Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Prince
Hi Brandon , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Brandon Prince: Director of Hope for Youth Houston
Brandon Prince’s journey to becoming Director of Hope for Youth Houston is a story of resilience, faith, and determination against incredible odds. Born in Beaumont, Texas, and moving to Houston in 2005, Brandon grew up in a world shadowed by hardship, homelessness, and child abuse. His childhood, much of which he spent at the Star of Hope homeless shelter in Houston, was marked by trauma, especially the absence of a father figure, and the daily struggles of navigating a life that felt unstable and lonely.
In the midst of these challenges, Hope for Youth Houston provided Brandon with a lifeline. Through the organization, he found a safe space to grow and experience the support and mentorship he desperately needed. Hope for Youth’s long-term Christian mentorship, college and career readiness programs, and opportunities for growth through summer camps, retreats, weekly mentorship, and educational field trips became instrumental in shaping his character and ambition. These experiences not only allowed him to dream of a brighter future but also instilled a sense of belonging and hope that was otherwise absent in his young life.
In 2015, Brandon’s dedication paid off when he was accepted to college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a $120,000 academic scholarship—a lifeline that allowed him to escape the toxic environment he grew up in. As the first college football player to graduate from his high school, and alluded to as a standout in his class, Brandon embraced this new chapter with gratitude and pride, recognizing it as his chance to build a different life. Football provided him a path to excellence, and college gave him the foundation to begin rewriting his future.
Life after graduation came with its own set of trials, including a diagnosis of diabetes and a short return to homelessness. Yet Brandon’s faith and determination never wavered. Guided by a purpose greater than himself, he returned to Houston, where he assumed leadership of the very organization that once saved him. Today, as the Director of Hope for Youth Houston, Brandon dedicates his life to providing hope and opportunity to disadvantaged youth, embodying the same mentorship and compassion that transformed his own life. His story is a powerful reminder that with faith, resilience, and the right support, any obstacle can be overcome.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Leading Hope For Youth has been quite a journey you would say because I inherited an organization that had great history but needed to evolve and that’s what I believe. God has called me to Hope for you to do.. That has looked like rebranding the entire organization, creating a new logo, an updated website reinventing our marketing strategy for youth and volunteers , and donors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Director of Hope For Youth Houston. Hope For Youth is a 32 year old organization that was founded by Wendy Dewlwn from second Baptist Church. Her heart was to work with this advantage and Aris youth at the Star of Hope, which branched out to serving youth across our city. Hope For Youth is dedicated to offering long-term Christian mentorship through College And Career Readiness weekly programming fellowship Friday night refresh, summer camps, and retreats, and, changing educational field trips
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I always tend to watch podcast about leadership, serving others and growing brands. However, I will also say that my most important book that I’ve read is the Bible. That may seem cliché to some, but for myself, Jesus is the ultimate serving leader that I want to reflect
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hopeforyouth.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeforyouthhouston/profilecard/?igsh=MXgxc2d0YWd3eWxtdQ==
