Board Chair

Biography

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.

Outreach & Education Engagement Coordinator
syerger@dallashopecharities.org

Biography

Sidney Yerger joined the Dallas Hope Charities team in the spring of 2021 out of a passion for improving equity and equality in marginalized communities. She moved to Dallas after coordinating events in her hometown of San Diego and graduating from the University of California – San Diego with a B.A. in Communications.

Sidney hopes to strengthen DHC’s offerings as a way to increase access to LGBTQ+ inclusive basic needs services while decreasing homophobia and transphobia in Dallas. She is proud to have launched Collective Hope Coalition, Hopeful Discussions, and Safe Place since coming on board. Through such programming, she envisions a community where every person is securely and comfortably housed.

Alongside her community engagement and outreach, she enjoys soaking up all that DFW has to offer. When she’s not instilling Hope for All, Sidney loves reading, watching movies, and cuddling with her cat, Josie.

Manager of Marketing & Operations
coates@dallashopecharities.org

Biography

Ciera Oates initially joined Dallas Hope Charities in early 2021 as a way to be a part of something bigger and give back to the LGBTQ+ community. 

Ciera has a background in project coordination and received a BA in graphic design from the Arts Institute of Dallas. Using her creative eye, initiative, and passion, she consistently develops DHC’s branding standards to improve the experience of all who come into contact with the organization. A jack of all trades with a servant’s heart, she eagerly assists with any given tasks and enjoys taking the lead on various DHC efforts. 

Originally from Oklahoma, Ciera has considered herself as an OK-Texan since she moved here in 2004. Without any OU or OSU affiliation, she’s happy to avoid the states’ football rivalries. When she’s not streamlining or designing, Ciera enjoys relaxing with her partner and their two dogs.

Chief Executive Officer
tperry@dallashopecharities.org

Biography

Tamika Perry transitioned into the role of CEO at Dallas Hope Charities in 2021 following her contributions as a volunteer, intern, and then House Manager. She welcomes the opportunity to directly serve the LGBTQ+ community after 25 years of nonprofit experience primarily in Chicago, where she expanded service programs at Gilda’s Club, Vital Bridges, and Catholic Charities, as well as obtained a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institute. More recently, Tamika developed partnerships and community engagement as Highland Park United Methodist Church’s Impact Coordinator. 

Tamika grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois with her mother and two sisters. Committed to paying it forward, Tamika seeks to share the many skills she’s learned from her family and ultimately create an environment that feels like home for both DHC’s clients and staff. Grateful to work alongside some of those who have been involved since the organization’s beginnings, Tamika is motivated by DHC’s board, staff, and volunteers—all of whom consistently prove their dedication to DHC’s mission.

When she’s not building partnerships or planning events, Tamika enjoys playing video games and staying active. Most of all, Tamika loves spending time with her partner of more than 20 years, who consistently pushes her to become the best version of herself.