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.

From the depths of addiction and the streets, Tony Cline’s story is one of radical transformation and redemption.
Today, Tony serves Captain 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.

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.

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. Rosa serves as a Captain Urban Impact Leader.

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.

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.

Rebuilding is more than a word to me—it’s my life. I am a survivor of domestic violence, addiction, and homelessness, and a single mother of six. Five years ago, I left an abusive marriage with nothing, including temporary separation from my daughters. After reaching my lowest point, I entered a shelter, where I gained custody of my three daughters. Though we faced setbacks and returned to the shelter, I chose faith over fear. Through prayer, community, and learning to access resources, my life was transformed. Today, we have been stably housed for over a year. I am sober, we have a vehicle, I have graduated from multiple programs, and been baptized. We found family, support and purpose through Hope 4 Da Hood. I am passionate about sharing my testimony to remind others that with God first, knowledge of resources, and hard work, rebuilding is possible.

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.

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.