On Friday, December 6th, we had the immense pleasure of celebrating our very own Sidney Yerger, who was honored with the Community Ally Award at the first-ever Dallas World AIDS Day event hosted by Dallas Health and Human Services and the Dallas HIV Task Force. This prestigious award recognizes individuals outside the HIV community who make significant contributions as allies, providing vital support to those in need. Sidney, nominated by her peers, embodies this spirit of allyship through her tireless dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity.
Sidney’s impact reaches far and wide. As the Outreach and Education Engagement Manager at Dallas Hope Charities, she consistently advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Her work bridges gaps, builds understanding, and creates meaningful change—making her a force for hope and transformation.
This award is one of many accolades Sidney has earned for her exceptional commitment to serving others. She is a proud graduate of the Leadership Institute, a program by the LGBTQ Chamber Foundation designed to empower leaders within the LGBTQIA+ community. Her participation in this program has further fueled her passion for championing inclusivity and fostering equity in every facet of her work.
Earlier this year, Sidney was also named Equity Champion of the Year by Housing Forward’s All Neighbors Coalition. This honor highlighted her outstanding contributions to advancing equity in housing and supporting those experiencing homelessness—underscoring her unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for all.
Sidney’s work has always centered on uplifting marginalized voices and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. At Dallas Hope Charities, she leads initiatives that educate and engage the community, from workshops on allyship and inclusivity to partnerships that promote safety and belonging for LGBTQIA+ youth. Her role exemplifies the essence of what it means to be an ally: showing up, speaking out, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Sidney’s recognition as a Community Ally serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and hope. We are so proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the passion and leadership she brings to our organization every day. Her contributions inspire us all to strive for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Please join us in congratulating Sidney Yerger on this well-deserved honor. Her work reminds us that allyship is not just about standing in solidarity but actively working to create a world where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
Together, let’s continue to celebrate and uplift the incredible individuals like Sidney who make our community stronger.
© 2026 | Dallas Hope Charities
With over seven years of experience as a civil engineer, Hector Pietro designs roadways, pedestrian and bike facilities, and stormwater systems that support safety, economic development, and sustainability in the community. In 2024, he was selected to join the Communities Foundation of Texas’s Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Cohort, which inspired him to pursue a deeper impact in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Hector felt compelled to join an organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, and affirming services to LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. The mission of Dallas Hope Charities—instilling dignity, stability, and hope—immediately resonated, and he knew he had to be part of it.
Impact and Passion
Hector is excited to serve on the Dallas Hope Charities Board of Directors alongside a group of passionate leaders with deep experience expanding the organization’s reach to LGBTQIA+ youth. He thrives in spaces filled with accomplished, driven individuals and was drawn to the board after reviewing data on DHC’s community impact. He firmly believes that loving those in need while they are learning to love themselves is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a community.
Fun and Personal Touch
Hector taught himself to decorate sugar cookies using royal icing by watching TikTok videos—and has since become quite skilled, considering each one a miniature, edible work of art.
Favorite Quote: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
He hopes to see the Hope Center’s capacity expand and believes that can happen by increasing community awareness about the urgent need for DHC’s services—ultimately inspiring more donors and volunteers to take action. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, Hector is motivated to help drive that growth.
