BEN BROOKS

 

Ben faithfully serves as the CEO of Pay It Forward SA. He is committed to empowering individuals and being of service to his community by fostering relationships and driving positive change. Ben understands what it takes to be successful in this program because he was a client of our on-campus residential sober living program. Having overcome his own issues of homelessness and substance use disorders, he guides those he serves to improve their lives through abstinence and utilizing support systems as a way to obtain healing. 

 

When Ben is not working, he is pursuing a BAAS degree at Texas A&M University San Antonio. He is an alumnus of San Antonio College with a Human Services degree in Addiction Counseling. Ben is an active member of the local recovery community and sits on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations. Ben enjoys doing outreach through consulting for a nonprofit that he volunteers with, and he loves spending time with his family and dog, Duke. 

 

Ben is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since June 4, 2016.

JERRY W. MOORE​​

​

Jerry learned the value and satisfaction of nonprofit work at an early age from his mother, who was a passionate volunteer and child advocate. Although he spent the first part of his professional career lost in the corporate jungle, he eventually found his way back to his nonprofit passion.

 

Jerry holds multiple degrees and certifications from the University of Utah, Grand Canyon University and UCLA.

​

Jerry owns his own design business which focuses on creating and integrating visual assets to help clients realize more effective results from their branding, marketing, PR and development efforts.

​

Jerry's wife, Celeste, also works in the nonprofit sector. Their 3 dogs do not.​

LISA FIGUEROA​

​

After suffering 36 years of addiction, Lisa went to treatment and found she had a passion for helping others in recovery.  Lisa worked in an Integrated Treatment Program for substance and mental health and studied to become certified as aRecovery Support Peer Specialist as well as aMental Peer Support Specialist.  

 

“I now work with Pay It Forward and happily serve with the HOPE treatment team and monitor the female members of the sober living dorm.” 

​

In her free time Lisa enjoy her family.  “We love amusement and water parks.”  She fellowships with the Cocaine’s Anonymous program where she continues to build strong friendships.

​

Lisa  is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since October 24, 2016. 

CHRIS PERRY​

​

Chris is the newest member of the Pay It Forward SA family. Like our CEO, Ben, Chris is also a past resident. After spending years in and out of homelessness, Chris committed to his recovery and is enjoying everything his new life has to offer. His extensive experience makes him the perfect choice to guide the men in our program, helping them to navigate and succeed in their own individual recovery journeys.

​

Outside of work Chris enjoys walking in nature (which has been instrumental in his recovery), eating good meals and fellowshipping. His biggest joy is watching his son, Devin, becoming a successful and happy young man.

​

Chris is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since September 30, 2020.​

ANGEL MAE STARR

​

I was the first person ever to go through the HOPE program on November 22, 2022.  On January 18th, 2023 I became an employee of Pay It Forward SA as a member of the Direct Care staff, working with other women who come into the HOPE program.

​

My recovery has helped me rebuild my relationship with my family, something that was long overdue. I have three girls who I talk to daily. I also have a grandson, Rowan, who was born on the same day that I was hired at Pay It Forward!

​

My favorite thing about working here is seeing people smile and hearing the laughter they previously lost because of their addiction. I want to help them the same way others helped me.

​

Angel is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since -------------

GENNY SLATER

​

Prior to joining the Pay It Forward team, Genny served as the San Antonio Outreach Coordinator for Oxford House Inc. where she worked closely with PIF on behalf of Oxford House residents. Genny is thrilled to now have the opportunity to continue advocating for those in early recovery through her role as Development Director. Genny is also a woman in long term recovery from substance use and deeply understands what a vital role supportive sober living plays in helping those struggling with substance use to achieve long term recovery.

 

In her role as Chief Financial Officer she focuses on bringing wider attention to Pay It Forward and developing a broad donor base, allowing Pay It Forward to continue to serve all who are in need of our services. A long-time resident of San Antonio, Genny is a graduate of UTSA and enjoys spending time with her 3 children.

 

Genny  is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since April 30, 2016. ​

LAUREN CAMPBELL

​​​

Lauren moved to San Antonio in 2019 to pursue a new life in recovery. After completing treatment, she moved into sober living. The structure and accountability proved to be exactly what she needed. Lauren came to work for Pay It Forward in 2020. “I believe in the success of sober living because I know what it’s done for my life and my recovery. I am passionate about serving those who are transitioning out of the cycle of substance use.”   Lauren  enjoys working closely with those who are in the sober living community. 

 

In her free time, Lauren enjoys cooking, movies, and spending time with the people she loves the most.

​

Lauren  is proud to be be flourishing in long-term recovery since October 6, 2020.

KARI THOMPSON​

​

Prior to Pay It Forward Kari worked as a recovery coach at San Antonio Recovery Center and CHCS's ITP Program. As someone who is themselves in long-term recovery, Kari has a unique ability to connect with the ladies in our Hope Treatment Program. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know each woman on a personal level to help them succeed in their treatment.

​

Outside of work Kari spends time with her daughter, Karli, and her new granddaughter Hope (yes, that's s total coincidence!)

 

A few of her favorite things are hoodies, tacos and especially flamingos.

​

Kari is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since February 19, 2016. ​

BUNNY ROBINSON​

​

After years of drinking, I knew that I had a problem and that there had to be a better way to live. So, I found my way over to Haven for Hope and checked myself into treatment. After four months of intensive treatment, I transitioned over to the Pay It Forward sober living program where I lived for eight months.

​

I remember walking around campus one day and someone stopped and asked me, “do you work here?”. I replied, “not yet”! Little did I know then that I would in fact come back and help others the way that I had been helped.

​

At just around 3 years sober, I went to work for the Center for HealthCare Services in their substance use treatment program – the same program that provided my treatment! After almost 5 years with CHCS I decided to make a change and join the Pay It Forward team. Being able to come back and work at Pay It Forward SA has been a blessing and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be able to help others achieve long-term sobriety.

​

Bunny is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since March 15, 2016.​