Our History

Men of Valor began with one man’s radical transformation and an unshakable vision

Carl Carlson, a Vietnam Veteran who overcame an abusive childhood and a prison sentence, chose not to let his past define him. Instead, he surrendered his life to Christ in a prison cell in the 1970’s and founded Men of Valor in 1997 with a mission to bring that same hope and redemption to other men behind bars.

What started as a one-man ministry has grown into a movement. Now Men of Valor reaches thousands inside prisons and jails, serves hundreds through reentry housing, case management, and enhances public safety by reducing recidivism.

Before his passing, Carl dreamed of building a full Men of Valor campus—where men coming out of incarceration could receive one full year of residential care and aftercare support upon release. That dream has become a reality. And it’s only the beginning.