Welcome to DK Movement Cares, where resilience, transformation, and purpose unite to empower communities. At the heart of our organization are founders Derek Jones and Kelly Houston, two individuals whose journeys of overcoming adversity have inspired a shared mission to create lasting, positive change.

Derek Jones
Growing up in the toughest neighborhoods of Bristol, Derek’s early life was marked by challenges most can only imagine. With his mother battling addiction and his siblings taken away by the state, Derek navigated a tumultuous childhood, often relying on his wits to survive. At 12, he encountered the harsh realities of gang life but found an unexpected lifeline when his father stepped in, providing a chance to escape to New Britain.

Despite these struggles, Derek discovered football and thrived as an athlete until alcoholism derailed his dreams. But at his lowest point, Derek made a life-changing commitment to redefine success. Overcoming countless obstacles including personal loss, addiction, and a legal battle for his son, he transformed his life through determination, fitness, and community outreach.

Derek’s professional achievements include his role as an Assistant Vice President Team Leader at Bank of America, where he has been recognized in the top 5% for sales and customer service excellence. Yet, his most meaningful work lies in his dedication to uplifting others. As the founder of DK Movement Cares, he uses his platform to create programs for teens and former addicts, combining physical fitness, personal development, and community impact. Derek’s vision also extends to inspiring others nationwide through his podcast with Kelly, Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast.

Kelly Houston
Kelly’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Raised by her grandparents after her mother left, Kelly faced the profound effects of abandonment and instability. Her mother’s battle with addiction and eventual revelation of being HIV-positive, coupled with deep insecurities, led Kelly to seek solace in alcohol at a young age.

Despite these struggles, Kelly found success in the modeling industry, gracing runways and magazine covers. But behind the glamour, she battled feelings of worthlessness and grief, losing her grandfather, father, and mother in a short span of years. These personal losses, combined with the end of her marriage, left Kelly searching for a fresh start.

Everything changed when she met Derek online. Inspired by his support and shared experiences as a recovering alcoholic, Kelly found the courage to embrace self-love and sobriety. Together, they channeled their shared passion for helping others into DK Movement and DK Movement Cares. Today, Kelly serves her community through her work as a Childcare Director and by sitting on local advisory boards. She is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of love, acceptance, and service.

A Shared Mission
Derek and Kelly’s combined journeys inspire the mission of DK Movement Cares. Through innovative programs, outreach, and their podcast, they aim to empower individuals to overcome adversity, embrace positivity, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Their vision is to inspire others to turn life’s challenges into stepping stones for growth and success, proving that with resilience and support , anything is possible.

Together, Derek and Kelly are building a legacy of hope, empowerment, and transformation, one person, one program, and one community at a time.