Our journey, our mission, and the home we’ve built.
Guiding Principles for Lasting Change
Our Values
Victory House is built on the values of accountability, structure, faith, and community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe space where residents can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives.
Our History
The bittersweet beginning
Victory House has a bittersweet beginning, but its story is one of faith, perseverance, and transformation. What started as a vision to provide a safe space for recovery has grown into a thriving sober living home that continues to impact lives.
A Vision Rooted in Faith (2019)
Victory House was founded on 1 September 2019 by Ivan Philip, who described it as "A ministry inspired by love and powered by God." Tragically, just six weeks later, on 30 October 2019, Ivan passed away in his sleep.
Despite this heartbreaking loss, his mother and financial counterpart, Telgie Brink, stepped in as the custodian of Victory House, determined to keep the mission alive. She appointed Terry Grimbeek as House Manager, who had been invited by Ivan to join the leadership team just three weeks before his passing.
Victory House opened its doors to 36 residents in a house in Raslow, formerly used by employees of Moeggesukkel. Ivan and Jacques Papenfus, CEO of Moeggesukkel, shared a vision—helping recovering addicts regain their dignity through employment and economic participation. Residents found work in Ivan’s 3D Art and Framing business, while others were employed at Moeggesukkel’s group skills development centres, which specialized in auto mechanics, panel beating, towing, and furniture removals.
Challenges & Growth (2020 – 2021)
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Victory House locked down with 30 residents. By the grace of God, not a single resident contracted the virus. This period strengthened the home’s sense of community and faith, proving that Victory House was more than just a facility—it was a household.
In 2021, Victory House relocated to 63 Skool Street in La Montagne, Pretoria East, moving to a smaller, more homely environment. This transition led to the creation of the "Sober Living Goal Plan," a structured approach addressing five key areas of life:
Spiritual
Strengthening faith and purpose
Physical
Prioritizing health and well-being
Social
Building supportive relationships
Emotional
Developing resilience and healing
Financial
Encouraging self-sufficiency and job readiness
A Hub for Growth & Transformation (2023 – 2024)
By 2023, Victory House had evolved into a development hub, helping residents transition into independent, sober living. In 2024, a major milestone was reached—it became a co-ed facility, welcoming its first female resident shortly before its 5th anniversary on 1 September 2024.
Victory House also became the launchpad for three new halfway houses, founded by former leaders:
Oasis House, Midrand – Opened by Terry Grimbeek in June 2021 but closed after his passing in 2022.
Saligna House, Donkerhoek – A co-ed facility founded in 2021 by Amanda and Vincent Pistorius.
House of Valour – Opened in 2023 by Juan Joubert, who moved to Mossel Bay to start a new life with his wife.
Over these years Victory House has helped:
164 residents rebuild their lives
17 former residents start their own businesses, some offering employment to current residents.
New Beginnings & Future Vision
(2025 and Beyond)
The first five years of Victory House were an emotional journey, filled with valuable lessons, challenges, and victories. When Ivan passed away, the focus was on keeping his legacy alive, but over time, Telgie Brink realized that his true legacy was not the house—it was in the lives he changed.
In 2025, Victory House entered a new era, implementing key changes to ensure long-term sustainability and impact:
New Leadership
Appointing a House Manager with experience in managing primary and secondary care facilities.
Expanding Our Reach
Partnering with a marketing company to grow awareness.
Self-Sufficiency & Sustainability
Introducing off-the-grid solutions and a sustainable living culture.
Stronger Community Networks
Decentralizing support services, counseling, and spiritual mentorship.
Financial Stability
Implementing financial structures that distinguish between business and charity.
Economic Empowerment
Encouraging residents to seek employment and develop career skills.
A Culture of Joy in Sobriety
Emphasizing that sober living is not just about discipline—it’s about enjoying life again.
What To Bring
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Scripts and medication for first month
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ID book and medical aid card
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Toiletries and stationary for first month
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Clothing for casual/daily wear
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Warm clothing for evenings and winter
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Footwear
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Sport shoes
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Swimming trunks or board shorts
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Two towels (for swimming and showering)
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Bible
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Reliable torch with additional batteries
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Linen for a single bed
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Mosquito repellent
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Suncscreen lotion
As Victory House continues to grow, its mission remains clear: To provide a safe, structured, and faith-driven environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and step into a future of lasting recovery.
“If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.”
– Jack Welch
The Victory House Team
Meet the People Who Guide the Journey
Telgie
CEO & Chairperson of the house committee
Geoff
House Manager
To maintain a safe and accountable living space, all residents must follow the house rules and requirements outlined below.
Residency Requirements
Commitment to Sobriety
Residents must be dedicated to maintaining a substance-free lifestyle and actively engage in their recovery journey.
Support Group Participation
Attendance at one external support group per week is mandatory for the first three months.
Church Attendance
Residents must attend at least one church service per week to encourage spiritual growth.
Accountability Partner
New residents are encouraged to find a sponsor or accountability partner within the first month.
Daily Structure
Residents must follow the house schedule, including devotions, meetings, and assigned duties.
Financial Responsibility
Fees must be paid in full and on time each month.
House Rules
Structure & Daily Responsibilities
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Chores & Cleanliness – Residents must keep personal and communal spaces clean, following the assigned duty roster.
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Curfew & Sleepouts – The house is locked at 10 PM, and any overnight stays must be pre-approved by leadership.
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Leaving & Returning – Residents must notify the WhatsApp group when leaving and returning to the house.
Zero Tolerance Policy
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No Drugs or Alcohol
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No Racism or Discrimination – Any form of hate speech, racism, or discrimination will result in immediate dismissal.
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No Violence or Theft – Physical or verbal abuse, threats, or stealing will not be tolerated.
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No Visitors in Bedrooms – Guests are welcome between 10 AM – 10 PM, but are not allowed in resident bedrooms.
Health & Wellness
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Drug Testing – Residents are subject to random screenings, with frequent testing for those who work and sleep out often.
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Physical Activity – A minimum of 40 minutes of daily exercise is required.
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Medical Care – Residents must manage their own prescriptions and medical appointments.