Who We Are
About Victory Project
Victory Project (VP) is a privately funded 501(c)3 after-school program mentoring disengaged young men, grades 8-12 in Dayton, Ohio.
Being open year-round six days a week allows us to build relationships and earn the right to be heard. Sharing dinner together every weeknight feeds us physically, our tutoring and working at our micro-enterprise feeds us intellectually, and our Bible studies feed us spiritually.
We can currently serve up to 60 youth at a time in our facility located at 409 Troy Street in Dayton, Ohio. But we’re planning to open a second boys’ campus in 2023.
OUR VALUES
What We Stand For
01
FIND HOPE AND PURPOSE WITH GOD
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
02
OFFER LOVE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
03
PROVIDE A SAFE AND CONSISTENT ENVIRONMENT
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
04
BE A MODEL OF GOOD WORK
Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Titus 2:6-8
OUR STAFF
Who We Are
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. Matthew 5:14
Monnie Bush, Founder & CEO
Job responsibilities: Officially it’s primary leadership, organizational development & marketing. But, in reality, I get to brag on God, our staff, supporters, and students wherever I go.
Where you were born? Dayton, Ohio
Family: Wife, Kelly, who also is our C.F.O. and four sons, Clayton, Liam, Quinn & Cooper
Tell us about your achievements and accomplishments: My faith, as a Christ-follower, my family, and my former career in law enforcement, and now, The Victory Project are all incredibly important to me. My entire life revolves around these. There’s never a dull moment.
What are your hobbies: I enjoy using videos and other formats to tell peoples stories. I’m also a big fan of MST3K & RiffTrax.
What’s a favorite of The Victory Project: While there are many, I have to say it’s the first experiences that are close to my heart. Before opening VP I spent months doing research and development. Learning from professionals, and those I hoped to serve someday, parents and youth caught up in the street life. One of those young men I met in juvenile detention, later joined VP and even became our first full-time Program Director. Today, he’s a man of God, a husband, a father, and paid off his home by the age of 30, due to his work ethic as a skilled tradesman.
MONNIE BUSH
Founder & CEO
Monnie Bush, Founder & CEO
Job responsibilities: Officially it’s primary leadership, organizational development & marketing. But, in reality, I get to brag on God, our staff, supporters, and students wherever I go.
Where you were born? Dayton, Ohio
Family: Wife, Kelly, who also is our C.F.O. and four sons, Clayton, Liam, Quinn & Cooper
Tell us about your achievements and accomplishments: My faith, as a Christ-follower, my family, and my former career in law enforcement, and now, The Victory Project are all incredibly important to me. My entire life revolves around these. There’s never a dull moment.
What are your hobbies: I enjoy using videos and other formats to tell peoples stories. I’m also a big fan of MST3K & RiffTrax.
What’s a favorite of The Victory Project: While there are many, I have to say it’s the first experiences that are close to my heart. Before opening VP I spent months doing research and development. Learning from professionals, and those I hoped to serve someday, parents and youth caught up in the street life. One of those young men I met in juvenile detention, later joined VP and even became our first full-time Program Director. Today, he’s a man of God, a husband, a father, and paid off his home by the age of 30, due to his work ethic as a skilled tradesman.
John Oliver, Executive Director
Job responsibilities: Help VP students discover they are loved by God through mentorship in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment which involves a weekly Bible study and praise and worship service.
Where you were born: Melbourne, Florida
Family status (spouse & kids): My wife Rhonda and I have been married for 33 years and have three awesome sons, Aaron, Stephen and Joshua.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): Serving for 26 years in the Air Force. I also work with students in my role as the Director of the Athletes in Action JAM sports Camp (Jesus, Athletics and Manhood) for middle and high school inner-city students
Hobbies: Coaching, sports, and reading.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite day of the week at VP is Wednesday when we hold our weekly staff Bible study and then have praise and worship and Bible study with the students. It’s the day of the week where I see God touching the hearts of the entire VP family (especially the students) in ways unlike any other day of the week.
JOHN OLIVER
Executive Director
John Oliver, Executive Director
Job responsibilities: Help VP students discover they are loved by God through mentorship in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment which involves a weekly Bible study and praise and worship service.
Where you were born: Melbourne, Florida
Family status (spouse & kids): My wife Rhonda and I have been married for 33 years and have three awesome sons, Aaron, Stephen and Joshua.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): Serving for 26 years in the Air Force. I also work with students in my role as the Director of the Athletes in Action JAM sports Camp (Jesus, Athletics and Manhood) for middle and high school inner-city students
Hobbies: Coaching, sports, and reading.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite day of the week at VP is Wednesday when we hold our weekly staff Bible study and then have praise and worship and Bible study with the students. It’s the day of the week where I see God touching the hearts of the entire VP family (especially the students) in ways unlike any other day of the week.
Jon Rohrer, Program Director
Job responsibilities: As a Program Director my primary focus is on mentoring the young men involved in the program. This mentoring includes teaching in classroom settings, facilitating tutoring opportunities, organizing sports activities, and sharing the good news of the gospel.
Where you were born: Freemont, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): Married, 3 Girls, 1 Boy. I have a beautiful wife, three young girls, and a newborn baby boy.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): I graduated for Wright State with a 4.0 GPA. Being able to lead worship at both VP and Family Church.
Hobbies: I love to sing and play music. I recently started learning how to play the guitar. I enjoy singing with the guys at Victory Project and the congregation at Family Church.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): I enjoy seeing the students sing and worship and then leave with smiles of pure joy on their faces.
JON ROHRER
Program Director
Jon Rohrer, Program Director
Job responsibilities: As a Program Director my primary focus is on mentoring the young men involved in the program. This mentoring includes teaching in classroom settings, facilitating tutoring opportunities, organizing sports activities, and sharing the good news of the gospel.
Where you were born: Freemont, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): Married, 3 Girls, 1 Boy. I have a beautiful wife, three young girls, and a newborn baby boy.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): I graduated for Wright State with a 4.0 GPA. Being able to lead worship at both VP and Family Church.
Hobbies: I love to sing and play music. I recently started learning how to play the guitar. I enjoy singing with the guys at Victory Project and the congregation at Family Church.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): I enjoy seeing the students sing and worship and then leave with smiles of pure joy on their faces.
Michael Bayer, Victory Improvement Projects, Business Manager
Job responsibilities: Leads the Entrepreneurship component of V.P.’s mission. Responsibilities include sourcing and securing workload, maintaining strong customer relationships, providing training and orientation for new students, recruiting V.I.P. volunteers, supervising/leading Crew Leaders, managing V.I.P’s profit and loss position, and developing related Operating Procedures.
Where you were born: Sacramento, CA
Family status (spouse & kids): Married to Jennifer, between us we have three daughters, two sons, and 4 grandchildren.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): Retired from the Air Force after 23 years. Currently a professor for the Defense Acquisition University.
Hobbies: Playing on our Church Worship Team, Cycling, and performing Magic.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): The first time one of the boys came into my office and sat on the couch, just to chat.
MIKE BAYER
Business Manager
VIP
Michael Bayer, Victory Improvement Projects, Business Manager
Job responsibilities: Leads the Entrepreneurship component of V.P.’s mission. Responsibilities include sourcing and securing workload, maintaining strong customer relationships, providing training and orientation for new students, recruiting V.I.P. volunteers, supervising/leading Crew Leaders, managing V.I.P’s profit and loss position, and developing related Operating Procedures.
Where you were born: Sacramento, CA
Family status (spouse & kids): Married to Jennifer, between us we have three daughters, two sons, and 4 grandchildren.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): Retired from the Air Force after 23 years. Currently a professor for the Defense Acquisition University.
Hobbies: Playing on our Church Worship Team, Cycling, and performing Magic.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): The first time one of the boys came into my office and sat on the couch, just to chat.
Pete Davidson, Program Director
Job Responsibilities: a. To empower young men to discover the life God intended by mastering self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and selfless service.
b. Provide a safe and consistent environment.
c. Instill a mindset to do your BEST in every aspect of life
d. Model Biblical Manhood
e. Make Disciples
Where you were born: Dayton, Ohio
Family Status: Married to my beautiful wife, Mckia, for 10+ years, and
we have been blessed with four children, Sophia, Ariana, Sebastian, and
Jasper.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment: Husband and Father, Founder and Current Pastor of Dayton Baptist Church, Former Outreach &
Music Director of Hanes Baptist Church (NC), Former Area Manager of Labor Panes Exterior Cleaning Co. (NC), Former Assistant to the Pastor at Crossroads Baptist Church (VA), 2009 ODACS Men’s Basketball State Champion and League & Tournament MVP (VA), Multiple Tournament Championships and All-Tournament Teams (OH).
Hobbies: Basketball is my favorite, Fitness and Exercise, Traveling, Enjoying the Outdoors and Serving Others.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite memory so far has to be the day I came to VP for the first time. I remember working in the gym with my coworkers and seeing the heads of young men spying on us. I engaged them and later met and learned of VP from Monnie. This program and ministry have had my heart ever since. Life-Changing!
Pete Davidson
Program Director
Pete Davidson, Program Director
Job Responsibilities: a. To empower young men to discover the life God intended by mastering self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and selfless service.
b. Provide a safe and consistent environment.
c. Instill a mindset to do your BEST in every aspect of life
d. Model Biblical Manhood
e. Make Disciples
Where you were born: Dayton, Ohio
Family Status: Married to my beautiful wife, Mckia, for 10+ years, and
we have been blessed with four children, Sophia, Ariana, Sebastian, and
Jasper.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment: Husband and Father, Founder and Current Pastor of Dayton Baptist Church, Former Outreach &
Music Director of Hanes Baptist Church (NC), Former Area Manager of Labor Panes Exterior Cleaning Co. (NC), Former Assistant to the Pastor at Crossroads Baptist Church (VA), 2009 ODACS Men’s Basketball State Champion and League & Tournament MVP (VA), Multiple Tournament Championships and All-Tournament Teams (OH).
Hobbies: Basketball is my favorite, Fitness and Exercise, Traveling, Enjoying the Outdoors and Serving Others.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite memory so far has to be the day I came to VP for the first time. I remember working in the gym with my coworkers and seeing the heads of young men spying on us. I engaged them and later met and learned of VP from Monnie. This program and ministry have had my heart ever since. Life-Changing!
Ke'Shawn Miller, Program Director
Job responsibilities: To mentor young men on the path to a successful life overall. Including their schoolwork, work habits, and relationship with God. As part of this, I lead classes, bible studies, and group activities.
Where you were born: Dayton, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): Not married and no children
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): A few of my biggest accomplishments would be making the conference championship as a junior high basketball coach a few years back. Just seeing the growth of the young men from the start of the season to the end was honestly life-changing and motivating to me. My second biggest accomplishment would be my walk with Christ. Being saved, baptized, finished a discipleship class, and plans to start leading that very same class soon.
Hobbies: Sports have always been one of my biggest hobbies, especially basketball and fitness. I’ve also gotten into painting and traveling recently and love how relaxing it is.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My very first time visiting. I was almost instantly moved by what God had been doing in my community and in these young men’s lives. Starting with hanging out with some of the boys to their introductions, my heart was moved. This didn’t stop me from beating them in basketball, but the experience was honestly something I’ll never forget!
Ke’Shawn Miller
Program Director
Ke'Shawn Miller, Program Director
Job responsibilities: To mentor young men on the path to a successful life overall. Including their schoolwork, work habits, and relationship with God. As part of this, I lead classes, bible studies, and group activities.
Where you were born: Dayton, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): Not married and no children
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): A few of my biggest accomplishments would be making the conference championship as a junior high basketball coach a few years back. Just seeing the growth of the young men from the start of the season to the end was honestly life-changing and motivating to me. My second biggest accomplishment would be my walk with Christ. Being saved, baptized, finished a discipleship class, and plans to start leading that very same class soon.
Hobbies: Sports have always been one of my biggest hobbies, especially basketball and fitness. I’ve also gotten into painting and traveling recently and love how relaxing it is.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My very first time visiting. I was almost instantly moved by what God had been doing in my community and in these young men’s lives. Starting with hanging out with some of the boys to their introductions, my heart was moved. This didn’t stop me from beating them in basketball, but the experience was honestly something I’ll never forget!
Dave Riel, Victory Improvement Projects, Site Leader
Job Responsibilities: Ensure VIP workers understand the value of hard and smart work via organizing VIP warehouse for efficient operations and conducting all assigned work professionally.
Where you were born: Providence, Rhode Island
Family status (spouse & kids): Married to Christy (32 years) with two daughters, Jessi (PhD candidate at Auburn Univ) and Rachel (ER Physical Asst at Wlison Hospital in Sydney), one grandson, Jonah (7 yrs old)
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): Retired USAF officer
Hobbies: Photography, Cycling, Travel
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): Working with a couple of the guys getting some much-needed projects done, e.g., repaint the trailer, redo the studio.
DAVE RIEL
Site Leader
VIP
Dave Riel, Victory Improvement Projects, Site Leader
Job Responsibilities: Ensure VIP workers understand the value of hard and smart work via organizing VIP warehouse for efficient operations and conducting all assigned work professionally.
Where you were born: Providence, Rhode Island
Family status (spouse & kids): Married to Christy (32 years) with two daughters, Jessi (PhD candidate at Auburn Univ) and Rachel (ER Physical Asst at Wlison Hospital in Sydney), one grandson, Jonah (7 yrs old)
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): Retired USAF officer
Hobbies: Photography, Cycling, Travel
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): Working with a couple of the guys getting some much-needed projects done, e.g., repaint the trailer, redo the studio.
Lynn Simmons, Program Director
Job Responsibilities:Acknowledge and greet all visitors, students, family members, and the public. Represent VP to the community in a way that educates and advocates for the mission. Answer phones, direct incoming calls and ensure timely and helpful responses to requests. Support the CEO with projects, public relations events, and community events. Schedule and implement Friday programming for students.
Where you were born? Chicago, IL
Family status (spouse & kids): Single- no kids
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): High School Graduation, My personal Salvation, Achieved the goal to work in a ministry.
Hobbies: Basketball, Baseball/Softball, Preaching, Traveling
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): I had a blast at Kings Island last year. I was entrusted with a group of teens, and we had a good time. I also went to the water park there, and all the guys wanted to take pictures and videos on my phone underwater because it was waterproof.
LYNN SIMMONS
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Lynn Simmons, Program Director
Job Responsibilities: Acknowledge and greet all visitors, students, family members, and the public. Represent VP to the community in a way that educates and advocates for the mission. Answer phones, direct incoming calls and ensure timely and helpful responses to requests. Support the CEO with projects, public relations events, and community events. Schedule and implement Friday programming for students.
Where you were born? Dayton, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): Married to my amazing wife, Hannah Simmons for 4 years now. We have a son, Landon, and a daughter, Eliana. We are also expecting our third child in April.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): My biggest achievement is giving my life to Christ at my church’s VBS when I was around 13 years old. Ever since that day I have been involved in church and interested in youth programs. In 2021, before my son was born, I had the opportunity to coach my church’s junior high basketball again. I was able to coach them to the BCSO championship where we successfully took home the first-place trophy and became state champions! This was such an amazing accomplishment for the boys I coached, and I really enjoyed watching their growth from the beginning to the end of the season.
Hobbies: I love to play basketball, spend time with my family, and play some sports video games.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite time at VP so far was my first time touring with my family. I could see my wife lighting up and us both knowing this is where God had called me to be.
Rachel Bane, Volunteer Coordinator
Job responsibilities: Assist the staff in all aspects of coordinating and scheduling volunteer and community engagement events for Victory Project locations.
Where you were born: Atlanta, Georgia
Family status (spouse & kids): Blessed aunt to 4 nephews and a niece.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): An achievement that I’m proud of is overcoming my fear of public speaking to be able to share messages of God’s hope. A personal achievement milestone for me was completing the Marine Corps full marathon in Washington, D.C.
Hobbies: I love to read. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite memory at VP so far was touring the new facility that VP recently acquired. It is exhilarating to see how God is moving at VP!
RACHEL BANE
Volunteer Coordinator
Rachel Bane, Volunteer Coordinator
Job responsibilities: Assist the staff in all aspects of coordinating and scheduling volunteer and community engagement events for Victory Project locations.
Where you were born: Atlanta, Georgia
Family status (spouse & kids): Blessed aunt to 4 nephews and a niece.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): An achievement that I’m proud of is overcoming my fear of public speaking to be able to share messages of God’s hope. A personal achievement milestone for me was completing the Marine Corps full marathon in Washington, D.C.
Hobbies: I love to read. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): My favorite memory at VP so far was touring the new facility that VP recently acquired. It is exhilarating to see how God is moving at VP!
Kelly Bush, Bookkeeper
Job Responsibilities: My job includes bookkeeping, payroll, and grant writing. I also supervise the production of our quarterly newsletter and organize fundraising events.
Where you were born: Dayton, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): My husband, Monnie (who also is our Founder & CEO), and I have been married for 25 years. We have three sons, Liam, Quinn & Cooper, and my stepson, Clayton.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): I have a degree in interior design and am a certified professional organizer. But not too long after my personal salvation, I said “Yes” to God when the need arose and dove head first into ministry work as my husbands’ wingman and #1 supporter.
Hobbies: Renovating our historic home and gardening… you can never have too many plants!
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): Weddings and Babies! We have provided services long enough for our young men to become responsible adults, some of whom find their life mates and grow their own families. Getting to experience those milestones with them is heartwarming. VP=Family
KELLY BUSH
Bookkeeper
Kelly Bush, Bookkeeper
Job Responsibilities: My job includes bookkeeping, payroll, and grant writing. I also supervise the production of our quarterly newsletter and organize fundraising events.
Where you were born: Dayton, Ohio
Family status (spouse & kids): My husband, Monnie (who also is our Founder & CEO), and I have been married for 25 years. We have three sons, Liam, Quinn & Cooper, and my stepson, Clayton.
Relevant achievement or accomplishment (professional or personal): I have a degree in interior design and am a certified professional organizer. But not too long after my personal salvation, I said “Yes” to God when the need arose and dove head first into ministry work as my husbands’ wingman and #1 supporter.
Hobbies: Renovating our historic home and gardening… you can never have too many plants!
Favorite memory or event at VP (so far): Weddings and Babies! We have provided services long enough for our young men to become responsible adults, some of whom find their life mates and grow their own families. Getting to experience those milestones with them is heartwarming. VP=Family
L.R.F.G.
Leave Room For God (LRFG) has been with VP before there was programming. I used the initials in his plans to keep the focus on Who truly is the guiding force behind VP’s success. VP continues this tradition with ever more evidence of God’s provision and protection.
Our Philosophy
Victory Project is not designed to force compliance, but to create an environment so valuable that the student modifies their behavior to maintain membership.
– Monnie Bush, Founder & C.E.O.
Membership is Free!
It only costs a positive attitude, honest effort, and consistency. Review some of our membership benefits, such as family dinners, competitive wages, recreation center, tutoring, character development, and more.
Our Purpose
Victory Project isn’t about enforcing rules, but cultivating an enriching space where students willingly adapt their behavior to stay involved. Our emphasis is on molding the environment rather than fixing individuals – a shift away from the traditional, which can lead to compassion fatigue and diminishing returns. Our aim is to foster a setting where young people recognize their worth and discover their purpose. The degree of our success hinges on the effectiveness of this unique approach.
Board Members
Bud Hauser
President
Al Ralston
Secretary
Staci Morris
Treasurer
David Oakes
Bethany Sibbitt
Tim Ko
Will Allen
Greg Roberto
Joe Paul
Ryan Ridge
Volunteer Staff
Kelly Bush
Part-time Grants
Scot Ganow
Legal Counsel
Dr. Andy Campbell
Medical Counsel