Hope On The Inside
Empowering the incarcerated with the tools and skills necessary to transition from simply existing to living with purpose!
How did Hope On The Inside start?
Once an inmate herself, Briana Calhoun beat unbelievable odds and dedicated her career to helping inmates navigate incarceration, find strength through self-determination and love, and discover Hope on the Inside™️ — no matter the circumstances. In 2024, Calhoun and business partner Kix Brooks, of Brooks and Dunn, founded a nonprofit sharing incredible accounts of triumph through an honest and compassionate approach for change. Other Nashville artists have begun to join this journey and Calhoun aims to expand the outreach community through various avenues of art, education, and entertainment!
What do we do?
It all starts with meeting those on the inside through prison visits - bringing hope to where it's needed most.
Playing
We bring in artists who sing and speak about whatever is on their heart. The more real, the more raw – the better. The inmates - men and women - are grateful for every word spoken and every song shared.
Sharing
Our founder, Briana, shares her incredible story, how she made it out, and the lessons she's learned along the way with the inmates. She relays the absolute proof that their circumstances do not have to define them.
Talking
We open up the floor to speak one on one with those on the inside. There’s never a time when laughter and tears are not heard and seen. The inmates – men and women – are all ears. They are connected, affixed, encouraging and kind.
Who's on the team?
From left to right; Jualea Hayes, Chancie Neal, VP Kix Brooks, Randy Graham, President Briana Calhoun, Treasurer Kerry Banks, Todd Davison, Secretary Bill Windham
Briana Calhoun
Once an inmate herself, Briana Calhoun beat unbelievable odds and dedicated her career to helping inmates navigate incarceration, find strength through self-determination and love, and discover Hope on the Inside™️ — no matter the circumstances
Kix Brooks
HOTI's VP and Board Member, Kix Brooks was born and raised in Shreveport, LA. From writing hit songs for other artists such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Highway 101, and John Conlee, to joining forces with Ronnie Dunn to become the highest selling duo in country music, Kix brings a wealth of experience to HOTI's leadership! In fact, he's the one that originally convinced Briana to form Hope On The Inside!
Bill Windham
HOTI acting secretary and political ambassador. Bill is an extremely successful entrepreneur from Shreveport, La. Bill is responsible for partnerships and engagements, and has been an active board member for multiple nonprofits, including acting as board director for a regional chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation!
Kerry Banks
Kerry Banks, HOTI treasurer, has served on the Board of Directors for multiple non-profit organizations including MedCamps of La, Lifehouse Ministries, and various positions with Trinity Methodist Church to name a few. Professionally, Kerry serves as President of the Rural Rental Housing of La and is on the Board of Directors with Louisiana National Bank. Kerry is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and was licensed as Certified Public Accountant in 1995.
Chancie Neal
HOTI Board member and Artist Ambassador, has been a professional artist and songwriter for nearly 20 years. At the age of nine, Chancie had already secured her title as the NFR Barrel Racing World Champion. However, her true passion was songwriting. Discovered by Luke Bryan at the age of 12, she was signed to Sony and toured with Bryan for the next seven years. Chancie is a hit songwriter and when she’s not helping run her family ranch, she can be found playing her music all over the country or writing and performing original songs in Nashville. Chancie assists in securing musicians and songwriters to perform for HOTI events, whether it be free concerts for inmates, or charitable fundraisers.
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