OHPM Welcomes Derrick Vernon

Hello, my name is Derrick Vernon.

I am originally from Memphis, TN. I grew up a few minutes from Graceland, as well as within walking distance of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. I was born into a racially charged climate in 1973 by a black mother, suffering with bi-polar disorder, and a white father, whom I never met. This dynamic led to a deep seeded feeling of ostracism, and I developed a spirit of rejection and worthlessness because of it. So, I became aimless and dropped out of school and, in search of a sense of belonging, I joined a street gang.

During all this hopelessness God had provided me with a secret weapon-a praying Mother! In response to that woman’s prayers, God penetrated my darkness with his light, illuminating my eyes and led me to his Son and priceless salvation! However, the damage was already done, and I had to spend 27 years incarcerated (ages 21-48). God even worked that out for my good. It was during those years God was forging a servant’s heart within mine!

While in prison I enrolled in Bible College and received my Minister’s license. I served as an assistant to multiple prison Chaplains, all of which helped to prepare me for future service upon my release and that happened on 2/22/22.

So here I sit today by God’s grace and hand of favor as the Communication & Client Service Specialist for OHPM.  I am ready to serve all whom God, by his providence, leads our way!

“Lets Get It!!!!”