It was a simple introduction facilitated by a close friend that led REALTOR® Mark Peebles on a mission — one that has continued now for six years. The man he met in 2015 was Monnie Bush. What he shared intrigued Mark so much, he knew he had to be a part of it. During a 15-year career in the police force, Monnie Bush saw first-hand the many issues facing children growing up in poverty and the societal problems that come with it. In 2004, injuries he suffered in a car accident forced him to retire from law enforcement, but it didn’t stop his continued concern about kids who are on a self-destructive life path. “Most of these kids are being raised by one parent, the majority being single mothers. What surprised me most was how they would use the criminal justice system as a surrogate parent. I'm not picking on them; it's the reality of the situation. It wasn't unusual to get a call from a mother with a 15-year-old son who was acting up. He won't go to school, he's staying out late, he's back-talking, he took money out of my purse, and things like that. I would think, I have about 15 minutes to figure out a solution that took 15 years to get to,” says Monnie. Finally, Monnie decided he needed to quit thinking about the problem and, instead, do something about it. For 18 months, while also working another job, he learned everything needed to create a nonprofit organization that could provide an alternative to the street for troubled youth. Using only his personal savings, in 2009, he opened the doors to Victory Project in downtown Dayton. “We're trying to break the pillars of poverty, which have been identified by a Brookings Institute study as dropping out of high school, having a criminal history and having a baby prior to marriage.” Victory Project addresses those three things with its own program. They call them the three Es — education, entrepreneurship and enlightenment. Victory Project is an after-school mentoring program for eighth- to 12th-grade young men. But don’t be fooled; this is not after-school babysitting. These students are learning life-changing skills that will help them become contributing members of society. Not every teen is accepted into Victory Project. To be considered, they have to be part of the program voluntarily. Students must have their own way of getting to and from the building. They can not be involved in any extracurricular activities at school so they can focus on their time with VP. And they have to be accountable — show up and be willing to work. Then, there is a two-week trial period before they become a member. “They work on what we call the VP basics. They have to look through the program, memorize and understand the different components as well as the culture of VP. Only then will a student become a member. We give them a uniform and personal door code to the facility. Can you imagine feeling untrusted and unworthy, and then someone gives you a door code? For these teens, that’s a big deal.” The doors of Victory Project are open year-round, six days a week. There, students learn together, pray together, share dinner and support one another. It’s all part of this unique, multi-faceted curriculum. Students receive individualized tutoring and help with homework, have an opportunity to work in the real world for VP’s enterprises called Victory Improvement Projects, all while building their character and accountability during group classes and Bible study. “Our philosophy is, it's less about what we do and more about what we undo. Victory Project is not designed to force compliance, but instead, create an environment so valuable that the student modifies their behavior to maintain membership.” Victory Project started with nine students. It now helps 50 a year and boasts more than 350 graduates. And it's expanding, with plans to open a Victory Project for girls in June 2023. Victory Project remains a completely privately funded nonprofit organization. Six years ago, Mark and his wife, Elizabeth, became involved with Victory Project by sponsoring its fundraising breakfast, Beating the Odds. “We started and didn’t stop. We cover 100% of the cost so that 100% of what is raised can go to changing the lives of these young men in our city, taking them from a potential life of poverty and crime to a life living to their full potential. We have seen so many of these young men go on to get college degrees, start businesses, buy homes and change the course of their families forever,” shares Mark. “Along with the sponsorship, we do a NavX Realty night serving at VP on a quarterly basis. We provide and serve dinner with any NavX agents that wish to join us. We then hang out and get to know the boys. We play basketball or football with them or hang out in the studio, hearing the beats they've been laying down. It's one of my favorite things we get to do together as a company.” If you’d like to learn more or donate, go to www.victoryproject.org.