A message from our CEO
Dear Friends and Partners,
This year has been one of transformation, growth, and faith in action. What began just a few short years ago as a vision to reach the youth of Indianapolis has become a living movement—one that is shaping lives, restoring hope, and building leaders for the future.
Through the tireless efforts of our team, volunteers, and community partners, we’ve seen students not only gain practical skills but also discover purpose. From The LAB Barista Training Program where graduates earned certifications and entered the workforce, to Alpha programming and retreats where young people encountered Christ and began walking in new direction, to Operation Hands & Feet where students and mentors served neighbors in need—we’ve witnessed transformation at every level.
These moments didn’t happen in isolation. They were made possible through faithful collaboration. Our partnership with Victory Christian Church has been instrumental in every milestone—providing covering, resources, and unwavering support as we continue to grow. We also thank organizations like Spark Coffee, The Match High School, and DIP- IN for believing in this mission and helping us expand our reach.
As we look ahead to 2026, we carry the same heart that started it all: to love deeply, serve faithfully, and equip this next generation to lead with purpose. God is at work in this city, and we’re honored to play a part in what He’s building.
With gratitude,
Danny Marquez
President & CEO
Victory in the City
OUR MISSION
To empower inner-city youth and cultivate leaders who transform their communities.
OUR CORE VALUES
VICTORY
Everything we do at Victory in the City flows from these guiding values. They remind us that real victory isn’t just about success — it’s about transformation, integrity, and serving others with purpose.
Vision: Empowering youth to see and achieve their potential.
Integrity: Leading with honesty, respect, and accountability.
Community: Strengthening neighborhoods through connection and collaboration.
Transformation: Empowering individuals to create lasting change.
Opportunity: Creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Resilience: Overcoming obstacles with courage and determination.
Youth Leadership: Developing leaders who inspire and uplift others.
Programs Spotlight
VCITY Club
Engage. Connect. Inspire.
Launched in 2025, VCITY Club serves as the entry point for youth engagement—a monthly, high-energy event designed to reach students ages 11–19 through intense games, prizes, food, and a powerful gospel message. This year, VCITY Club drew over 70 youth per gathering, with more than half of attendees connecting to follow-up programs like Alpha or Operation Hands and Feet. What begins with fun and energy often becomes the spark for long-term transformation.
The LAB Barista Training Program
Developing skills. Building confidence. Creating opportunity.
The LAB provides hands-on workforce training that equips youth and adults with barista and management skills while earning ServSafe certification. According to the ServSafe portal, 27 students have been assigned courses, and 25 of them have successfully completed their certification—reflecting a 93% completion rate. Additionally, 60% of participants secured employment or internships shortly after graduation. Through strong partnerships with local coffee shops and businesses in the food industry, The LAB continues to serve as a bridge from classroom to career—preparing participants for success and confidence in the workplace.
Alpha
Exploring faith. Discovering purpose.
Alpha provides a safe environment where students can explore life, faith, and purpose through honest conversation and community. In 2025, 89% of students reported that they felt respected by their leaders, with the same 89% saying they experienced a strong sense of belonging. Additionally, 79% shared that their relationship with God grew stronger or that they began a relationship with Jesus. With 84% indicating they would invite a friend, Alpha continues to be one of the most spiritually impactful and relationally engaging environments within Victory in the City.
Operation Hands & Feet
Serving our city. Showing God’s love in action.
Operation Hands & Feet mobilizes students, volunteers, and community members to serve families across Indianapolis. In 2025, the team distributed more than 20,000 meals and hygiene items to those in need. This initiative continues to embody faith in action—demonstrating that love is best shown through service.
The LAB Coffee Shop
Where skills meet opportunity.
The LAB Coffee Shop will serve as an on-site, student-run café located within VCITY’s training facility. It will provide graduates of The LAB Barista Training Program with hands- on experience in customer service, inventory management, and leadership. Beyond being a coffee shop, it will be a living classroom — giving students the confidence, professionalism, and real-world readiness to succeed in the workforce.
Partnership & Collaboration
At Victory in the City, we believe transformation happens through collaboration. None of what we accomplish would be possible without the shared vision, support, and faithfulness of our community partners. Together, we are creating opportunities, breaking cycles, and shaping a generation of young leaders across Indianapolis.
Victory Christian Church
Our Founding Partner
Victory Christian Church has been a cornerstone partner since the beginning—providing spiritual covering, facility space, leadership support, and financial investment to help Victory in the City thrive. Their commitment to empowering inner-city youth has been unwavering, serving as both a launching pad and a continued ally in every major milestone. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to create a safe and faith-filled environment where students can grow in character, confidence, and purpose.
Key Community Partners
Mount Pleasant Christian Church
A strategic mission partner investing in the spiritual and leadership development of Indianapolis youth through both funding and volunteer involvement.
Youth for Christ (YFC)
Partners with Victory to create gospel-centered environments where teen moms and dads can encounter Christ and build lasting relationships with a direct focus on civic, economic, spiritual and moral literacy, basic health and safety, and educational success.
The Match High School
Collaborates with Victory in the City to identify and support students who benefit from mentoring, skill development, and engagement through VCITY programs.
Spark Coffee Company
Provided professional training support for The LAB, helping participants learn barista and management skills in a real-world setting.
Elevate Indianapolis
Collaborates on mentoring and leadership programs, connecting urban youth with consistent adult role models and career development opportunities.
DIP-IN
(Diabetes Impact Project–Indianapolis Neighborhoods) – Provided grant funding
and health-focused partnerships that helped expand workforce training and nutritional education through The LAB.
Community Impact Through Partnership
Together, these partnerships represent more than collaboration—they represent unity in purpose. Each relationship extends the reach and depth of Victory in the City’s work, ensuring that youth are supported holistically: spiritually, academically, and professionally.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Building capacity. Expanding impact. Deepening transformation.
As Victory in the City continues to grow, 2026 represents a pivotal year of transition and expansion. The foundation has been laid through faithful service, strong partnerships, and measurable outcomes. Now, we are preparing to take the next steps toward deeper sustainability and broader community impact.
As we move toward 2026, our prayer is simple: that Victory in the City will continue to be a place where transformation begins, hope is restored, and faith comes alive. The seeds planted over the past three years are taking root—and with God’s help, the harvest is only beginning.
Opening The LAB
Coffee Shop
In 2026, VCITY will open The LAB Coffee Shop—a fully operational café designed to serve the community while offering ongoing employment and training opportunities for program graduates. This initiative will allow students to apply their barista and management skills in a real-world environment, generating revenue that helps sustain the mission of Victory in the City.
Expanding the
Board of Directors
As part of our long-term sustainability plan, Victory in the City will expand its board in 2026 to strengthen governance, accountability, and representation. This new structure will position the organization for greater capacity and long-term impact.
Deepening our
Strategic Partnerships
We will continue to build upon the invaluable support of Victory Christian Church, while expanding partnerships with Mount Pleasant Christian Church, DIP-IN, Washington Community High School, and other mission-aligned organizations. These relationships will help strengthen our programming, increase access to resources, and multiply community engagement.
Sustaining Workforce Development through The LAB
With the success of The LAB Barista Training Program, 2026 will focus on scaling the model, offering advanced management training and potential employment pipelines through partner businesses. Our goal is to provide both youth and adults with tangible career pathways and lifelong confidence.
Strengthening our Faith-Based Leadership Pathways
Through programs like VCITY Club and Alpha, we aim to continue developing young leaders grounded in faith, integrity, and service. These programs will remain the heartbeat of our mission—raising leaders who lead with purpose and character.
Together we're transforming a city
one life at a time.
Every victory this year has been made possible through God’s grace and the faithfulness of people like you. Because of your prayers, generosity, and partnership, young men and women across Indianapolis are discovering their worth, walking in purpose, and becoming the leaders God created them to be.
From barista certifications and leadership training to moments of worship and community service, we’ve seen transformation take root—in classrooms, coffee shops, and hearts. And we believe the best is yet to come.
As we look to 2026, we invite you to continue walking with us. Pray with us. Partner with us. And help us build a future where every student in our city has the chance to learn, lead, and live out their God-given potential.
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