“You Can’t defeat the darkness by keeping it caged inside of you!”
How many people today are battling something nobody knows about? And these battles take them through the darkest of phases. Some find their way out from it with a disciplined routine, maybe exercise. But there are some people who take drugs and end up lost and confused.
Substance abuse is one of the biggest enemies the youth is facing today. But, know that even a small step towards recovery is a big win in this case.
Dr. Che Jordan, a Visionary in Mental health care has dedicated his life to saving the lives of many. We at The Business Vision Magazine are proud to feature his story. Our upcoming edition of The Most Admired Entrepreneur In Health & Wellness To Watch – 2025 features Dr. Che Jordan. Let us embark on this fulfilling journey.
The Heartfelt Journey to Healing
Taking you back in history a little, Ebony House Inc. was founded by Elbertzena Fontinote – a true Visionary with a God mission. She has been helping people with addiction for over 50 years now. Every individual that is apart of this organization aligns with the same mission – helping the community.
For instance, Dr. Gene Blue, who is the Chairman of the Board of Ebony House Inc. has worked with Mrs. Elba for 45 years for this cause. In the initial days their efforts were directed specifically towards the African American community, where they worked hard to address the unique challenges faced by this population in the South Phoenix Community during the 1970s.
As the organization grew, and started gaining recognition, it became Inclusive and became much more diverse in the serving of people.
“I value people and serving all ethnicities and communities that need help with health & wellness, mental health and substance abuse. This diversity and inclusivity also helps me serve and support the military veterans that need health and wellness, mental health treatment and housing.”
Leading the Way with Patience and Humility
“Being in the field that I am, these two values can guide you to success – patience and humility.”
Holding on to these two values makes you an empath, a more understanding person, and that is where you find your balance. Dr. Che Jordan states that you need to have patience to endure the negative mindset that a person may have coming into the facility. Also, with today’s workforce, and the new generation of employees, Patience has to be imbibed in your values.
This new generation of employees is not like it was a few decades ago. This new generation is equipped with cell phones and laptops. They are using advanced technology to reduce errors, streamline information and so many other tasks. Patience works wonders here, because it helps you understand the other person’s perspective, find a suitable solution and ultimately work together.
Humility – the second best friend.
“There is no greater title than servitude.”
Dr. Che Jordan firmly believes that just because you become an executive, or obtain a higher title in the hierarchy, you are not entitled to place yourself in a position where the focus is more on serving self than serving others. Serving the community to your best capabilities will need you to understand the community you are serving. And that is surely not possible inside 4 walls, behind your desk.
Balance – the perfect mix.
A Balance approach is the principle and an extension of purpose and reason. The purpose is that people have an addiction and seek help. The reason is, clients are sick and tired of being addicted to the wrongs and people in their life. Time for adjustments and organic change to be made in their life. This has helped the organization get through toughest times in healthcare that last two years while maintaining over 90% client satisfaction noted by our provider.
Ebony House Inc. – On a God Mission
Ebony House is committed to that which is right, appropriate, and necessary to foster healing, growth, and development in all of our communities. The vision is to be a beacon of hope and healing for a variety of communities by providing services including HIV outreach programs, outpatient children’s mental health clinics, outpatient adult counselling as well as residential treatment.
A Legacy of Healing: Transforming Lives Through Comprehensive Care
At the heart of Ebony House Inc., lies a mission deeply rooted in compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief in second chances. Founded to serve underserved communities battling addiction, behavioral health issues, and socio-economic hardships, Ebony House has grown into a lifeline for countless individuals and families seeking hope and recovery.
Understanding that no two journeys are alike, Ebony House provides a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of every client:
- Residential Care for Men & Women – A structured, supportive environment for individuals battling substance use disorders, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
- Intensive Outpatient Services – Designed for those facing mild to moderate addiction or behavioral health challenges, offering counseling and support while maintaining daily responsibilities.
- Youth Behavioral Health Services – A dedicated Children’s Clinic provides early intervention programs for ages birth to five and five to seventeen, focusing on emotional stability, social development, and family strengthening.
- HIV/AIDS & STD Outreach Clinic – Through education, prevention, and resources, Ebony House addresses high-risk communities, ensuring they have access to life-saving information and support.
- Primary Medical Care – A holistic approach to recovery, ensuring individuals receive affordable and accessible healthcare, recognizing that physical and mental well-being go hand in hand.
For decades, Ebony House has been more than just a treatment facility—it has been a sanctuary of transformation, continuing the legacy of its founder by empowering individuals to reclaim their futures, one step at a time.
Rebuilding Lives with Unwavering Support
Ebony House Inc. believes in holistic healing. We provide individual counseling to address their mental health and provide them with coping skills that will help reduce their anxiety, depression and improve their mood.
“Our clients meet with a dietician to educate them on nutritious food and dieting. Clients have the opportunity to learn the 12-steps model which also addresses spiritual health.”
With this in mind, the organization further extends their help and support to the clients up to 90 days after the treatment. This includes supported housing, where clients are able to build their resumes, work on their interviewing skills, obtain employment and rebuild a clean life.
With continuous support from the alumni, new patients and clients are guided on a path of recovery and new sober life. The alumni are the individuals that have been sober, and some that have had a clean sober life for more than a decade. These alumni provide the new patients with inspiration and helpful advice to lead a happy and content life.
“Since many of our employees have been with the company for more than 10 years and have completed the program themselves, we also have a work culture built on shared experiences. This builds a solid, encouraging community by promoting relatability and trust.”
Other Health and Wellness Initiatives
Ebony House Inc. caters to a community that has low access to education and healthcare. As a result, several patients in the community face chronic health problems. The organization addresses these issues by partnering with organizations that can meet chronic health problems. At the same time, the experts and doctors at Ebony House educate their patients about vocational jobs and partner with organizations that are able to obtain their high school diploma, food handler card, and other job opportunities.
Ebony House also has a grant that allows an individual or a family to receive treatment even if they do not have insurance.
Tackling the Taboo: Ebony House Inc.’s HIV Prevention and Testing Program
As Ebony House Inc. grew, so did its commitment to serving those most in need. Recognizing the deep health disparities faced by African Americans and high-risk communities in metropolitan Phoenix, the organization expanded its services to provide targeted outreach, prevention, and intervention programs.
The organization’s advanced outreach specialists focus their efforts on delivering one-on-one interventions, group counseling, and free HIV testing to those at risk. But Ebony House’s mission extends beyond just medical assistance—it is about fostering self-esteem, self-efficacy, and a renewed sense of purpose in every individual they serve. Through the Ryan White Part A/MAI Outreach Program, the organization offers both medical and non-medical case management, ensuring that individuals living with HIV/AIDS receive comprehensive care, support, and resources to lead healthier lives.
At the core of Ebony House’s outreach initiatives are three primary programs:
- At-Home HIV Testing – Available free of charge, this initiative provides test kits to those in greatest need, prioritizing individuals based on demographic and risk factors. By eliminating barriers to testing, Ebony House empowers individuals to take charge of their health.
- EBAN Newly Diagnosed University – A 12-week program designed to educate and guide newly diagnosed individuals through the complexities of accessing medical care, case management, pharmaceutical assistance, housing support, nutrition programs, and dental care.
- Ryan White Part A Medical Case Management – A lifeline for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, providing personalized support, coordinating medical care, facilitating access to essential services, and ensuring medication adherence.
In addition to these programs, Ebony House offers free rapid HIV testing by appointment, health education and risk reduction sessions, targeted outreach, and specialized case management services. One of its most unique initiatives, Flow: Gender Identity Exploration through Creative Writing, provides a safe space for individuals to explore and express their identity through storytelling and self-reflection.
Through these programs, Ebony House continues its legacy of holistic healing, ensuring that every individual—regardless of their circumstances—has access to the care, resources, and community support they need to reclaim their lives and thrive.
The Accolades of this Journey
The success stories of Robert Holloway, a board member, and Michael Berry, one of the organizations’ graduates, demonstrate that individuals feel supported, loved, and needed at Ebony House Inc.
In Robert’s sobriety success, he gave back his mom a son that she can recognize, a child a father and a wife a husband to see sober and clean. Their experiences demonstrate that anyone can quit using drugs, become clean, and resume enjoying life, regardless of how long they have fought with their addiction.
Their experiences serve as a reminder that there is compassion and assistance available to everyone who is feeling shattered. Forgiveness comes with the healing process and they have given back to help struggling in their addiction today. An example of over 20 years cleans one day at a time.
The success stories of the clients are Accolades enough for the organization. But because of their hard work and efforts towards the community, Ebony House Inc. has been a recipient of several recognitions. Some of them include –
- Appearance on Media Sites like Sonoran Living ABC15,
- The Montel Shows “The Balance Act”,
- Cox Media YurView, Global Recognition Award,
- 2025’s Best Companies to Watch by Success Knocks,
- BNS Best in Business for two consecutive years,
- 2024 Small Business Award SB100 &
- 2024 Business Fortune 30 Most Admired Companies of the Year
The Future Ahead
As Ebony House Inc. continues to grow, so does its vision for the future. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide holistic care, accessible treatment, and life-changing resources to those in need. Looking ahead, Ebony House is committed to expanding its reach by developing a comprehensive facility that will serve as a centralized hub for youth programs, residential treatment, supported housing, and children’s services—all under one roof.
A key part of this expansion plan includes increasing the number of beds in residential facilities for men and women struggling with substance use disorders, ensuring more individuals receive the care and stability they need to recover. Additionally, the organization is prioritizing supported housing for those living with HIV/AIDS and military veterans, recognizing the unique challenges these populations face in securing safe and stable housing.
To address the growing need for youth-focused mental health care, Ebony House is also working to expand its Children’s Service Clinic, providing early intervention, therapy, and behavioral health services that set the foundation for lifelong well-being.
Beyond physical expansion, Ebony House is also embracing innovative solutions to eliminate barriers to care. One of its most impactful initiatives is the launch of virtual counseling services, designed to provide accessible mental health and substance use treatment to individuals across the state. This initiative is particularly beneficial for single parents, working professionals, and those unable to commit to a 90-day inpatient program, allowing them to receive therapy and counseling from the comfort of their homes without sacrificing work or family responsibilities.
Additionally, Ebony House plans to extend the duration of its supported housing program from six to nine months, providing individuals with more time to stabilize, rebuild, and transition into independent living. Recognizing the urgent need for emergency housing, the organization also aims to expand immediate shelter options for those with HIV/AIDS and veterans, ensuring that no one is left without a safe place to turn during critical times.
Through these strategic expansions and innovative services, Ebony House remains dedicated to its founding mission—creating a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community where every individual has the opportunity to heal, thrive, and reclaim their future.
