FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As a former gang leader Beni was intimately familiar with the challenges that people in urban communities struggle with. After experiencing his own radical transformation he devoted his life to helping others experience the same freedom and established Hope4DaHood in 2009. For over 15 years, Beni has been turning dope dealers into hope dealers. He has led community initiatives to bring peace and unity among different warring gangs, reconciliation between racial and ethnic groups, and provide meaningful support and resources to those in the hood. Additionally, Beni is also a rapper who shares encouraging lyrics and invites others to find creative and artistic outlets. He is a lifelong student of leadership and believes that the impossible is only a matter of perspective and time.

Program Director

Simon Balderas, born in Wichita, KS, has a deep passion for serving the urban community. Once caught in a lifestyle of drugs and drinking, Simon experienced a life-changing transformation when he fully devoted his life to Christ. Now, as the Program Director at Hope 4 Da Hood, he is committed to mentoring, uplifting, and equipping individuals to break cycles of brokenness and build a brighter future. A college graduate from Emporia State University, Simon actively serves both in the community and the church, striving to see lives and neighborhoods in Wichita transformed through faith, service, and love.

TyJuan “Ty” Davis is a living testament to transformation and resilience. From ages 16 to 35, his life was marked by addiction, prison, and gang involvement—but his story didn’t end there. After finding Christ, Ty discovered a new purpose: to guide others out of hopelessness through faith, community, and the power of storytelling. He is the author of The Change Within Me and We Are MADE: From the Past for Our Future and continues to help others share their own journeys as a ghostwriter and journalist for The Community Voice and The Shout. Beyond writing, Ty serves as an event planner, peer support specialist, and Urban Impact leader, creating spaces where people can heal and grow. A proud graduate of Getting Ahead and Spark, as well as a Getting Ahead facilitator and Spero participant, he embodies what it means to rise above adversity, and today his mission is to show that with Christ and community, lasting change is always possible.

From the depths of addiction and the streets, Tony Cline’s story is one of radical transformation and redemption.
Today, Tony serves as an Urban Impact Leader for Hope for the Hood, where he brings hope, healing, and truth to those battling addiction, poverty, and despair. With authenticity born from experience, he reaches hearts others can’t, proving that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.

Kendale Deon Scott (“KD da Bigg Homie”) is a Long Beach–born, faith-driven community leader and music artist. A survivor of gang life and 15 gunshot wounds, Urban Impact Leader..ect...with Hope 4 da Hood. Founder of Hope House and guiding men from addiction, prison, and trauma into stable, purpose-driven lives through housing, mentorship, and creative outreach.

George Scott spent over 30 years trapped in addiction and gang banging, cycling through prisons in four different states. At one point, he was facing 194 months behind bars. But it was in that darkness that George surrendered his life to God—and everything changed. Today, instead of chasing the streets, he’s chasing purpose. As a Tech Team Leader, Urban Impact Leader, and self-proclaimed “Flesh Killer,” George is committed to serving others and pointing them to the same hope that set him free. In his own words: “I flipped the ‘C’ from Crip to CHRIST—same letter, NEW LIFE! I traded the corner for the cross!”

Peazy Villarreal is a dedicated Urban Impact Leader committed to transforming lives. With a heart for the broken and a testimony of God’s grace, Peazy leads by example—showing that true impact begins with personal growth and surrender. His journey of working on himself and seeing the evidence of change fuels his passion to walk alongside others in theirs. A proud graduate of Wichita State Tech University and a Dean’s List honoree, he brings both academic achievement and real-world compassion to his work. Whether through community outreach, mentoring young men, or equipping families with resources, Peazy’s mission is clear: to be a vessel of hope, love, and transformation in the city. WE OUT HERE.

Ronald Allen Bailey, 58, was born and raised in Wichita, KS, as the seventh of eight children in a family of limited means. From a young age, he knew God and carried a spiritual soul, but his journey took many difficult turns. After working in aircraft and investing in real estate as a landlord, Ronald fell into drug use, first with cocaine and later methamphetamines, which ultimately led to legal troubles, time in county jail, and multiple prison sentences. Despite losing much of his worldly possessions, Ronald recognizes that God used those seasons to teach him patience, humility, and the truth that nothing is gained apart from Him. Now walking in sobriety, he is deeply grateful for the support of his Christian brothers and sisters—especially Beni Santibanez with Hope4daHood and Todd Carter with Pathway—who have been instrumental in his transformation. Ronald gives all glory to Jesus Christ for the redemption, hope, and new life he now lives.

I’m Violet Deluna, working in sales at a packaging supply chain company, with a passion for helping others and excellent customer service. Originally from West Texas, I grew up with a Mexican mother and a Texan father.
My childhood was challenging, especially after my parents' divorce. I cared for my younger brothers while we lived in Mexico, then returned to the U.S. at 14, facing difficulties with my father and stepmother.
I later settled with my mother in Kansas, married my ex-husband, and raised our children. Despite struggles, I focused on being a responsible mother. My relationship with God has been essential in my life. Now, I’m grateful for the community at Hope For The Hood church, where I volunteer and foster connections, committed to creating a close-knit environment for my family.

Martha Maxine is a Chicana on a powerful journey of transformation, becoming the best version of herself through healing, faith, and sobriety. Becoming the woman she was always meant to be. As a single mother, her struggles have shaped her into someone fearless, and full of faith. Through God’s grace and the support of her Hope for the Hood family and sisters in Christ, she has found love, belonging, and renewed purpose. Now stepping boldly into her calling as an Urban Impact Leader, Martha is driven to bring the transformative power of the Gospel to her community. Her life is a living testimony that it’s never too late to be made new. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she continues to grow as a devoted mother, a fearless woman of God, and a vessel of hope for those who follow. Her story is not just a comeback, it’s a calling

I am Rosa Molina-Frayre
I was blessed to be born into faith. At the age of 12, I first connected with the Holy Spirit at summer church camp and that bond has never been broken. As a young woman, I strayed many times and found myself in life threatening situations; yet, The Good Lord showed up and saved me from myself each time. I finally recognized His infinite Grace and Mercy; so, I set the world aside and dedicated myself to becoming a humble servant. As a woman of God, I enjoy telling the world about Our Savior Jesus Christ; so that, all may know Him and enjoy the Peace that Salvation brings.

Olivia Villarreal serves as an Urban Impact leader, alongside her husband Peazy Villarreal. Olivia’s testimony is rooted in her own journey of personal growth — learning, healing, and working on herself daily. She has seen firsthand how inner transformation creates outward impact, and she shares that hope with others through her leadership and service
Olivia has dedicated her life to empowering others through mentorship, service, and leadership development. She brings a balance of professionalism and authenticity, or as she likes to say....a little hood - a little Holy.