For more than 50 years, Ebony House has been a symbol of hope and healing in Phoenix, Arizona. This nonprofit organization has dedicated itself to addressing substance abuse, behavioral health challenges, and more through compassionate and evidence-based care. Outstanding leadership by Dr. Che Jordan has seen Ebony House thrive, reach new heights, and keep with its original founding mission.
Meet Dr. Che Jordan
Dr. Jordan took over as president of Ebony House in December 2022, stepping into a role with immense responsibility. His leadership came at a time when behavioral health facilities across Arizona were closing their doors. Despite the problems, Dr. Jordan made sure Ebony House survived and thrived. He focuses on “servant leadership” in his approach to his role—being committed unswervingly to other people’s assistance. As he says, “The disease doesn’t have a day off, so I don’t either. I was put on this planet to serve people.”
Ebony House was founded in 1973 by Elbertzena Fontenot, a recovering alcoholic who wanted to help end the alcoholism epidemic prevalent in the Black communities of Phoenix. Using only $500, Fontenot built a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people and families. Over time, the organization expanded its services to help people from all backgrounds. Dr. Jordan continues to honor Fontenot’s vision while pushing the organization forward in innovative ways.
Under his leadership, Ebony House has expanded its offerings. It comprises residential treatment programs for both men and women, with outpatient services and supported housing programs, youth behavioral health services, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs. The services are offered to individuals and provided according to their needs so that each individual receives what they deserve.
The most striking feature of Dr. Che’s practice is his hands-on approach. He is known for greeting clients personally, sharing meals with them, and participating in group therapy sessions. This provides the individuals seeking recovery an environment of trust, belonging, and attachment. He cures not only his patients; he transforms them, for he gives them the tools that can help them rebuild their lives, including professional advice for work life, enhancing their confidence as they re-enter the workforce.
The Legacy of Dr. Che
Among the other projects, Dr. Che is looking to develop an emergency home for military veterans and individuals with HIV. There, they will be given rent-free living space for a term ranging between 30 to 90 days; this is seen as a safety net for vulnerable populations.
The impact of Ebony House is evident not only in the lives it touches but also in the recognition it has received. The organization has been named one of the Best Businesses in America and received the Global Recognition Award in 2024. Dr. Jordan himself has garnered accolades, appearing on the cover of “The CIO Today” and earning a spot in the “Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs” by the Official Top 100 magazine.
Dr. Gene Blue, chairman of the board and a 45-year veteran of Ebony House, praises Dr. Jordan’s leadership. “Che has propelled the organization to new heights,” says Dr. Blue, “while staying true to the mission set forth by our founder.” In his dedication, vision, and compassion, he has not only helped change lives but also ensured that generations in the future would have hope in Ebony House.