Driven by a passion for improving lives and building stronger, more compassionate communities, Che Jordan, President and CEO of Ebony House Inc., embodies the principles of servant leadership. With over a decade of experience in healthcare, Che has devoted his career to addressing critical social issues, from mental health stigma to homelessness and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. His compassionate approach emphasizes patience, understanding, humility, and a commitment to helping others, regardless of status or title.
Che’s journey was inspired by witnessing the struggles of underserved communities, particularly homeless individuals and army veterans living on the streets. This early exposure ignited a dream to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. As Associate Vice President before joining Ebony House Inc., he played a pivotal role in expanding access to essential services, including mental health and educational programs. He also spearheaded the creation of an emergency shelter to provide immediate support to those in crisis.
At Ebony House Inc., Che continues to lead with vision and empathy. He champions initiatives that address the root causes of societal challenges, fostering resilience and empowerment within the communities he serves. His leadership style prioritizes collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Che maintains a healthy work-life balance through fitness, meditation, yoga, and an appreciation for art and architecture. He also extends his dedication to service by supporting healthcare and non-healthcare organizations that align with his mission to help those in need.
Staying Grounded in Compassion
Che embraces a servant-leader mindset, cultivating patience and humility by meeting people where they are in life and exploring how best to assist them. This perspective reflects a belief that life transcends self-interest and calls for serving others rather than pursuing self-centered goals. Che highlights that leadership should never lose sight of its foundation—empathy and connection.
A common pitfall for leaders, as Che observes, is forgetting the journey that led them to their positions. When leaders become overly absorbed in their titles or personal emotions, they risk losing the compassion and heart necessary to lead effectively. This disconnect from the people they serve undermines the essence of true leadership.
To address this, Che advocates for a continuous effort to understand and connect with those under their care. Leaders must actively engage with the realities of the people they serve to identify needs and solutions effectively. Furthermore, Che underscores the importance of building enduring networks of trust and support that extend beyond initial treatment. Leadership, in this view, is about fostering long-term relationships that ensure people continue to feel supported, even after formal interventions end.
A Beacon of Hope
Che’s leadership is rooted in a profound commitment to serving people and fostering a culture that aligns seamlessly with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Under his guidance, the organization emphasizes the importance of human connection alongside clinical excellence, creating a unique and holistic approach to care.
Central to Che’s philosophy is the implementation of a continuous care model designed to offer practical solutions that empower clients to reclaim their independence. This comprehensive approach goes beyond traditional treatment, incorporating essential aftercare services such as providing bus passes, resume assistance, and housing support. These resources are instrumental in helping clients reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose.
What distinguishes Che’s leadership is his focus on transformation—both for clients and staff. He finds profound satisfaction in witnessing the journey of clients as they enter treatment, navigate the process, and ultimately graduate from the program, often emerging as empowered individuals ready to rebuild their lives. Equally inspiring is the role of the staff, who not only deliver exceptional care but also serve as beacons of hope.
Che’s vision for the organization combines compassion, innovation, and practicality, ensuring that every client’s journey is met with respect and a tailored approach to their unique challenges. His dedication to fostering both human connection and measurable success has positioned the organization as a leader in transformative care.
Forward-Thinking Solutions
Che is on a mission to transform the way society understands and addresses mental health and addiction. At the core of this vision is a bold initiative to dismantle stigma and foster a compassionate dialogue around these critical issues. Che aims to build a national network of community-based substance abuse centers, each embodying a progressive and holistic approach to care.
These centers will stand as pillars of support for individuals and families, offering services grounded in compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to human connection. Che understands that real, lasting change is driven by authentic community engagement and the relationships that empower individuals to overcome adversity.
The initiative emphasizes more than just treatment—it’s about building a foundation for long-term recovery and resilience. Che’s strategy integrates advanced therapeutic approaches with community-building activities, ensuring that every individual is supported not only clinically but socially and emotionally. Recognizing the often-overlooked power of collective support, the centers aim to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Che’s approach is unapologetically forward-thinking. Each center will prioritize accessibility, providing exceptional services tailored to meet diverse needs. From evidence-based addiction therapies to educational workshops and peer-support networks, the goal is to provide a comprehensive ecosystem of care.
In addition, Che’s commitment extends beyond individual treatment—the centers will engage with local communities, hosting events, fostering partnerships, and championing education to further erode the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.
Taking On High-Risk Opportunities for Social Impact
Che has built a distinguished reputation for taking on high-risk executive opportunities that many of his peers may shy away from. Whether the job at hand presents high or low risks, Che’s guiding principle remains the same: the people in the community need help, and he is committed to meeting that need. With an unwavering focus on social impact, Che’s leadership has positioned him organization for significant growth in the coming years.
Over the next five years, the organization plans to expand its reach and services, with a strategic focus on enhancing its residential facilities by adding more beds, expanding its Children Service Clinic, and developing a new adolescent facility. Additionally, there is a bold vision to provide supported housing for veterans and individuals living with HIV, a crucial step in addressing gaps in community services.
To turn these ambitions into reality, Che recognizes the critical need for both funding and resources. Securing the necessary support will be instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward and ensuring it continues to serve those who need it most.
Guidance for Early Career Success
Che’s advice to those just beginning their careers is simple yet profound: take it one day at a time, focusing on learning the community you serve. He emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding, recognizing that these qualities are essential for building a foundation of trust. According to Che, fostering a culture of trust is not just about establishing relationships; it’s about creating an environment where people can continually strive for excellence together. By taking the time to truly understand the needs and dynamics of the community, newcomers can build meaningful connections and make a lasting impact.
