Dare to Dream Children’s Foundation stands on a sacred legacy.
Our Founder, President, and CEO, Jan Tennyson, transitioned peacefully in her home on December 11, 2025, leaving behind a work that spoke hope into the lives of sexually, physically, and emotionally abused children across the nation and around the world. Her vision was fearless. Her service was faithful. Her impact will echo for generations.
Jan Tennyson, an abandoned child placed in foster care in New York City, got to play the piano in Carnegie Hall, travel the world touching thousands of hurting youths in shelters, group homes, detention centers and orphanages, and won the Governor's Lonestar... Achievement Award in the State of Texas. Turning the pages of a thought-provoking book that takes you on an amazing adventures to the jungles of Costa Rica, a survivors camp in Turkey, to a life-changing experience in Israel and more -- brought out the star qualities in those most unlikely to succeed and directing them to the Heavenly Father has enabled the young and old to see a light at the end of the tunnel of despair. Jan's strong faith in God allows her to continue to reach for impossible dreams and help others discover an exciting path to their destiny.
The mission continues.
On December 17, 2025, after steadfast service, unified commitment, and earnest prayer, the Board of Directors and Advisory Board which consisted of Pastor Dennis Allen, Pastor Linda Deskin, Lynn Nalley, Travis Wortham, Bishop Dr. J. Lee Slater and Dr. Donna Slater reached a unanimous decision to advance the mission with trusted, visionary leadership. With one voice and full confidence, the torch was placed into capable hands that have long championed 36plus years, the heart and healing work of Dare to Dream Children’s foundation.
Bishop Dr. J. Lee Slater was voted in as President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Donna Slater voted in as Executive Director
This moment marks more than succession, it signals momentum. It reflects stability anchored in experience, compassion strengthened by decades of service, and leadership proven in both community impact and global reach.
The mission stands firm.
The commitment deepens.
The future moves forward, strong, strategic, and unwavering.
Bishop Dr. J. Lee Slater President & Chief Executive Officer
Bishop Dr. J. Lee Slater brings a panoramic, “bird’s-eye” leadership perspective shaped by decades of pastoral ministry, civic engagement, and organizational governance. His experience uniquely positions him to steward Dare to Dream’s mission with integrity, vision, and global awareness.
His Leadership & Governance Experience
In 2001, Bishop Dr. J. Lee Slater and Dr. Donna co-founded New Millennium Bible Fellowship (NMBF) in Pleasant Grove, Southeast Dallas, alongside 11 faithful partners, 5 adults and 6 children. What began as a small gathering has grown into a thriving ministry with seven spiritual sons and daughters, producing leaders grounded in faith and service.
Dare to Dream Children’s Foundation - Board Member, 1987 to present years.
Joint Heirs Fellowship of Pastors International - Co-Founder & CEO (Pastoral mentorship and leadership development) 2015 to present.
Pleasant Grove Ministerial Alliance - President, 2017 to present.
Greater Dallas Coalition of Churches - Board Chair, 2019 to Present
Dallas ISD Male Leadership Academy - Advisory Board Leader, 7 years
Texas State Community Advisory Board - Appointed member by State Representative Toni Rose, District 110, 2013 to present.
Parkland Health Community Development Board - Southeast Dallas Health Center, Advisory Board strong>UNT Health and Science Center, Better Me Within (BMW) Women’s Health Program - Board Chair, 2009 to 2017
Rickey Smiley Morning Show - Gospel Segment Host Pastor, 2010 to present
American Leadership Council (ALC) - Ambassador of Peace, providing leadership influence to 40 countries
Weed and Seed Federal Community Program - Former Board Chair, 1995-1998
National & International Prayer Group - Annual invited participant to pray with global Catholic Charismatic leaders at international conventions, 2015 to present
Educational Highlights
Bachelor of Science, Sports Administration - Tulane University
Biblical Studies - Southern Bible Institute
Leadership Development - Tyndale Theological Seminary
Leadership Studies - J. Lee Foster School of Biblical Studies
Master’s Degree in Discipleship - Dallas Baptist University
Doctorate Degree in Strategic Leadership - Abraham University
Bishop Slater’s leadership is marked by strategic clarity, community trust, and an unwavering commitment to justice, healing, and transformational mentorship.
Dr. Donna Slater, Executive Director
Dr. Donna Slater is a devoted wife, mother, minister, scholar, and community leader whose life reflects faith in action and service with purpose.
For 37 blessed years, she has shared marriage and ministry with her husband, Bishop Dr. J. Lee Slater. Together they raised five children - Valerie; twins Joshua Lee and Travis Lee (Travis transitioned at age 15 in 2005), nephew-son Travis Nix; and youngest, Matthew Lee - and now cherish their growing family, including children-in-love Billy (Valerie) and Amanda (Matthew), and nine grandchildren.
Her Ministry & Leadership Journey
In 2001, Dr. Donna and her husband co-founded New Millennium Bible Fellowship (NMBF) in Pleasant Grove, Southeast Dallas, alongside 11 faithful partners, 5 adults and 6 children. What began as a small gathering has grown into a thriving ministry with seven spiritual sons and daughters, producing leaders grounded in faith and service.
Licensed Minister - 2005
Ordained Pastor - 2017
Doctor of Ministry - 2025
Dr. Donna is known for preaching that is practical, powerful, and piercing, meeting people where they are and leading them forward with wisdom and truth. She is a nationally sought-after speaker, ministering at churches, conferences, and revivals across the country.
Signature Initiatives
Founder and visionary of:
Spiritual Strip Down: Face-2-Face with God - Annual Women’s Summit
Silver Sparkles - Empowerment fellowship for seasoned and widowed women
Community & Civic Engagement
Volunteer leadership with Convoy of Hope and Billy Graham World Evangelism (Local Supervisor)
Over six years of service on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board (Dallas, TX)
Board and advisory roles with:
Dare to Dream Children’s Foundation, 1990 to present
Pleasant Grove Ministerial Alliance, 2017 to present
Greater Dallas Coalition of Churches, 2018 to present
Parkland Hospital Health Community Development Advisory Board - Southeast Dallas, 2013 to present
Better Me Within (BMW) Program Advisor
Dallas Police Department, Southeast Division Store Front
Honors & Recognition
Volunteer of the Year - Head Start National Preschool Education Program
Volunteer of Distinction - Christian Women Job Corp
First Lady: Extending the Legacy - Woman to Woman Award - National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Scholarship & Public Health Impact
Co-author of the Better Me Within curriculum addressing obesity among African American Women, 2009 to 2017
Published contributor to Elsevier and the American Journal of Health Promotion
Invited presenter at the Texas Public Health Association Conference
Above all titles and accolades, Bishop Dr. J. Lee and Dr. Donna Slater’s greatest achievement is their unwavering faith and humble walk with Christ. Their life’s aim is simple and sacred: to serve faithfully and uplift others, until they hear, “Well done, thy good and faithful servants.”
The torch has been passed.
The mission remains unshaken.
The dream still dares to be aflame.
INSPIRING HOPE TO PEOPLE IN TRAGIC SITUATIONS
LIVING ON THE STREETS, IN GROUP HOMES, SHELTERS,
DETENTION CENTERS AND ORPHANAGES
since 1987 - over 37 years of service
Dallas County Commissioner's Court.
Over the years, Dare to Dream has recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers to educate, inspire, and mentor wounded youth in group homes, shelters, orphanages, and detention centers. Our programs are designed to help meet the emotional and spiritual needs of at-risk youth to overcome drug and alcohol abuse, juvenile delinquency, and teen pregnancy, all of which causes child abuse, school drop-outs, and teen suicide.
The breakdown of family values, fatherless homes, and the drug culture has contributed to the sad moral fiber of our young people. These are the fathers and mothers of tomorrow. They are the hope of our next generation. Please stand with us to champion these leaders of tomorrow.
Independent Charities Seal of Excellence was awarded to Dare to Dream Children's Foundation as one of the Best in America. The members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness.
Jan Tennyson, Dare to Dream Founder, speaks at
Ursuline Academy for Global Celebration of Women.
Russian Orphans studying
Dare to Dream materials
Romanian Orphan graduates
Maranel and Silvio
Dr. Bob Lawrence & Travis Wortham
Dallas Music School collaborates with Dare to Dream to reach at-risk youth. www.dlpmusicoutreach.com
