Twelve years ago, Alex Nelson faced a tragedy that would forever alter his life — the loss of his brother in a double homicide in northeast Dallas.
In the depths of his anger, rage, and grief, Nelson found solace in the form of divine inspiration, which prompted him to create the acronym “F.O.E.” — standing for Fatherhood Over Everyhood.
This concept would later evolve into a key initiative within his nonprofit organization, Love Deposit, founded in 2017.
Love Deposit seeks to tackle violence and crime prevention in Dallas through two primary programs: Fatherhood Over Everyhood and Brotherhood Over Anyhood.
Nelson, affectionately known as Uncle JoJo, articulated the mission of Love Deposit as one that aims to spread love in communities where it is often lacking.
He identifies this absence of love as a critical contributor to the rising rates of violence among youth in Dallas.
“I try my best to sow a seed and make a love deposit,” Nelson expressed.
He highlights a common saying: “Hurt people, hurt people; loved people, love people,” showcasing the importance of fostering a nurturing environment.
Born and raised in Dallas, Nelson’s roots trace back to a North Dallas housing development, known today as Roseland Townhomes.
He later moved to Oak Cliff during his childhood.
Nelson grew up observing his mother struggle with drug addiction, a battle she has since overcome as she pursues a degree.
Despite these challenges, he credits the love and support from his grandmother and father for instilling vital life skills within him during his formative years.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he stated, “What God later showed me is that those were love deposits, and I just really feel like that saved my life.”
Recognizing the critical need for intentional love in today’s community prompted Nelson to launch Love Deposit.
Under this nonprofit umbrella, two significant initiatives operate to create lasting impact — Fatherhood Over Everyhood, aimed at supporting young Black fathers in Dallas, and Brotherhood Over Anyhood, which focuses on educational empowerment for younger children.
The creation of Fatherhood Over Everyhood was a response to witnessing the fear experienced by his nephew after the traumatic murder of his father, Nelson’s brother, Simmie Lee Rochelle, in 2012.
This personal connection motivated Nelson to initiate conversations and workshops to bring men together, offering advocacy and support for young fathers seeking guidance.
He stressed that addressing the challenges in the community requires collective involvement from fathers and mentors.
On the other hand, Brotherhood Over Anyhood aims to establish core memories filled with love and fellowship among children, prior to them being exposed to life-altering decisions.
Through this program, Nelson seeks to create shared experiences that can steer young people away from violence.
All services provided by Love Deposit, including tutoring and counseling, are offered at no cost to the community, demonstrating Nelson’s commitment to his mission.
Funding for Love Deposit primarily comes from Nelson’s personal finances and through donations, allowing him to maintain independence from external influences.
Nelson also expressed concern over the rising violence among teens, stating, “These young men are dying and killing to be seen.
The absence of positive male role models in the community leads many young boys to seek their identity either among peers or through influences online.”
He labels this as a painful indictment of the community’s collective responsibility toward its youth, underscoring a pressing need for mentorship and guidance.
Beyond addressing fatherhood, Nelson believes the absence of opportunities is a core issue facing youth in Dallas today.
He emphasized that young individuals should be able to find love and support outside of their homes, from neighbors, schools, and community centers.
One innovative measure Nelson’s nonprofit has implemented is a tailored reading curriculum aimed at students to keep them engaged academically.
He noted that disengagement from education often precedes behavioral issues, so it’s crucial to tackle academic challenges directly.
Partnering with local judges, Nelson aims to incorporate educational initiatives into the jail system to support young fathers, offering them resources to improve their parenting skills.
As someone who became a father at just 17, Nelson understands the need for guidance and aims to forge pathways for young fathers to build stronger bonds with their children.
Despite the challenges, Nelson maintains an optimistic outlook on reducing violence among young people in Dallas.
He advocates for the importance of creating opportunities for youth, which his organization actively promotes by organizing annual retreats that expose kids to nature, diverse experiences, and educational ventures.
However, he believes that such initiatives need to extend beyond retreats and become integrated within local neighborhoods and community centers as well.
“Let’s show up for each other,” Nelson urged, encouraging collective community involvement in caring for the youth.
He called for community members to engage in love deposits and emphasized that the resources necessary to inspire change already exist within the community.
Ultimately, Nelson challenged everyone to practice love in their immediate circles, embracing the greatest commandment to “love thy neighbor” in a meaningful and actionable manner.
Through his unwavering commitment and the establishment of Love Deposit, Nelson continues to strive towards a future where love and positive influence can prevail, leading to a safer and more supportive environment for the children of Dallas.
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