The People Behind Blount Beginnings

Founder & President

De'Varion Blount

De’Varion, a native of Warrenton, Georgia, is the founder and president of Blount Beginnings Inc. His career began in corrections, where he served in various roles at the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Federal Prison System, gaining valuable insights into the challenges individuals face when re-entering society. In 2018, De’Varion faced his own experience with housing instability, which inspired him to create solutions for those navigating similar struggles. This personal journey became the foundation for Blount Beginnings, an organization dedicated to providing housing support and comprehensive services for returning citizens and underserved individuals. Since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, Blount Beginnings has helped over 125 men successfully reintegrate into society. De’Varion remains committed to serving his community, offering support, compassion, and opportunities to those who need them most.

Board Member

Janelys Villalta

Janelys is the Marketing and Public Relations Manager for The Salvation Army of Augusta. After a successful career in local TV news, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector to pursue her passion for connecting with underserved communities. In her current role, Janelys ensures that the greater Augusta area is well-informed about all the ways The Salvation Army serves those in need, from The Center of Hope Shelter to The Kroc Center and Family Stores. In her downtime, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and their daughter, exploring Augusta, doing arts & crafts, and trying out new foods.

Board Member

Andre Lacey II

Andre is the Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach at Paine College and a PGA Professional at Augusta Municipal Golf Course. With a strong family legacy in golf, including his grandfather Jim Dent’s success on the PGA Senior Tour, Andre has achieved 16 professional wins and led Paine’s teams to multiple victories since 2023. Beyond coaching, Andre is a dedicated mentor who volunteers with youth groups and veterans through the PGA Hope Program. His contributions to golf have earned recognition in PGA Magazine, The Golf Channel, and local media, solidifying his impact on Augusta's golfing community.

Board Member

Denzel Robinson

Denzel is the CEO and Owner of Strength of A Robinson, LLC (S.O.A.R.) and Fresh StartZ Shop and Salon, located in the historic Laney Walker neighborhood of Augusta, Georgia. With over 10 years of experience as a full-time Traffic Engineer at ARCADIS, Denzel has built a successful career serving the Atlanta Metro Area and Southeast Georgia. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish S.O.A.R., a business that houses a clothing line, embroidery/DTF printing shop, and Fresh StartZ Shop and Salon.

Denzel's dedication to his community is evident through his partnerships with the Augusta Art Council, the Laney Museum, and Augusta Housing and Development. Together, they are bringing a mural to life, which will preserve Augusta’s rich Black history through art. The mural is set to be completed in March 2024. Denzel is also passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, using his platform to inspire and lead. His core values of humility, attention to detail, and positivity drive his work ethic and success as a community leader.

Board Member

Olga Gonzalez

Olga is a dedicated professional who migrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2002. Currently serving as the Director of Social Services at The Salvation Army of Augusta, Olga oversees The Center of Hope shelter, utilizing her dual master’s degree in social work and public administration from Binghamton University to make a positive impact in her community. Outside of work, Olga enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with her beloved pup, Zero, and partner, Omar.

Board Member

Bethany Trapp

Beth is a seasoned human services professional with over 15 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Capella University and is pursuing a Master of Human Services, combining strategic expertise with hands-on knowledge.

As a Board Member at Blount Beginnings, Beth helps advance the organization’s mission to provide housing and supportive services. Her skills in program planning, grant writing, and budget management drive impactful initiatives that align with community needs and regulations. Passionate about collaboration, Beth builds strong partnerships and advocates for innovative solutions to homelessness and reentry challenges. Her dedication to fostering resilience and empowerment continues to strengthen the communities she serves.