A Domestic Violence Victim Support Organization
We Empower Individuals and Their Children
One of the primary strengths of Single Parents Rock is to help victims, usually mothers, usually Black, leave the place where they are being abused. This takes great courage for the women to come to a place of wanting to leave, and then almost overwhelming planning to actually walk out, especially without independent transportation or a place to go. We provide not only transportation and temporary lodging, but we lend them our courage so they can actually reach a safe space.
Since 2019, Single Parents Rock, Inc, has been active in Dayton, Ohio, helping domestic violence victims leave, find safety, and move forward with their lives.
Our Founder
Denise Henton is a dedicated advocate, visionary leader, and the driving force behind Single Parents Rock. Her unwavering passion and personal journey have fueled her mission to provide essential support and resources to women and their children fleeing abusive domestic situations.
Denise's remarkable journey to this leadership role was shaped by her own experiences and the profound lessons she learned along the way. As a single mother herself, she discovered the strength in vulnerability and the importance of reaching out for help when needed. This realization, born from her own journey of single motherhood, inspired Denise to create a safe haven for others facing similar challenges.
However, Denise's connection to the cause runs even deeper. She grew up in a household marred by alcoholism and physical abuse, watching her mother transition from being a victim to becoming a survivor of domestic violence. This firsthand exposure to the transformative power of resilience and support left an indelible mark on Denise's heart, motivating her to channel her experiences into a force for positive change.
Under Denise's leadership, Single Parents Rock stands as a beacon of hope, offering a comprehensive range of services that include transportation, short-term housing, and crucial emotional and legal support. Denise's unwavering commitment to this cause has not only changed the lives of countless women and children but has also helped them find their own inner strength and resilience.
Progress Report (2019 - 2022)
Victims and survivors helped
679
Victims provided with emergency housing
402
Victims provided transportation
277
Children helped
204
Victims provided with temporary or permanent housing
402
Victims provided with emergency transportation (from abuse or hospital to a shelter and to or from court)
170
Victims provided relocation transportation (ride to arranged safe living both in and out of state)
107
97% Black
2% Caucasian
1% Other
Demographics
97% resided in Northwest Dayton.
3% others resided in Englewood, Centerville, or Miami County.
Location
99% of victims were low income.
98% were on CareSource.
Income Levels
97% attended Dayton Public Schools
3% Other
School Enrollment of supported children
BRITTINI LACY
Board Member
Brittini’s personal vision is to achieve advancement in all areas of the workplace by increasing her knowledge in areas that may be challenging, and challenging others to strive for the best and meet their personal goals. She dedicates her time to helping people through life with a Servant Leadership attitude inside and outside of the workplace by inspiring, encouraging, coaching, and developing the community around her to serve others.
Brittini Lacy currently serves as the Regional Support Manager at Wright Patt Credit Union for all seven of the North Area Member Centers. She has worked at Wright Patt Credit Union for 14 years. Within those 14 years, she has served partner-employees, members, and senior level managers. She has worked in many different departments, projects and can serve in any capacity with excellence. She pushes her partner-employees outside of their comfort zones to reach their full potential. Many have advanced as high performing employees inside and outside Wright Patt Credit Union.
Previously Brittini was the Member Center Manager of the Wright Patt Credit Union on Siebenthaler Ave in Dayton, Ohio, where she learned the importance of serving her community through financial education. Her first step was educating her partner employees on how to encourage every member that they can achieve home ownership, retirement solutions and financial freedom. Within her 4 years, the growth of the member center increased significantly. The Member Center won several awards for the top sales of loan protection products along with achieving high scores in Member Service.
Brittini has also served the community through volunteerism in high school she taught students in elementary school how to read and tutored them in math. In college, she worked at a library where the focus was to teach children and their parents how to read and develop computer skills. She has worked in a group home with teenage girls and was able to impact their lives in a positive way by relating to them and showing them that they matter.
Brittini holds a Master’s Degree in Management, from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University. Brittini is a proud member of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, where she serves as the Senior Membership Intake Coordinator. She is also a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts of America Troop #75, Resource Development Committee Member for the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton, Diversity and Inclusion Collaborative Committee Member at Wright Patt Credit Union (IDEAS), and Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton.
One of the most precious accomplishments Brittini has is being a mother of two wonderful boys, Michael and Daylen. Her greatest assets include creativity, a positive personality, servant attitude, ability to connect with all people, and willingness to serve any and ALL people. Brittini encourages everyone to be themselves. Her favorite life quote is “Today you are You, that is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” -Dr. Seuss.
DENISE KONTRAS, R.A., M.A.
Board Chair
Denise Kontras, M.A., R.A. is a registered advocate for Ohio victims of crime with 20 years of experience in domestic violence advocacy. For about seven years, she has worked at the state level for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN), a coalition that oversees 76 domestic violence and sexual assault programs. Denise is a trainer who has educated over 12,000 people about various topics related to domestic violence at national, regional and statewide conferences. Her areas of expertise include barriers to seeking services for marginalized populations, the intersectionality of domestic violence and intimate partner sexual violence, abuse in later life and vicarious trauma. In her current role at ODVN, Denise provides support to member programs, allied professionals, and community organizations and facilitates quarterly panel discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion.
She is a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission and received national certification as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Denise has served on several state commissions and advisory boards including the Secretary of State’s Safe at Home Program, the Ohio Advocate Network Review Committee and the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence Task Force. Since 2019, she has served on the board of directors for SPR. Denise is a former newspaper reporter and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University (OSU).
LESHA J. WALLACE , PH.D.
Board Secretary
Dr. Lesha Wallace is a professional educator with 30 years of experience in P-12 and higher education. She has worked in various capacities, including principal, curriculum supervisor, school counselor, and teacher. For the past 20 years, she has worked for Huber Heights City Schools, serving in many roles and on multiple district committees. Currently, Dr. Wallace is the Studebaker Preschool Principal and Curriculum Supervisor.
With a strong passion for social justice and community service, Dr. Wallace has served on the board of SPR since 2019. She is a proud graduate of Spelman College, where she majored in English and minored in secondary education. Dr. Wallace has also earned two graduate degrees from the University of Dayton: a master’s in education specializing in school counseling and a Ph.D. in educational leadership.
She is an active member of the Dayton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and currently serves on the leadership team of this service organization.
Dr. Wallace has an unwavering commitment to empowering others through the transformative power of education, service, and social action. Whether in the school system or through community outreach, Dr. Wallace is determined to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of others.
LAQUEITA ROBERTS
Board Member
LaQueita is a content marketing professional for Multi Family Housing company Monarch Investment and Management Group. She has over 10 year experiences in sales, leasing and training.
LaQueita currently assists in managing a CRM platform for Dayton, Cincinnati, Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The CRM platform helps to attract new prospects to the properties to lease apartments homes. Previously, LaQueita worked as Assistant Property Manager helping with daily property operations. She graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelors degree in technical Science. LaQueita, is a member of multiple community organizations in Dayton, Ohio.
TAYLOR CURTIS
Board Member
Taylor Curtis (she/her) was recognized at the age of 25 as the Youngest African American Female to be Tenured at an institution of higher education in the history of the United States which is now commemorated on Dec 1st as Taylor Curtis Day. She is a professor of General Psychology, Social Psychology, Black Psychology and Black Studies and the former Director of Black Studies at her previous institution of higher education.
Taylor left the institution of education riddled with structural racism to engage hands on in the community as the YWCA Greater Cincinnati Senior Director of Racial Justice and Equity working strategically to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through this role, YWCA Rising Star Taylor Curtis can offer Justice, Antiracism, Cultural
Competency, Liberation, and DEI (Diversity/Equity/Inclusion) training and consultation services as well as engage in community programming, advocacy for policy change, and grassroots activism within the community. Taylor is also a Co-Founder of Bronze Glow Soul
Care, a non-profit dedicated to holistic self-care and spiritual liberation. She also is a vocalist and solo performing artist creating liberation music to connect the community to empowerment through the arts.
ASHLEY MERINO
Board member
Ashely lives in Columbus, Ohio, where she works as an attorney at a law firm that specializes in complex civil litigation. Ashley graduated magna cum laude from The University of Dayton in 2013, where she studied political science, criminal justice, and sociology. In 2017, Ashley received her juris doctor degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. In law school, Ashley was elected to serve as Chief Managing Editor of the Criminal Law Journal, worked part-time as a certified legal intern at the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office, and privately tutored high school students in history and civics.
Ashley has a passion for justice and protecting the vulnerable. She credits her academic and professional successes to her faith in God and to the many mentors and helpers that He has placed in her life. In her free time, Ashley provides career mentorship to young female students who aspire to practice law.
TOJUAN W. MINUS
Board Member
Tojuan W. Minus served as the Director of a Pregnancy Resource Center for 5 years in Dayton, Ohio. She used straight talk and humor to heal and advocate for the pro-abundant life from the womb to the tomb and restore hurting souls in her community. As an Ordained Elder serving in various ministry positions, Tojuan helps women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds navigate life by tapping into their purpose and walking in their God-ordained destiny.
Speaker and author of the book, Girl, I See You: Conversations Women Need to Have, Tojuan founded Tblazen Ministries. The mission of Tblazen Ministries is to empower women to fulfill their God-given purpose and destiny through practical life strategies and skills to live a pro-abundant life.
When not transforming her community, Tojuan is working on her goal to visit all 50 of the United States. Tojuan has been married to her husband, Donald for 37 years and she is the proud parent of three children and four grandchildren.
THERESA TRENT
Board Member
With over 25 years of dedicated service as an Executive Assistant, Theresa is a resolute professional based in Dayton, Ohio. Her expertise lies in providing unparalleled executive support, skilled calendar management, and she is a seasoned professional with a rich background in executive support and administration. In her current role at AES Ohio, she stands as a pivotal support pillar for various leaders, going beyond calendar management and expense reporting to take on logistical and administrative responsibilities for organizing meetings and events. Her adept skills have streamlined operations, managed budgets, and coordinated successful events both locally and regionally, highlighting her commitment to excellence. As one of only five executive assistants supporting Ohio and Indiana, Theresa excels in collaborative team environments, where coordination and teamwork are integral to daily operations.
During her tenure at PeaceHealth, Theresa played a vital role in delivering indispensable administrative support to three "C" level officers and 160 Physicians, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic. Her responsibilities included updating executive calendars,
coordinating meetings, planning events, and optimizing business travel to enhance executive productivity. Collaborating with fellow Executive Assistants, Theresa contributed significantly to scheduling urgent meetings and played a key role in developing procedures for onboarding new executives and assistants in response to the gaps created by the pandemic.
Theresa's impactful contributions extend to her time at Dayton Children’s Hospital, where she demonstrated expertise in efficient organization of executive workflows, expert delivery of customer service, and strategic process improvements. Her leadership in streamlining processes and implementing an electronic data tracking system resulted in substantial cost savings for the
department. In the Child Advocacy department, Theresa collaborated closely with physicians, gaining frontline experience in detecting various forms of abuse, understanding psychological triggers, and recognizing signs in parents who brought children to the emergency room. Theresa Trent's diverse skill set and dedication to efficiency make her an asset in any professional setting.
Theresa’s commitment to excellence, initiative-taking problem-solving approach, and ability to thrive in collaborative team environments have been the hallmarks of her professional journey. She looks forward to bringing her wealth of experience and skills to new challenges and contributing to the success of future endeavors.
Our Partners
Dayton Dream Center
Hope Rising: Formerly Miami Valley Women's Center
Ohio's Safe at Home
Women's Centers of Ohio
YWCA of Hamilton and Butler County
We are able to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence even more thanks to our amazing partners. Whether they provide services or refer clients to us, our collaboration is key to providing comprehensive support.
As a volunteer board member for Single Parent Rock , I am inspired every by the amount of strength it take for a victim of domestic violence to leave a dangerous situation. My personal goal for joining this organization is to help all domestic violence victims to find solutions and services to help keep them safe. As a support advocate and member of Single Parents Rock board I hope to continue to impact our community and to provide a voice for those who are often rendered silent.
LaQueita Roberts
Caresource
Church of the Incarnation
The Dayton Foundation
Jeff Schmidt Auto Group
Learn to Earn Dayton
Living Word Church
Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
Montgomery County
Sam's Club
Speedway
Target
Walmart
PNC Foundation
LexisNexis
Dayton Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Trimbach's Body Shop
Our Supporters
We are grateful for every dollar we receive. Below are the foundations, organizations, religious institutions and businesses that have stepped to show show support our work.
Policies and Financials
AARON M. PRIMM
Board Member
Aaron is a Mediation Specialist II at the Dayton Mediation Center, City of Dayton. Aaron manages the Center’s Landlord/Tenant Homelessness Prevention programming. He has been a part of the Dayton Mediation Center since 2014. Aaron attended Fisk University and earned a degree in biology. He grew up and still resides in Huber Heights, Ohio.