Statements
Mission
Men of Valor is committed to winning men in prison to Jesus Christ and discipling them. Our purpose is to equip them to re-enter society as men of integrity - becoming givers to the community rather than takers.
Background
Carl Carlson founded Men of Valor in 1997 as not only a solution to the growing incarceration and recidivism rates in our country, but as a hands-on way for people of faith to practice Matthew 25:35, 36. Men of Valor now operates pre-release programming in four local prisons and one jail. The Plan: The statistics do speak volumes. There are over 2 million people in the prison system in America. We know that over 95% of these men will get out of prison. The recidivism (or return to prison rate) is over 70%, revealing the fact that the traditional 'lock-em-up' warehousing of individuals is not working. We are spending billions of dollars on a system not capable of fixing the problem. It greatly behooves us to take up the cause of rehabilitative services and prison reform just for economic and generational impact alone. We must also ask ourselves 'what kind of men do we want walking on our streets?' We seek then to reconcile these men to God, family, and society. Men of Valor began with the vision that if a man's heart is transformed and is turned back to God, the order of his steps will be changed as well. By partnering with free world volunteers- mentors- and providing the structure that encourages and disciples the men while incarcerated and then walking with the men as they are released and reenter society, Men of Valor ensures that the men who wish to 'get out and stay out' have a solid chance at doing so. For men who finish our program, including a one-year stay in our transitional housing program, the recidivism rate is less than 15%
Impact
To provide hope and vision to men through individual and group classes and one-on-one mentoring sessions. The primary emphasis is transformation of character and life goals. This approach leads men from 'doing time' to investing time in personal development and relational skills. This provides positive behaviors that result in reconciliation with families, gainful employment and a lifestyle that is beneficial to the men and the community. Had a recidivism rate of less than 10% for men who complete the Men of Valor program, beating the national average of nearly 70%. Operating in four prisons (2 Core Civic facilities and 2 TDOC facilities), MOV serves more than 800 men a year. (This number is constantly increasing with the additions of new prisons). Provided aftercare/re-entry services for over 92+ men a year. To continue to add additional prisons to its highly successful pre-release programs. To increase our residential capacity to serve all the men who have completed pre-release program once they are released from prison. To ensure all the men released from pre-release programs have an opportunity to complete at least 1 year of aftercare services.
Needs
Mentors for our men in aftercare/re-entry. Small Group facilitators for studies such as what it means to be a "real man".Companies who are willing to give men full-time employment when they are released. Churches who wish to partner with us in prison ministry and family outreaches, providing Bible Study, local mission trips into the Jericho Project, musical performances, or meals to families in need. We are open to ideas for this collaborative effort. 'Adopt a family' for food deliveries, Birthday and Christmas gifts..
CEO Statement
When I became the executive director of Men of Valor in October 2015, I knew I had big shoes to fill. I had the privilege of working alongside Carl Carlson, Men of Valor's founder, for nearly a decade and treasured him as a mentor and friend. At Men of Valor, we believe that every man, woman and child is capable of a supernatural transformation if they allow God to work in their lives and their hearts. The traditional warehousing of prisoners is simply not working. Nearly 70% of released men eventually return to prison. At Men of Valor, we know the hope of Jesus the love of God is the answer. Men coming out of prison face a multitude of challenges. Job prospects are virtually non-existent for convicted felons. Most return to burned bridges with family members. Few can envision a different way of life. Most fall back in with old friends, crime and drugs. In Tennessee, 47% of men released on Probation or Parole will return to prison. However, Men of Valor is making a difference. Men who complete the entire program have a recidivism rate less than 15%. Our staff, board and volunteers have a vision for Men of Valor - a vision where more men are served, where more men benefit from transitional housing and job placement, where more men receive the emotional support and the spiritual guidance they need - and where the women and children in these men's lives learn to value reconciliation, develop important skills and envision a better future. The Bible teaches that the road of ministry is hard, but the Lord is always with us. We are constantly amazed by the determination of the men, women and children we serve, and we owe it to them to be equally determined. This determination, combined with blessings from God, has resulted in MOV growing and flourishing. I encourage you to join us in our mission. Our donors and volunteers will testify that seeing God work so tangibly in these families' lives has benefited them as much as the people they are helping. Together we can take Men of Valor to another level. Together we can continue to provide hope, love and the tools for our men to fulfill their God given destiny.
Board Chair Statement
MOV has a group of 100+ volunteers some of which serve as mentors, visiting with men in the aftercare program and working with the men as they reenter society. Our primary opportunity has been growth in the number of men we serve in prison. From there some of the men enter our aftercare/re-entry program where they live in a transitional home and work on a part time basis to learn better work habits and skills (Attendance, Promptness, Attitude, and Teamwork). Our #1 challenge is to continually identify, recruit and retain our army of volunteer mentors who we match one-on-one with each program participant. Another ongoing challenge MOV faces is in fundraising, which we do primarily through a breakfast each Spring.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Crime & Legal - Related - Rehabilitation Services for Offenders |
| Secondary Category: | Religion- Related - Christianity |
| Tertiary Category: | Crime & Legal - Related - Rehabilitation Services for Offenders |
Areas Served
Men of Valor's offices, prisons served and aftercare housing are all located in Davidson County except for one Core Civic prison in Trousdale County. However, Men of Valor serves men from Davidson as well as the surrounding counties.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Trousdale |
