POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

God = Strength …
in the hearts of those who are hurting.

“The first two English words I saw scratched on the wall of a cell by another American who had been in that cell before me … two little words with and an equal sign between them. That little formula simply said God=Strength. And for me that really worked.”
U.S. Navy Captain Jerry Coffee (Ret.), Vietnam POW Feb. 1966 – Feb. 1973

The Human Spirit Project (HSP) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, faith-based charitable organization. Inspired by the late Navy Captain Jerry Coffee, 7-year POW, and guided by his book, Beyond Survival, HSP is specifically designed to introduce a new and positive direction to an under-served and hurting population: those behind bars in prisons across the US. We want them to come out of prison – whenever that may be – with a new faith in themselves and in God. HSP’s mission is to teach and encourage – as Captain Coffee always did “to not just survive but go beyond survival to emerge stronger and tougher than before.” Our goal is to help prisoners as well as others in their own kinds of “prisons” embrace the “invincibility of the human spirit” – the very source of which is Almighty God.

BEYOND SURVIVAL

Building on the Hard Times – a POW’s Inspiring Story

Beyond Survival is a positive statement about love and commitment in the midst of war and division.

When life loses its meaning, when suddenly the world is turned upside down, when there’s nothing left that resembles life as we’ve known it, where do we find the strength and sustenance to go on? For naval aviator Jerry Coffee and others who were held as prisoners of war in North Vietnam, there was only one choice: to go within. Beyond Survival is a journey into the invincible human spirit that unites heart and mind in a compelling and unforgettable experience. Drawing from his seven years as a POW, Captain Coffee provides timeless lessons that apply to the physical, emotional, and ethical challenges of everyday life. Proving that leadership and creativity are possible in difficult and uncertain circumstances, Captain Coffee offers a message we can draw on in any trying situation. His story demonstrates that conviction must come from within, and in telling that story he touches the place inside of us where growth begins.

GETTING STARTED

Our main focus at the Human Spirit Project is to distribute compelling, inspirational, faith-based reading material into the hands and hearts of the hurting, initially in the various federal, state, and local prison systems.

SUPPORTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE

We provide resources, assistance, support, and ultimately help people re-establish themselves as productive and positive members of society. Working with system administrators and chaplain services, the HSP seeks measurable outcomes of positive change in the individuals it strives to serve.

Our mission is inspired by the power of Psalms 40:1-3 and it is dedicated to its purpose of coming alongside those who are in devastating life-changing circumstances.

The main focus of the Project is to distribute compelling, inspirational, faith-based reading material into the hands and hearts of the hurting, initially in the various federal, state, and local prison systems.

Articles

Breaking Down Barriers for Education in Prison

The topic of education in prisons is one that is often overlooked, but it is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The "Human Spirit Project" aims to break down barriers to...

How Can We Make Prisons Less Isolating?

There are several strategies that can be used to make prisons less isolating for individuals who are incarcerated: Encouraging communication and connectionThis can include providing opportunities...