Let me introduce you to one of the most inspirational individuals you will ever come in contact with Dennis Wallace, Jr. Mr. Wallace is the second of four children born to Dennis & Darlene Wallace on March 25, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan. Dennis faced heartache at a very early age with the murder of his mother, Darlene, at age 5 and the murder of his father, Dennis Sr., at age 6. This is where Dennis first entered into the “system”, after spending several years at one the many state orphanages’ and foster homes, he went to relatives. Dennis was no longer a young impressionable child but had become harden and tough, the effects of growing up earlier than any child should have to.
Dennis obtained his High School Diploma in 1986 from Mumford High School, even with being shuffled from one institution to the next, i.e. Don Bosco, Camp Highfields, Todd Phillips, Adrian Boys Training School, Boys and Girls Republic… After High School, Dennis enlisted in the US Army where he developed his leadership skills and discipline. Dennis is married to Sharone Wallace and the Father of Jessica, Dennis III, Stephen and Nadia. Dennis graduated with his Bachelors of Science degree in Theology from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. April 1999.
During his tenure at Oakwood University, Dennis was very active in the community, even to the point of starting his own non-profit organization, entitled “Because He Lives Ministries, LLC” where he served as President. BLC provided after school tutoring, empowerment seminars and the 1st annual Family Fun Day in the low economic neighborhood of Meadow Hills.
In March of 2002, Dennis was arrested for the distribution and manufacturing of a controlled substance which led to a sentence of 10-40 years. During his prison term, he choose to do everything he could to ensure that upon release he would not be the same person as when he came. He attended any class offered that he was eligible for, including but not limited to N.A. and Parenting Classes. His most difficult and most rewarding time came when he joined the R.S.A.T. program. This programmed challenged Dennis to discover the root of the choices in life he made that brought him to prison. He accepted the challenge and at the end of the six month program was asked to give the graduation speech.
Dennis paroled 5 years into his sentence March 2007 and proved his determination to not return the same. Dennis has worked as a case manager, job employability skills liaison and triage coordinator. However, the titles do not do him justice for he has been more than that, just ask any of the clients that have crossed his path. Dennis goes above and beyond what is asked of him, making himself available to his clients 24/7. He is a, a counselor, an employability skills trainer, job developer and so much more. He is giving back not in just words but also in deeds. Dennis’ ideal of community activism begins with his dream of resuscitating the communities he poisoned with the death he has sold since his youth; Breathing back life into communities, one family at a time, on job at a time. This goal to return ex-offenders, displaced homemakers and welfare recipients to self-sufficiency is only a small part of his attempt to pay what he owes.
Dennis has conducted Seminars/Workshops for Pre-Release Programs. He is also traveled across the United States doing public speaking in various venues.
For more information on Dennis’ availability for workshops and public speaking engagements please email dennis_wallacejr@yahoo.com
