community ethos, we foster a process of self-realization, encouraging students to question if they truly can contribute to their families, society as a whole, and their divine purpose. When the question becomes how they can do so, we know they are inching toward ownership. Through this journey of self-discovery, students begin to under-stand the mightiest of motivators: they do indeed have something to lose. But, perhaps for the rst time ever, it’s not in the context of fear or anxiety but in a realization that their lives are precious, pur-

Cultural Continuity 59poseful, and lled with potential. They come to recognize that their choices and actions have long-term, far-reaching, easily measured, positive consequences—for themselves, those around them, and, ulti-mately, their relationship with God.From Awareness to StewardshipAs students grasp the value of their lives and the signicance of their choices, they become empowered to make decisions that align with their newfound sense of purpose. They begin to view their respon-sibilities—in relationships, education, or personal conduct—through the lens of stewardship. They come to recognize that their commit-ments are tied to something greater than themselves, they want to inuence their own lives, and, now unshackled, they can see how to think and act to do just that. They want to become stewards of what God has entrusted to them.The Lasting Impact of “Having Something to Lose”Realizing one has something to lose is a powerful catalyst for change. It shifts the focus from short-term gratication to long-term pur-pose. It redirects students from self-centered pursuits to lives ded-icated to serving others and glorifying God. As students revel in this newfound reality, they become agents of transformation in their own lives, families, and communities. And the impact of this realization extends far beyond their time at VP. It becomes a guiding principle that forever shapes their decisions, relationships, and aspirations. Students emerge from VP as responsi-ble citizens of integrity and humble children of God. By God’s grace, they now contribute to society instead of taking from it.

9OutcomesIn 2021, the University of Dayton (UD) conducted an in-depth analy-sis of Victory Project’s impact on the pillars of poverty (dropping out of high school, getting a criminal history, and having a child before marriage). They began by reviewing VP students’ grades and atten-dance compared to their peers who did not attend VP.

Outcomes62As the gure indicates, the ndings were remarkable: VP students had three times better attendance and doubled the math and read-ing scores of their non-VP peers. While these results are impressive, they become even more so considering the adversity VP students face in their schools, homes, and communities, as illustrated in the graphic. This data highlights the truth of VP’s motto that what VP and our students undo is more important than what they do. Unburdened by incessant barriers that block their paths to success, students can focus on school as the critical avenue to societal success that it can be. That is, at VP, they are freed to learn fully. An environment with few to no encumbrances is a rare advantage over the communities from which they come. Quantifying the Social Return on Investment (SROI)The research also quantied the social return on invest-ment (SROI) generated by VP. This quantiably mea-sures how much society saves when a young person avoids the pillars of poverty. According to UD’s cal-culations, when a VP alum-nus dodges the pillars of poverty, the SROI amounts to just under $1 million per student. At the time of the UD report, VP had launched about 250 young men into society, saving local commu-nities about $243 million. As gratifying as that is, note that this gure accounts only for cost savings; it does not include the value added to individuals and communities.

Cultural Continuity 63Looking Ahead—with You!Thank you for reading this booklet. Each VP alumnus has a story of repentance, rescue, and release. Behind each data point or dollar saved is a person VP was privileged to love. You have now entered into that love. Recall the powerful stories that have shaped the Victory Project journey—from the legacy-changing decisions of an Appalachian coal miner, to Cody as VP’s inaugural program director, to the remarkable transformation of Daylan, a young student who took his 0.15 GPA and was transformed into a thriving, purpose-driven man. God gra-ciously reminds us of the potential within each individual and the transformative power of faith, dedication, and community. Checking in on the progress and achievements of VP alumni, we are humbled, thankful, and encouraged that they continue to rely on God. They value their relationship with God above all else; their unswerving trust in Christ is a constant source of strength and guid-ance to navigate life’s challenges successfully with resilience and grace. We take great pride in knowing that students who graduate from VP leave with a deep understanding of their own potential and with a strong connection to their faith. That couplet serves as a com-pass to guide them for decades to come. VP also draws inspiration from the church’s historic and social innovations in health care, education, and the common good. As Christian organizations like the Victory Project rebuild the bridge long since collapsed by the church’s withdrawal from societal engage-ment, we must remain rooted in the timeless values of compassion, service, and the pursuit of justice. By reading this booklet, people like you become our partners, hopefully triggered by VP’s principles and insights to motivate your actions as they do ours. Our stories and experiences as recalled here will be faithful to steer us through future challenges and toward even greater opportunities. Remembering our God-given victories helps us pursue the spirit of unity, the spirit of purpose, and the spirit of faith, which combine to frame the VP mission. Partnered, we can continue a legacy that extends far beyond individual lives—achieving a mission of hope, empowerment, and resolute belief in the potential of every human being. Toward that

Outcomes64future, our mission will not yield: Victory Project exists to “Empower youth to discover the life God intended by mastering self-awareness, self-sufciency, and seless service. Tearing down the pillars of pov-erty—without government funding.” Building upon the foundation laid by those who came before us—whether family, alumni, or the church—we remain steadfast in our vision to offer “an alternative to the streets for America’s youth.” We know that every person, regardless of background or circumstance, can experience the abundant life God intends for them. May the truths as outlined in this booklet remind us of the extraor-dinary work we are called to do. May it inspire us to approach each day with renewed passion, purpose, and gratitude for the opportu-nity to be part of something greater, all to God’s glory. Together with you, the Victory Project will continue helping young men “to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill” (Matt. 5:14 MSG). Victory Project will always “leave room for God.”

Cultural Continuity 65VP Alumni

Outcomes66

Glossary3ECurriculum: The VP curriculum is designed to challenge the pil-lars of poverty (see POP) through education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment.3PR: “Pray, Plan, Proceed, Repeat” serves as a reminder to seek Christ’s guidance, exercise discernment in planning, take action, and iterate to align with His direction.AEC:We understandthat because our students are juveniles, they have little control over theirhomes, schools, and community. While we still monitor important data, like grades and attendance, VP holds our students accountable for things they can control: attitude, effort, and consistency, or AEC.ACP=O:This abbreviation stands for authenticity + consistency + proximity = opportunity. This formula encapsulates VP’s approach to forging impactful, enduring change.EnvironmentoverIndividual:This is a VP staff principle recognizing that, while we can’t control people, we can create an environment conducive to building a relationship with Christ.LRFG:This abbreviation stands for “Leave room for God” and is often seen in our strategic documents and meeting notes. This phrase serves as a visual cue that, while we guide VP with our skills, we ulti-mately defer to God’s greater plan.“Never Forever” Clause: This clause applies when a student is released from VP for not meeting standards. Students may be released for the time being, but they’re never released forever. VP seeks to show God’s unconditional love and remains ready to wel-come them back when they recommit.OG:Unlike the world’s denition of OG (original gangster) that glo-ries a criminal mindset, VP models a godly man’s character—that of an “overall gentleman.”POP:POP stands for the “pillars of poverty,” which are three com-mon situations perpetuating generational poverty in teenagers’

Glossary68lives: 1) dropping out of high school, 2) getting a criminal history, and 3) having a baby before marriage.SituationalAwareness:This is a vital skill that empowers our team to grasp the context of their environment, make thoughtful deci-sions, and adapt effectively to evolving situations.UMOP: This acronym stands for VP’s core values: undohopeless-ness with godly purpose,modelwork as the reward,offerlove and accountability, andprovidea safe and consistent environment.

Endnotes1. Armstrong Williams, “Unraveling Morality, Rising Anger: A Disturbing Trend among Young People,” New York Amsterdam News, September 7, 2023, https://am-sterdamnews.com/news/2023/09/07/unraveling-morality-rising-anger-a-disturb-ing-trend-among-young-people/.2. Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery: An Autobiography (New York: Doubleday, 1907), 39.3. 1 Corinthians 1:27.4. Ron Haskins, “Three Simple Rules Poor Teens Should Follow to Join the Middle Class,” Brookings, March 13, 2013, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/three-sim-ple-rules-poor-teens-should-follow-to-join-the-middle-class/.5. Robert D. Lupton, Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (and How to Reverse It) (New York: HarperOne, 2012), 130.6. About 66% of students who were released in the last ve years reentered VP and successfully completed the program.7. 1 Peter 5:8.8. Mark 13:33.9. Judges 7:5–7.10. Todd Rose, Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions (New York: Hachette Go, 2022).11. Summarized from Rose, Collective Illusions, 5, 15, 19, 27.