I came to the Victory Mission in April of 2013, with no idea of what to expect. After a very short time, I found that the staff, and the other men that stayed there were more than meets the eye. I have met so very many people there in so many stages in their walk with Christ, and the staff are amazing in their love and support, no matter what your situation happens to be. Without the Mission, I would personally have been in a very different place in my life. To be sure, it was a humbling experience, and a time of growth in all aspects of my being. I grew to know responsibility, selflessness, and a true love for others that I had never experienced. From the top down, everyone who works for or at the Victory Mission are true angels.
My husband and I first started volunteering at Victory Mission in the 1980's at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the years, as we saw all that Victory Mission does for those in need in our community, we have tried to volunteer as often as we are able. When I see the love and compassion shown to those seeking help there, I see the scriptures come alive. The selfless leadership of Jim and Mary Harriger has enabled the Mission to reach even more people who need a boost in their lives. The staff meets together every morning and start the day with prayer. Thank you Victory Mission for all you do.
I started out receiving help from Victory Mission. They helped me with
School supplies for my children , food for our table and clothes for my family.
I am now a Data Entry volunteer and have helped in the Cooks Kettle with the evening chapel service. Without Victory Mission there would be many hungry, homeless families. God bless Victory Mission.
Robberson Neighborhood Association with the City of Springfield and Community partnership of the Ozarks has Clean ups yearly to help the neighbors with their trash and recycleables and the Victory Mission gladly brings in the people and the trucks to pick up from our neighbors and gets right in the middle of the trash when neighbors are in need of assistance at the bins.
You can always count on their crew in the warehouse for accommodating and being there for our neighbors.
They are teaching our neighbors how to be a good neighbor with their unconditional service to our community.
As a volunteer for them, I have learned how to reach out effectively to those in need and do appreciate their guidance.
Lea Dingman King
Robberson Neighborhood Association President
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The Springfield Victory Mission was recommended to me by my Church, Northside Christian Church to reach out to our neighbors in need, Upon finding the Mission, I found my home. A place for growth, a place for character building, a place where you see miracles happen in you as well as the people that come across your path as you volunteer your time. The people of the Mission are the kindest. They're hearts are worn on their sleeves, they are always available to those in need with a prayer, a hug, a smile or a kind word. They have shown me just what mercy and grace is and I am humbled by the opportunity to work with these fine people to help eliminate poverty from the inside out to our Springfield homeless and low income residences......................They are a deserving nonprofit in my book!
I held a clothing drive for victory mission and they were so easy to work with. I look forward to working with them again!
VM has helped the community immensely. Thing is, VM fills a void by changing the lives of people directly. So much better to come along side those that need help, than to give a handouts. They have effectively created a solution to a problem, rather than just treating the symptom. Christ says we are to be salt and light, love our neighbors as ourselves and whatever you do the the least of these, you do to me.
they help people get a second chance when everybody else has given up on them, They feed the homless not only food but also the world of God They truely care about the community
i believe Victory Mission is making a huge difference in so many people. They are training people to help them get jobs they are helping people have a safe place to go when they have no where to go except on the streets I only wish more people would get involved in helping those in need. Theresa
Victory Mission is having a huge impact on the city of Springfield! It's been such a huge blessing to be able to help to change lives with them. As a volunteer i have worked alongside a few people who have personally had their lives turned upside down from this organization. It makes the organization much more personal when you can hear true stories of change. People who were once living on the streets are now working and taking classes which will make their lives different! I plan on working with them for many years to come!
I have had the privilege of leading one of the Bible studies at Victory Square for almost a year now and it is truly exciting to see the contributions Victory Mission makes in changing lives. There is one man in the program right now that a few short months ago came to class for the first time unsure of what to do or where to go, and not really sure who God was. He was literally still in a fog from the drugs he had been using on the streets. Today, he is clear on many things including who Christ is and who he is in Christ! He has a real passion for continuing on the path he's on, and now a passion for helping others still on the streets find truth and hope like he did. Helping people with these challenges is a real passion of mine and I learned about Victory Mission from several former residents who I became friends with through ministry work. I'm a big believer in teaching a man to fish as opposed to feeding him fish for a day. Victory Mission contributes in this way. I look forward to my time there each week and hearing of the good things they've got to share from the previous week, or even the challenges these gentlemen faced during the week. I've been truly blessed by being a small part of what they are doing!! They are a real asset to the community of Springfield!!
Victory Mission provides the complete scope of help for men and women in the community. For men they have overnight shelter, programs that meet needs of men and women who are in the process of transition. They also offer the Victory Trade School that offers professional vocational training in the restaurant business. They do not take shortcuts in their expectations that the individuals they help take responsibility for their future and keep the commitment they make to the program.
In the past, I have used a variety of non profits to give clothing/furniture donations to but after observing the work being done by the various projects at Springfield Victory Mission, I now only give to them. People are given real life opportunities to improve and make better choices.
One would have needed to experience the sad state of 'want' to appreciate this ministry and its 'saving grace' to the helpless and homeless. James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction..." Victory Mission is great and God centered, filling a need for the area,. May those yet 'having', share so the help can continue!
Really caring and professional group of people making up an organization that really puts the community first.
excellent faith based group!!!!!! most of staff very outgoing and caring, the volunteers who lead classes/bible study are great
Springfield Victory Mission is a tremendous asset to the Springfield Metropolitan area. The administration is committed to assisting the under-priviledge community in so many ways. These programs include spiritual, educational, food pantry , financial assistance, consuling, shelters, and work oportunities. The Food Service Training program is outstanding. This program provides a second chance to men who have a "rough" go of it. They are trained in all aspects of operating a food service establishment. The program lasts a year, but it is preseded by a 12-month one step program of religion and social training. This organization is expanding services and programs to women, too. Once they establish a "home" facility for the women students, they will be integrated into the food service program. The BESt thing about this administration is that they raise funds and spend them extremely wisely. There is no foolish or unwise spending of funds. Too bad, there is not more programs and facilituies such as the VICTORY MISSION.
One thing I really like about Victory is the assurance my donation is going for the specific thing as advertised. I can adopt a family for Christmas and take my gifts to them personally. They are real people with a real need today.
As a volunteer and a friend I value what the Mission stands for. The Victory Mission not only serves those in need it brings forth a new begining and a change in peoples lives that increase faith, courage, and stability. I am greatly encouraged everytime I am alotted the opportunity to serve. I love the staff and amzing outpour of compassion they grant. The school is awesome and the shelter is incredible. They not only serve those who live and work there but they touch the lives of anyone in need.
My most favorite part of Victory Mission is the life changing testimonials of people whose lives were "on the street" and at their very lowest point. Victory Mission helps develop the hope that there is a better day and that their lives can improve with a deep faith. And with these beliefs come the skills and experiences for landing new jobs and continuing their "new life" in Christ. Other nonprofits also help people a lot. But Victory Mission is not just a hand out. It provides the real life living skills that folks can again become self sufficient though their very strong faith. A favorite story of mine is Fred. He was a member of a gang and came to us from a large coastal city through Teen Challenge. He was ready for finding his place in our ongoing world. He learned to address his own needs and to develop job skills that are in demand in the work place. At his graduation from Victory Trade School, he was hired as an extern--getting his feet wet working a "real job." He has since been hired by the company and loves his new life. He knows that he will never be able to return to his previous "home". He has made a new, positive life through his newly found faith. He is truly a "healed individual" with the faith and dedication of mentors, program instructors, staff and other students. Thank you, God and Jesus. Without that faith, it would be easy to knock a man back into the street life that he thought was his fate.
I amazed at how many people are being served by this organization. They do such an awesome job in every area. I have had the privilege of seeing them grow over the years and now I have the privilege of volunteering. I thoroughly enjoy working with the people in charge as well as seeing the smiling faces of those in need. Without Victory Mission........there would be many who would not have the opportunity of being a part of a Christ believing group of amazing people.
I have watched this organization grow and help so many people in the City of Springfield. I have helped every year with their Motorcycle rally, Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Drives, Back to School, and other side projects. For me it is very rewarding to work with all of the volunteers and staff, and to see so much be given back.
My kids and I have volunteered for the Victory Mission for many years now. We help to serve dinner to the homeless and we also deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets containing food and other items. We completely believe in this organization and have seen them make alot of differences for people from all walks of life. I believe they strive to become better everyday and we are happy to be a part of such a wonderful group of people!