For most people, a life-altering accident would be enough to make them give up. But Van Brooks is not most people. Brooks has taken a tough situation and turned it into a fulfilling life purpose. “It’s definitely been a tough journey,” Brooks said. “I've become independent. I'm completely independent, which was my initial goal for years. Once I achieved that, I switched over to learn just to get back walking.” And Brooks has come a long way already. Brooks was playing in a high school football game for Loyola more than a decade ago when he collided with another player, breaking his neck. The accident left him paralyzed. Years of hard work and dedication through therapy and training made him relatively independent. “There's no goal like wanting to walk again,” Vickie McHugh, Brooks’ trainer said. “And so every time he comes here, it’s like he is working for the World Cup or whatever.” While working toward his physical goals, Brooks got his degree in communications from Towson University. Two years ago, he opened the Safe Center in west Baltimore. “Everyone here is always friendly,” eighth-grader Corey Bowden said. “They're always working with us. We know we can trust them. We can come here and trust them. We can actually be safe in the Safe Center." Bowden is one of the middle school students who attends the Safe Center every day after school. The students are exposed to new experiences and educational outings. But they also get help on day-to-day tasks like homework. “It helps you with math work you probably wouldn't know, and they set you to a good way, like if you're in trouble or not doing good in school, they'll help you through,” eighth-grader Theodore Burrell said. Brooks and several volunteer mentors help the students identify and reach their individual academic goals. The students listen and connect with Brooks because he grew up and still lives in the same neighborhood. Brooks hopes his story will show them that they can do whatever they set their minds to do. “I'm just like them,” Brooks said. “I'm a kid from their community who went through some of the obstacles they went through. Being from the community and I persevered through it all, and not just persevered through what it takes to make it through the community, but persevered through my injury as well.” “I see him as my role model,” Bowden said. “He doesn't let his disability stop him from what he wants to do. He used to say, ‘A man is not defeated when he loses. He's defeated when he gives up.’” For Brooks, it is clear now that this is what he was destined to do: Inspire the youth in his community and help them create their own success stories. “I feel as though it’s my purpose again, reflecting back on my journey everything that led up to this point,” Brook said. Walking unassisted is a long-term goal. But in the meantime, Brooks is still moving forward.