Resident lived with abusive family members, survived suicide attempt, pursues nursing education
Moving is an inherent part of Brian’s life. Brian grew up in three different states but calls Chicago home. He graduated high school in Atlanta and is a Certified Nursing Assistant. He got kicked out of his home only three days after starting his new job as a Med Tech Overnight Floor Manager at an assisted living facility. His grandfather had just passed away and the grief drove Brian’s mother to finally kick him and his sister out.
Since Brian’s mom had remarried when he was 16 years old, home didn’t feel safe anyway. His mom and sister were physically abused by his new stepdad. The new father figure influenced Brian’s mom to convert religions – something that had once been a core part of her identity and lifestyle, now completely changed.
”I don’t want to say he stole my mom from me, but he definitely has her under his arm,” Brian said. “The fact that he put his hands on my mom and my sister while I wasn’t there in the household or where no other man was to be seen, it kind of says a lot about who he is.”
Brian made his first suicide attempt after his mom and stepdad found out that he liked boys. The living situation was already unstable, but they didn’t treat Brian well after realizing he was queer and his mental health challenges became too overwhelming. Brian was in a coma for 3 days after the attempt and spent time in a mental health hospital.
“I agreed to myself years ago when I woke up out of that coma that I wasn’t going to do that [ AGAIN ].
“I agreed to myself years ago when I woke up out of that coma that I wasn’t going to do that anyway,” Brian said. “So I was like, you know what, just remove yourself from the situation, something better will come for you.”
After being kicked out, Brian stayed with his grandmother in Dallas-Fort Worth but she gave up her apartment soon after that. The two moved into Brian’s aunt’s house. Brian had stayed with his aunt in the past but she was a different person after the death of Brian’s grandfather.
“You know it’s bad when you’re drinking if you try to hide it from any of your family members,” Brian said. “This lady will kill a whole bottle of Smirnoff.”
Brian’s grandfather died after waiting for a kidney transplant but Brian’s aunt would accuse his grandmother of killing his grandfather once she started drinking. This blame for his death caused excessive tension in the household.
“My grandfather’s death, that’s really taking a toll on [her] because not only did she sound like my mom at one point… it just woke up all my past trauma, she was acting like her too,” Brian said. “They all carried the trace of my grandfather. And my grandfather, he could be mean and sometimes and snappy.”
Then in the middle of the night, Brian’s aunt became angry and started to kick and throw her pets across the room while Brian and his grandma sheltered in a bedroom together. Soon enough her accusations to Brian’s grandmother of his grandfather’s murder became death threats towards Brian’s grandmother.
“She grabbed a knife and she was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to kill you,’” Brian said. “I was just like, oh, my God, to my 70-something-year-old grandmother, are you serious? You’re a nurse too. And this? Are you – what’s going on?”
“I’ve been begging for this… since i’ve been in an abusve household. So don’t give up. Keep going, keep searching. There’s resources out there.”
Brian had already started looking for shelters long before that night and he was ready to leave. This living situation felt similar to the events that led to his suicide attempt back in Atlanta so he knew it was time to go. Brian went with his grandmother to a hotel and then stayed at his cousin’s apartment.
“[My cousin] doesn’t live with {my aunt] either, because he’s been through the things that I’ve been through with my mom in the past,” Brian said. “He’s been through the shit I’ve been through already, so he knows what I need.”
Brian lived with his cousin for less than a month before he was accepted and moved into the Hope Center.
“I have somewhere safe to stay, and a foundation and also having a support team behind me,” Brian said. “[Moving in] was nostalgic to me. That would be a day I won’t ever forget.”
During his time at the Hope Center, Brian started pursuing a higher education through online classes and got a job where he made close connections with his co-workers.
Brian already had his Med Tech License and is a Certified Nursing Assistant so when he got the opportunity to work at a behavioral health hospital, it opened his eyes to another career route he’s passionate about. During his time there, he worked with adolescents supporting mental health services and is now interested in becoming a mental health nurse practitioner.
“never [ had ] i thought that the SITUATION i’ve been through would allow me to still be who i am todAy.”
“Younger generations can really look up to me because never [had] I thought that the situation I’ve been through would allow me to still be who I am today,” Brian said. “Being 19 years old, going through all of this, I will say it has been a journey. I didn’t give up and I am here for it and I’m ready to take it on full blast.”
Having personal experience in a mental health behavioral hospital, Brian brings a deeper understanding and perspective to the position.
“I try to be as connected to someone else as I am with myself,” Brian said. “I like to treat everyone like they’re human… I love doing things like that with people and making a good impact on people’s lives and just being a good spirit to be around.”
Brian cares deeply about human connection and he brings that core value into every aspect of his life.
“Before I even came or even thought I would be here, I’ve always wanted to open up a homeless shelter for kids that were going through stuff like the things that I was going through myself,” Brian said.
Brian plans to enroll in college for an Associate of Applied Science to become a registered nurse. His next step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s to eventually become a nurse practitioner or mental health nurse practitioner. His experience as a patient in recovery taught him what it looks like to be a quality nurse.
“I would say I had a good staff, but it was some nurses and some staff who just didn’t care and it [made] you feel like you still weren’t being seen or heard,” Brian said. ”I can do that in the future years- be able to give back and help kids become better versions of themselves.”
Brian is naturally independent and goal-driven, but Dallas Hope Charities was able to provide him with the stability and resources necessary for a solid foundation for transitioning into adulthood and independent living.
“If there is anyone else out there who is looking for that help or just need[s] the peace of mind from whatever situation they’re in, reach out for help because it’s there,” Brian said. “I’ve been begging for this, something like this… since I was 16, maybe a little bit before that, since I’ve been in an abusive household. So don’t give up. Keep going, keep searching. There’s resources out there,”
Board of Directors, Board Chair
Before being asked to serve as the Board Chairman, Rex had been a member of Dallas Hope Charities’ board since April 2021. A recurring investor in media and emerging technologies, Rex seems to prefer working behind the scenes. He has consistently poured his resources into companies, individuals, charitable organizations, and civic causes alike out of his love for the city of Dallas and heart for serving the community.
He envisions the role of board chair as primarily a supportive one. Rex sees Dallas Hope Charities’ CEO, Tamika Perry, as a strong leader and looks forward to working closely with her on expanding the transitional housing program and various programmatic partnerships.
Addressing the recent renovation of the Hope Center—DHC’s transitional living center—Rex stated “the hope is we’ve renovated a place where our participants can really get a firm footing, get involved in the programs that we offer, and have a great launching pad for their lives.
Rex knows firsthand the impact that a safe, affirming house can provide. For over 20 years he and his partner Chris personally opened their home to folks in need of a place. Through word of mouth and referrals, Rex and Chris provided housing and mentorship while the individuals went through school, securing a profession, or simply stabilizing their life. Reflecting on it, Rex’s smile continues to grow, and you can sense the support and affection he must have for these friends, mentees and in some cases, chosen family.
When asked why he freely gives so much of his time and energy, Rex puts it simply: “I care about the impact we can make in a life and our city by what we do.” While Rex shares that his family was supportive when he came out as gay, there were still identity struggles to contend with, so his care runs deep in lived experience. “I care about the fact that some of our LGBTQ+ community is suffering. I’ve been there. It’s very difficult to know that we have human beings that are struggling with the kinds of things they are, and you really want the best for them, quickly. Sometimes it takes longer than expected so we must have patience.”
When Rex and his partner Chris find downtime, they enjoy family, travel, gathering with friends, attending artistic events, and eating out at locally owned restaurants. Naturally, everything comes back to community.
Board of Directors
John Walls is a highly accomplished senior communications executive with a distinguished career in corporate and brand public relations. Based in Dallas, TX, John has excelled in the public and private sectors, driving strategic communications plans that directly support business objectives. With expertise in various areas such as communications strategy, brand management, crisis communications, and thought leadership strategy, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Currently, John serves as Principal and Chief Communications Strategist at JWPR, LLC (www.jwpr.co), where he provides strategic communications counsel to corporate, start-up, and non-profit clients across industries such as retail, technology, travel and hospitality, and ophthalmic optics and visual health. He immerses himself in clients’ businesses to provide tailored communications solutions and collaborates effectively with internal teams, external partners, and vendors to execute comprehensive strategies. His expertise lies in leadership profile development, strategic media relations, and communications and content strategy.
Before his current role, John was Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Content Strategy at Neiman Marcus Group. In this role, he oversaw integrated corporate, crisis, brand, and internal communications, strengthening corporate and brand equity for the organization and its luxury retail brands. He successfully positioned Neiman Marcus Group as an innovative and digital organization, promoting key initiatives and managing milestone events. John also provided ongoing media training to executives, conducted ongoing risk assessments for the organization, and directed corporate thought leadership efforts.
Before joining Neiman Marcus Group, John was Hilton’s Director of Brand Public Relations, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands. In this role, he led all media relations efforts for Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, driving global luxury traveler preference and consideration. He oversaw brand experience programs and successfully launched Canopy by Hilton, positioning Hilton as a transformative organization in the lifestyle hotel segment. John also played a key role in the launch of LXR Hotels & Resorts and managed multi-million-dollar budgets supporting the brands.
John’s professional journey also includes significant contributions at Hampton by Hilton, Cohn & Wolfe, Match.com, Golin Inc., and Paige Hendricks Public Relations Inc. He holds a Master of Professional Studies in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising from Texas Christian University.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, John Walls is deeply committed to volunteerism and community engagement. He has dedicated his time and expertise to various organizations, including and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community, making a positive impact on important causes. As an Advocate at Dallas CASA for two years, he worked tirelessly to support and advocate for children in the foster care system, working directly on cases and ensuring that the children’s voices and needs were heard and met. John also served as a Board Member at Fashion Group International, Inc., for a two-year term, where he contributed his strategic insights and industry knowledge to promote the growth and development of the fashion industry. At Team DC, a charitable organization established to educate the LGBTQ+ community on the benefits of individual and team sports participation, he sat on the Board and held the role of Development Chair for a two-year term. Additionally, John was an active member of the Event Planning Committee at Black Tie Dinner, Inc., contributing to the organization’s efforts to raise funds and awareness for human rights causes. His volunteerism highlights his dedication to making a difference in the community and supporting organizations that strive for positive change.
John has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including three coveted NMG Best Awards, Georgetown University’s “Hoya Professional 30” recognition, and the Hilton Circle of Excellence Corporate PR Director of the Year accolade. With his extensive expertise in communications strategy, team development, and professional storytelling, John continues to significantly impact the field of communications, driving successful initiatives that support business growth and enhance brand reputation.
Board of Directors
Roscoe Compton-Kelly has served as a Board Member of Dallas Hope Charities since 2018, in roles as board chair and board member. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth and providing resources, specifically for the LGBTQIA+ homeless population. Roscoe also supports the efforts of Dallas Hope Charities and many other LGBTQIA+ nonprofits as his alter ego, Shantae Morgan. As Shantae, Roscoe has raised thousands of dollars for local North Texas LGBTQIA+ organizations over the last 7 years.
In his formal day role, Roscoe Compton-Kelly serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Education Opens Doors, leading strategic partnership efforts and donor relations for both earned and philanthropic efforts. In his role as CEO, he leads the cultivation, relationship management and strategy around EOD partners and donors.
A Texas native Compton-Kelly, and his husband Brian, an educator in the Dallas area, are actively involved in the Dallas community. Roscoe not only serves on the board of Dallas Hope Charities, but is also a Board Member for LGBT Outdoors, and a singing board member of the world-renowned Turtle Creek Chorale.
Board of Directors
Brandon Poland (he, him) has been providing marketing and business development in the behavioral health field for the past six years with a focus on mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Prior to that, he worked for the State of Texas for many years in criminal justice and investigations. His mission has always been to be a safe and sane person for people who are seeking help. Brandon strives to be part of the light at the end of the tunnel for those that he works with, both professionally and personally. Brandon has also had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Dallas Hope Charities since 2021, which provides transitional living and empowerment services to LGTBQ+ young adults facing homelessness.
Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Heather Bonfield is an accomplished Executive Coach who is passionate about her clients’ successes in the workplace. Seeing the growth of her clients as they discover more about themselves and what they want from their careers fuels her enthusiasm for coaching and training. Heather’s experience as an executive in Fortune 150 companies as well as an entrepreneur with numerous ventures gives her a unique perspective on what questions to ask to help clients tap into their potential while co-creating positive change.
Heather Bonfield is a:
Heather holds a BBA in Finance from the Texas McCombs School of Business as well as an Organizational Improvement Certificate from the Human Dimensions of Organizations department of The College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. Heather has a fervor for
philanthropic work including fundraising, volunteering, and board service. She has served on numerous boards including The Junior League of Dallas, Dallas Hope Charities, The Texas Exes, and many more.
Heather is a graduate of the T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute, the ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute, and Leadership Dallas, the Dallas region’s premier leadership program. Heather is a member of the International Coaching Federation’s Global and North Texas chapters.
Visit www.beyourbestatwork.net to learn more about Heather and her work.
Lisa Stewart retired as the Director of Outreach at Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) in December 2021 after taking this position in July 2011, Lisa also worked as a program coordinator in the Youth Ministry at HPUMC for 4 years.
Lisa has a BA in Religious Education and a BA in Psychology from Centenary College of Louisiana. She has an MS in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She
has previously worked at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.
Before coming to joining the HPUMC staff in May 2007, Lisa was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. During that time Lisa was active as a volunteer at HPUMC and in the community as well as in her daughters’ schools. Lisa has served on the Board of Directors at CitySquare and Dallas Hope Charities.
As a person of faith, Lisa believes that local faith communities should work to fight poverty and promote justice. She hopes by her serving with Dallas Hope Charities that she can bring more faith-based organizations to support Dallas Hope Charities and work to repair some of the harm that has been done by some faith communities to the LGBTQIA+ community. All people are children of God and should feel the love of God expressed through communities of faith.
In her role at HPUMC, Tamika Perry was Lisa’s colleague. Lisa believes Tamika is the right person to lead Dallas Hope Charities and hopes to support her in her work by
serving on the Board.
She is married to Ken and together they have three daughters and two adorable grandchildren. They enjoy travel and family time at the lake.
Housing Program Manager
jtorres@dallashopecharities.
Biography
Jordan Rodriguez Torres joined the Dallas Hope Charities team in the summer of 2023 to become more involved with the LGBTQIA+ community. They have a passion for helping others and have been able to assist with a variety of individuals including special education programs in school districts, caregiving for geriatrics in assisted living facilities, foster care, and The Department of Family and Protective Services.
Jordan has a background in behavior management and received a BS in Applied Behavioural Analysis from Purdue Global. Their partner has experienced homelessness in the past, thus Jordan has a drive to assist those in the LGBTQIA+ community so that the impact of homelessness can have a lessened effect on them. They are committed to serving Dallas Hope Charities housing program by helping it grow and thrive amidst this political climate.
Jordan was born an Airforce Brat, as others would call it, in England and have lived in several states in North America before settling in Texas. When they are not growing DHC’s housing program, you can find them playing Magic: The Gathering at their favorite game stores, or at home with their partners and dogs, playing video games, board games, or watching anime.
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