Q3: Twenty Years of Loving Neighbors & Showing Up for Olive Branch

If you’ve ever stepped foot at an Olive Branch Adopt-A-Block outreach, chances are you’ve felt the warm, encouraging presence of Brian Hodges. As our Olive Branch AAB Lead and a faithful DC Connector, Brian has spent decades advocating for families across DeSoto County. But long before the Dream Center existed in its current form, Brian’s heart for local ministry was sparked by a simple meal and a life-changing realization.

A Spark Right in His Backyard

Two decades ago, while traveling to a leadership conference with Compel Church's Lead Pastor, and DCDc Board Chairman Pastor Patrick, Brian listened as Pastor Patrick shared his deep passion for foreign missions. Having served in inner-city Memphis, Brian loved outreach but a local project shortly after hit closer to home than he ever expected.

While helping with a school outreach in Olive Branch, Brian was handing out Lenny’s boxed meals to local children. As he watched them eat, he noticed something that stopped him in his tracks: kids were sneaking extra boxes, hiding in gym corners, and eating as fast as they could.

"I realized right then that I couldn't ignore what was happening a mile from my home," Brian recalls. "I didn't even know there was poverty in Olive Branch at the time. So a group of us got together to discuss how to meet needs right here in our own community, and that became what was later known as DeSoto Grace."

That eye-opening moment launched a lifelong commitment to local outreach that eventually grew into the DeSoto County Dream Center we know today.

Relationship-First Leadership

For Brian, serving isn't just about handing out food, it’s about building genuine, lasting relationships. Whether he is leading teams on Saturday mornings as our Olive Branch AAB Lead or speaking to his local church as a DC Connector to plug new volunteers into the mission, Brian leads with intentionality, kindness, and a deep sense of grace.

He has a unique gift for seeing the best in people. He encourages volunteers, offers thoughtful, gentle guidance when needed, and makes every person he interacts with feel seen and valued.

"If I didn't have to work, this is all I would do," Brian says. "I believe it’s the church's responsibility to love and serve our community. To me, that’s what Christianity is love. I like to be hands-on when I serve. I want to see the faces, build the relationships, and walk alongside people as life change happens."

Showing Up for Each Other

One of Brian’s favorite memories at Adopt-A-Block captures the true heart behind everything he does. During a neighborhood block party, Brian sat down at a table, heavy-hearted with things on his mind, and began coloring next to a young girl. Out of nowhere, she looked up at him and said, "You know... you're alright."

"I was really touched by that because she had no idea how much I needed to hear it in that moment," Brian shares. "I realized that while I thought I was showing up for her, she was showing up just as much for me. And that’s what Adopt-A-Block is truly about, people showing up for each other."

Thank You, Brian!

We are endlessly grateful for Brian’s steadfast leadership, his loving heart, and his relentless dedication to connecting our community with the love of Christ. The Dream Center is stronger, kinder, and more connected because of leaders like him.