
OVERCOMER AWARD WINNERS & HONOREES

José Ernesto Galicia
NOMINEE #1
is a Guatemalan-born
overcomer who has fought through poverty, displacement, personal hardships, and a serious battle with cancer to rebuild, grow and create Closing Day Media, a very successful real estate media company serving Southeast Texas.

Earnest Olguin
AWARD
went from a nightmarish life of addiction and homelessness to a dream-like life as an entrepreneur and community builder through Ohana Entertainment, Taquería y Antojería Ohana, and Olguin Contractors LLC. Fueled by his past, he is now committed to creating opportunities, giving back, and inspiring others.

Tina Simpson
AWARD
has had to overcome substance abuse, incarceration, mental health challenges, the heartbreaking loss of her son to cancer, and her own battle with cancer. Through it all, the resilient owner of Peace of Mind Recovery has maintained her relentless pursuit of redemption, via her unshakable faith, never using her suffering as an excuse not to serve others

Mindy Volentine
AWARD
After losing custody of her children due to addiction, Mindy Volentine courageously chose recovery and worked to rebuild her life and restore her family. Now celebrating six years in recovery, Mindy serves as a Peer Support Specialist with Spindletop Center, and also serves on the Family Drug Court Committee—the same court that once removed her children, later reunited her family, and now benefits from her service.
OVERCOMER AWARDS WINNERS & HONOREES

Sheryl A. Loftis
OVERCOMER AWARD
HONOREE
is an overcomer. She survived the heartbreak of incarceration and a moment at the brink of suicide that almost robbed the world of who she would become: an Intercessor, Prophetess, ordained Minister of the Gospel, Chaplain, Christian Counselor, Life Coach, author, and entrepreneur. She serves as the General Overseer of Pinnacle Breakthrough Ministries, Inc. and The Kingdom Builders Prayer Lifeline. Her heart for the incarcerated is deeply reflected through The Ever Near Project, Inc. Sheryl corresponds with inmates around the world, sending personalized Bibles with their names printed on them, prayer books, and spiritual growth reading materials. The Ever Near Project, Inc. also selects children of incarcerated parents to bless with Christmas and Birthday gifts. Sheryl knows what it means to survive what could have destroyed her. What tried to destroy her did not get the final word. She survived it, rose beyond it, and turned her survival into service.

Calvin Green
OVERCOMER AWARD HONOREE
Calvin Green is an overcomer extraordinaire who spent more than 25 years incarcerated, during which he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2015, he became one of Texas’ first Field Ministers, providing mentorship and guidance within the prison system.
Calvin is currently a Lee College student pursuing licensure in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling - and a Lee College Reentry Specialist, pastor, advocate, and keynote speaker, inspiring individuals and communities through messages of hope, accountability and faith.

Charketha Costley
OVERCOMER AWARD HONOREE
is a overcomer who has survived what was meant to break her. Addiction was a major part of her gut-wrenching story, but recovery has truly become her purpose. Today, through determination and resilience, she uses her lived experience to inspire others, normalize sobriety, build community, and remind people that their past does not define their future. And, as the founder of Itworksifyouworkit Recovery, she is living proof.

Eric and Cam Brooks
OVERCOMER AWARD HONOREE (Father & Son)
Eric Brooks began his professional career in the construction industry, but his journey eventually led him to what he describes as a full-circle moment: a career dedicated to educating and empowering young people. For the past several years, Eric has had the privilege of giving back to youth in a meaningful way through the field of education. He currently serves as a Reading Language Arts teacher within the Beaumont Independent School District.
In 2025, Eric earned his Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership, further strengthening his commitment to educational excellence, leadership, and student success.
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​I’m Cam, an 18-year-old college amputee studying Psychology with minors in Social Work. I’m passionate about understanding people, creating meaningful connections, and expressing myself through music, writing, and creativity. I’m also a huge fan of movies, gaming, anime, and Spider-Man. I’m still figuring life out, but I’m focused on growing, experiencing new things, and building a future I can be proud of.
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OVERCOMER AWARDS WINNERS & HONOREES

Tairone Stanford
OVERCOMER AWARD HONOREE
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is an overcomer whose journey is a powerful testimony of redemption, transformation, and God’s grace. After years of hustling and multiple incarcerations, he received two life sentences in federal prison. But while awaiting trial, God gave him a purpose: “Be a light in a dark place.” And for 17½ years, Tairone lived out that calling. However, by God’s grace, President Barack Obama would grant him clemency. Allowing his past to fade and his purpose to take flight.
Today, he is a business owner (Kingdom Cutz), CDL driver and trainer (Williams Brothers Construction), ordained Deacon (Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church) community advocate, and mentor to youth and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Michael Bluiett
OVERCOMER AWARD
HONOREE
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I am a man who has recovered from alcohol, drugs, and the streets through the grace and power of God. Now I use my testimony in ministry, teaching and encouraging others in recovery, working in several recovery centers in my hometown, and serving in correctional facilities. My mission is to help others see that real change is possible when we trust God, believe in His power, and allow Him to be exalted. My life is living proof that through God, all things are possible.

Minister Jacqueline Elaine Broussard
OVERCOMER AWARD HONOREE
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is an overcomer who has survived the unthinkable:
A devastating ten-vehicle pileup; an episode in which her breathing was halted for 30 minutes, in church, (only to have her life restored through prayer); and she also survived a mistaken identity shooting that left 27 bullet holes in her truck. How did she respond? By truly forgiving her attackers, serving in and around her community, coordinating a coast-to-coast daily prayer line (Women of Strength) and living a life fueled by faith and a foundation of two words: BUT GOD.

Milton Lee Sellers, SR.
OVERCOMER AWARD HONOREE
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​ is a man forged in darkness, rescued by Jesus, and transformed through faith. After surviving 24 years behind concrete and steel, Christ turned his pain into purpose…making him an author, safety professional, mentor, and powerful voice for troubled youth. He is living proof that when Jesus transforms a man, no past can imprison his future.
OVERCOMER AWARDS WINNERS & HONOREES
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Jimmy Brown, Jr.
OVERCOMER AWARD
HONOREE
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is an overcomer. He did 3 prison bids (4 years the first time, 7 the second, and 5 1/2 after that ). However, he had it on his mind to come out, stay out, and change the narrative of his life. After coming home on an ankle monitor, even though he had never had a job a day in his life (lifelong hustler and gang banger), his faith and determination fueled him to go legit. And he took to work like a fish takes to water. From Tex Joy to American Bedroom to Affordable Home Furnishings to the dealership he now flourishes at, Jimmy has been in relentless pursuit of redemption - and both his family and community are thankfully and happily along for the ride.

Percy H. Pitzer
TRAILBLAZER AWARD
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spent four decades in corrections, rising from correctional officer to warden, and that career showed him who was paying the highest price. He saw what a parent's incarceration did to their own children, and he saw how often those children ended up following the same path. In 2012 he founded the Pitzer Family Education Foundation to break that cycle, funding education for children of incarcerated parents and for returning citizens.
Through its scholarship program, PFEF has made 234 awards to children affected by parental incarceration across the country, with 209 recipients graduating.
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Joseph & Donald Fertitta
SECOND CHANCE
EMPLOYERS OF THE YEAR
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For over 100 years the Texas Coffee Company (Tex Joy Seasoning and Seaport Coffee were added later) has been fixtures in our community and beyond, but an even bigger blessing is found within the staff’s camaraderie. The Fertittas are family-oriented and love-fueled owners who not only hires men and women looking for a second chance - they pursue them! Often times hiring through areas halfway houses and setting returning members of society up for sustainable success.

Percy H. Pitzer
Trailblazer Award
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spent four decades in corrections, rising from correctional officer to warden, and that career showed him who was paying the highest price. He saw what a parent's incarceration did to their own children, and he saw how often those children ended up following the same path. In 2012 he founded the Pitzer Family Education Foundation to break that cycle, funding education for children of incarcerated parents and for returning citizens.
Through its scholarship program, PFEF has made 234 awards to children affected by parental incarceration across the country, with 209 recipients graduating.