On Friday, October 2nd, Lt. Ray Smith successfully completed parole, closing a chapter that began with a 25-year sentence and stepping into a new season of possibility. At David and Ivory Ministries and The Lieutenant’s House, we are honored to celebrate this milestone and the outstanding individual he is today.

As a Team Leader on one of our Litter Picker vans, Lt. Ray Smith is a shining example of what our ministry and program are all about: finding purpose, accepting support, taking responsibility, and moving forward with hope. His achievement reminds us that a person’s past does not have to define the possibilities ahead.

Ray acknowledges that he could not have reached this milestone without the help he has received since coming to the program. His gratitude speaks to the importance of having people who believe in you and stand beside you. We are grateful to have supported him, while recognizing the personal commitment and perseverance he has brought to his journey.

Now, Ray hopes to help others transition through the program, offering encouragement as they work toward their own milestones. He is also interested in possibly becoming a lead driver, continuing to grow in his responsibilities and service to others. On a deeply personal level, he hopes to reconnect with his family and work toward rebuilding those relationships.

These goals remind us that moving forward is about more than completing a requirement. It is about discovering how you can contribute, nurturing hope, and taking meaningful steps toward the life you want to build.

Lt. Ray Smith, we celebrate your accomplishment, your leadership, and your desire to help others. May this next chapter bring opportunities to serve, room to grow, and steps toward the family connections you hold dear.

Congratulations, Lt. Ray Smith! Your milestone is worth celebrating, and your future is worth believing in.

Sunday, October 4th, was a great day of football, food, and fellowship at the Lt. House!

The guys take their football seriously, and when their favorite teams and rivalries take the field, you can expect plenty of cheering, friendly competition, laughter, and good-natured trash talk. More importantly, it was another opportunity for everyone to come together, relax, and enjoy being part of a community.

Of course, no football Sunday would be complete without great food! A special thank you goes out to our Kitchen-staff, who made sure there was plenty of deliciousness available throughout game day. Their hard work helped make the afternoon even more enjoyable for everyone.

Days like this remind us that fellowship can happen in many ways. Sometimes it is sitting around our television, cheering for your team, sharing a meal, and simply enjoying time together.

Great football, great food. Great fellowship. Another great Sunday at the Lt. House!

David and Ivory Ministries is proud to congratulate Lt. Diaz, our 2026 Employee of the Year!
This recognition represents more than outstanding job performance. It honors a man who consistently demonstrates leadership, dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the mission of David and Ivory Ministries.
Lt. Diaz is a prime example of what our program is all about—growth, responsibility, service, leadership, and giving back. Through his actions, attitude, and willingness to step forward when others need guidance, he has shown what can happen when a person embraces opportunity and chooses to become a positive influence in the lives of others.
True leadership is not simply about having a title. It is about setting the example. It is showing up, remaining dependable, treating people with respect, accepting responsibility, and encouraging others to become better. Lt. Diaz continues to demonstrate those qualities, earning the respect of the people he serves alongside and helping strengthen the ministry as a whole.
At David and Ivory Ministries, we believe that lives can be transformed, purpose can be rediscovered, and individuals can become leaders who make a meaningful difference in their families and communities. Lt. Diaz represents that vision in action.
His journey and accomplishments are a reminder to every client, staff member, volunteer, and supporter that progress is possible when determination is combined with opportunity, accountability, faith, and the support of people who believe in your potential.
We celebrate Lt. Diaz not only for what he has accomplished, but also for the example he continues to set for those coming behind him.
Congratulations, Lt. Diaz, on being named the David and Ivory Ministries 2026 Employee of the Year.
Your leadership, service, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. We are proud to recognize you and grateful for the role you play in carrying forward the mission of David and Ivory Ministries.
Keep leading. Keep serving. Keep inspiring.
Congratulations, Lt. Diaz — 2026 Employee of the Year!

Celebrating Mr. Edward Lee’s Incredible Milestone.

Today, we joyfully congratulate Mr. Edward Lee on successfully completing his ten‑year sentence — a tremendous milestone that reflects strength, perseverance, and God’s grace at work.

Mr. Lee shared that he is very happy to have spent this final year at The Lieutenants House, where he was able to complete parole in a supportive, structured, and faith‑centered environment. He openly expressed that he has “tried and failed in the past,” but after spending nine years in TDCJ, and transitioning through the program here with David & Ivory Ministries, he now feels confident that his future journey is much brighter. He’s unsure what his future goals are but is happy to take each day as it comes.

We are proud of his commitment, his growth, and his determination to walk forward in purpose. Congratulations, Mr. Lee — your new chapter begins today, and we are honored to celebrate it with you.

Today we are proud to announce that September 16th has been officially designated as a holiday for The Lieutenants House. This day will now be recognized each year as a moment for all Lieutenants, staff, and residents to pause, reflect, and appreciate the dedication, unity, and purpose that define our community.

This new holiday stands as a reminder of the commitment we share to growth, leadership, and service. We look forward to celebrating it together for many years to come.

Labor Day is a time to recognize the dignity of work, the people who give their time and talents to serve others, and the strength of community.

At David and Ivory Ministries, we were blessed to celebrate Labor Day with our clients and an incredible kitchen staff who prepared a beautiful meal with care and love.

Our clients are at the heart of what we do. We are grateful for the opportunity to share fellowship, laughter, good food, and meaningful moments together. Every person around the table is a reminder of the importance of compassion, dignity, and community.

We also want to give a special thank you to our kitchen staff. Your hard work, dedication, and willingness to serve made this Labor Day celebration truly special. The beautiful meal you prepared was more than nourishment—it was an expression of love.

We are thankful for everyone who helped make this day memorable. Together, we celebrated not only Labor Day, but the people who make our ministry a community.

From all of us at David and Ivory Ministries, Happy Labor Day! 

This Fourth of July, the men and staff at House 3 came together in fellowship and gratitude to honor our nation’s 250th year of independence. The celebration began with a moment of silence then a prayer by Lieutenant Jackson. Lieutenant Earwood, who opened a thoughtful dialogue commemorating the meaning of the day — reminding everyone how blessed we are to live in a country where freedom is both a gift and a responsibility.

Following his words, Lieutenant Carter led a moving, scripture-filled dedication that brought faith and reflection to the forefront, reminding all that true liberty begins in the heart.

Afterward, the Kitchen staff served a generous meal prepared with care and love — a feast that reflected the ministry’s spirit of service and community.

It was a day of remembrance, gratitude, and unity — a celebration not only of our nation’s history but of the fellowship that continues to strengthen us all.

Yes, I too am celebrating humbly my 61st birthday on the 23rd this month. I am just grateful to have been blessed with the days God has given me to serve and develop my gifts this Ministry has shown me I possess.

One of our Security Officers, Lt. Craft celebrated his 65th birthday on June 10th! Happy Birthday Lt. Craft! He said he spent it with his family eating some great food and enjoying time with his family.

Lt. Lawrence is celebrating his 37th birthday on June 24th.

He says, ” I’m still a young buck!” We are so glad to have Lt. Lawrence as one of our Lieutenants. Congrats Lt. Lawrence!!!