Who Is Carl Carlson?

Carl Carlson had a history similar to many of the men in the Men Of Valor program, a childhood filled with neglect, abuse, abandonment, foster homes, and trouble with the law. After returning from military service in Vietnam, Carl made some bad choices and ended up in the state penitentiary on an armed robbery charge. There Carl found Christ and dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate and the ostracized in our society.

Since his release, Carl has spent 30 years working with juvenile offenders and men in prison, trying to show them another way. He teaches them there is hope, that they can live a decent life, and that they should work hard toward an education and a good job. The one and only answer lies in God and his redemption.

 In 1985 Carl founded Y-CAP-YMCA, which later became a nationally recognized juvenile offender ministry. Carl left Y-CAP in 1996 and founded Men of Valor in 1997.

Carl has a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from Trevecca Nazarene University and a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Tennessee State University. In May 2008, Trevecca Nazarene University awarded Carl an Honorary Doctoral Degree, D. Litt, for his 30 years of ministry in the community. He and his wife Karen have been married since 1980 and have four sons.

Carl based the inception of Men of Valor and everyday operations upon a foundation that God has called us to minister to those less fortunate than ourselves.

"...The Lord sets prisoners free."  Psalm 146:7

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

Carl Carlson (Founder/Director)

Men of Valor Staff