We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jailan Dennis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jailan below.
Hi Jailan , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
Yes, our Nonprofit Youth Praise Ministries Inc. Has a ministry named the Stokes & Dennis Outreach Ministry. which serves an underserved community with deep commitment and compassion. One of the most impactful ways we know will be great is our upcoming “Nourish and Flourish” food assistance program, which provides groceries and meals to seniors and college students who are often overlooked in food insecurity discussions. Many seniors struggle with limited mobility and fixed incomes, making it challenging to access nutritious food. College students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, often face tough choices between paying for tuition and basic needs like food.
Recently, we helped an elderly woman who had been skipping meals to afford her medication. She shared that our resource assistance was great. This story and countless others underscore why our work matters—it’s about restoring dignity and hope to those who feel forgotten.
Our upcoming “Wheels of Hope” car assistance program and our housing initiatives for church members and Section 8 recipients address critical needs beyond food, ensuring that transportation and safe living conditions are accessible. By serving these overlooked populations, we’re not just meeting immediate needs; we’re empowering individuals to thrive, which ultimately strengthens our entire community. We are looking for people to help us with these programs, and contribute to making change in our communities. The change starts with us, and we must help one another!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Jailan Dennis, a passionate advocate and leader of Youth Praise Ministries and within the Stokes & Dennis Outreach Ministry. My journey into this work began with a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in my community. Growing up in Baltimore, I saw firsthand the challenges faced by underserved populations, including seniors, college students, and families struggling to make ends meet. This inspired me to dedicate my life to service, creating initiatives that directly address these needs.
Youth Praise wants to focus on providing essential services that help bridge the gap for those who often fall through the cracks of traditional assistance programs and spiritual needs. We plan to run several impactful initiatives, including the Nourish and Flourish Food Assistance Program, which will provide healthy food options to seniors and college students who might otherwise struggle with food insecurity. We also plan to offer Wheels of Hope, a car assistance program that helps individuals with essential transportation needs, ensuring they can get to work, school, or medical appointments. Our housing initiatives will aim to support church members and Section 8 recipients with stable housing, promoting a sense of security and community.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach we don’t just provide a service we build relationships and community support networks that empower individuals to thrive. We offer not just a helping hand but a pathway to better opportunities and a brighter future.
One of the things I’m most proud of is some of our efforts and outreach projects have Brough smiles, and comfort to many individuals. I remember working with a young college student who, despite working two jobs, was struggling to make ends meet. I spoke with Byron our President/Founder and Pastor Elect about getting him some cash assistance for food. We were able to provide her with lots of, nutritious meals, which lifted a huge burden off her shoulders and allowed her to focus more on her studies and personal growth. Stories like these remind me of why we do what we do.
The main thing I want people to know about our work is that it’s rooted in Jesus, love, community, and the belief that everyone deserves access to resources that help them flourish. We’re not just addressing immediate needs; we’re building a legacy of support, empowerment, and hope for future generations. This is the ministry of Jesus, and we are following in his steps.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the most defining moments in my journey with Youth Praise Ministries Inc. came when our plans to establish the ministry as a 501(c)(3) organization faced an unexpected roadblock. Our President/Founder/Pastor-elect Byron and I had been working tirelessly to formalize our youth outreach efforts and expand our impact. However, the process of obtaining nonprofit status proved to be much more challenging than we anticipated, primarily due to the significant costs associated with filing fees, legal assistance, and other expenses that were far beyond our budget at the time.
This moment forced us to pause and rethink our approach. We didn’t have the funds we needed, but we knew giving up wasn’t an option. It was a time of deep prayer, strategic planning, and a lot of faith. We explored every avenue—reaching out to community members, conducting fundraisers, and even considering other forms of legal structures that could still allow us to serve effectively. But nothing seemed to align with our vision for Youth Praise Ministries Inc.
Then, by the grace of God, something remarkable happened. A community member who had been inspired by our work reached out and offered to help cover some of the costs. This unexpected blessing was the breakthrough we needed. With renewed hope and the support of our community, we were able to push through the application process, and eventually, we received our 501(c)(3) status. This pivotal moment taught us that while obstacles may arise, faith, perseverance, and community support can make the impossible possible.
Looking back, this experience was more than just a financial challenge—it was a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of staying committed to the mission, even when things seem impossible. It solidified our belief that Youth Praise Ministries Inc. was not just our vision but a divine calling meant to uplift and inspire young people across Baltimore and beyond. This journey has taught us to embrace every twist and turn, knowing that God is always making a way, even when we can’t see it.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Byron and I go way back—to middle school, where our partnership truly began. I first met Byron in those formative years, and even then, he was known for his strong sense of leadership and his unwavering faith. Byron was the kind of person who was always ready to encourage others, share wisdom, and step up when needed. When he ran for student council president, it was no surprise that he won, and I was right by his side as his vice president. For two years, we worked together, organizing events, leading initiatives, and making a positive impact on our school community.
What made our partnership special from the start was how naturally we balanced each other. Byron was the holy man—the one who always had a Bible verse ready and a sermon brewing in his heart. He was a natural teacher, always eager to share God’s word and inspire others. Meanwhile, I was the organizer, the planner, and the one who helped bring those big ideas to life. I quickly learned that we made a great team. Byron brought the vision and the message, and I helped execute that vision with structure and strategy.
Our journey didn’t stop after middle school. Byron continued to lead, and every time he started a new project or embarked on a new mission, I found myself once again stepping into the role of vice president. From student councils to community initiatives, and now with Youth Praise Ministries Inc., our dynamic has remained the same. We have this unspoken understanding of each other’s strengths, and we lean on that to make a difference in the communities we serve.
Over the years, our friendship has grown into a powerful partnership rooted in faith, purpose, and mutual respect. Byron’s passion for preaching and teaching has always been the driving force behind our work, and I’m grateful to support him in every endeavor. He’s more than a business partner—he’s a brother in Christ, a mentor, and someone who has inspired me to keep serving in any way I can. Together, we’ve seen God do amazing things, and I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.
Image Credits
Byron Stokes III, ( Founder/President/Minister – Elect
Jailan Dennis, ( Co-Founder/ Executive Vice President/ Minister Associate – Elect
Langston Bushrod, ( Head Vice President/Director of Outreach )
Jeanette Giles, ( 2nd Vice President/Director of Performing Arts )
Jaden Badgett, ( 3rd Vice President/Director of Ministry Support Services ) (HR)
Evan Sodah, ( 4th Vice President/ Director of Budget Money Services )
Layla Martin, ( 5th Vice President/Director of Safety & Security )