Elbertzena Fontinote, a visionary, started Ebony House Inc., Phoenix, in 1973 with just $500 with the goal of addressing mental health and substance misuse issues. It began as a foundation for treatment and recovery throughout the civil rights period and the war on drugs. Ebony House continues to be a ray of hope and healing for a variety of communities by providing services including HIV outreach programs, children's mental health clinics, and residential treatment.

Dr. Che Jordan, CEO of Ebony House Inc. spoke exclusively to Business Fortune about the organization's distinctive approach to healthcare. Ebony House has adopted a paradigm based on humility and compassion a leadership style focused on serving others. Below is an excerpt from the interview.

Q. The mission of Ebony House, Inc in the Phoenix neighborhood is distinct. Could you describe its early history and the beginning idea that led to its creation? Over the years, how has the organization changed to meet the evolving needs of the community?

Elbertzena Fontinote had a divine vision in 1973, during the civil rights protests and the war on drugs. She recognized the need to establish a company in Arizona that would give those dealing with substance misuse and mental health issues hope. Many African American women were not starting or owning their own companies at the time, and Elbertzena was committed to changing that. She started Ebony House Inc. with just $500 to provide treatment and assistance to people dealing with addiction and behavioral health problems.

Elbertzena's goal is still upheld at Ebony House more than fifty years later. Providing vital mental health services to individuals of all races and backgrounds is now a pillar of the community. By establishing two residential treatment facilities, a Children's Behavioral Health Clinic, an HIV Outreach Clinic, and a Supported Housing Program, the organization has broadened its influence throughout time. Its therapeutic offerings are intended to be evidence-based, client-centered, and results-driven.

Despite her death in December 2023, Elbertzena Fontinote's legacy endures because of Ebony House's efforts. Her purpose is still being upheld by the alumni, staff, and leadership, who make sure her spirit, is at the center of all they do.

Q. What impact have your counseling services had on your patient’s results? Could you describe the way in which combining these services with other support programs offers a thorough rehabilitation strategy?

Clients have benefited from our therapy services by overcoming addiction and mending familial ties. Clients who get these treatments feel more secure in reentering their communities because they have a greater sense of self-worth, self-respect, and self-awareness. For further support and encouragement to stay clean, many of our clients keep in touch with our clinical team and frequently visit counselors' offices during the week.

Clients who acquire these abilities are more equipped to withstand the urge to use illegal substances, even while they are visiting friends and relatives. One important tactic we employ is the 12-step program, which assists clients in seeking spiritual direction and routinely reviewing their development. By identifying their strengths and addressing their faults, this continuous self-evaluation helps individuals stay focused on their sober path.

Q. How do you incorporate behavioral health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and assistance for those struggling with substance abuse to guarantee a comprehensive approach to recovery and health?

The principles of empathy, thankfulness, and respect form the foundation of my strategy. We provide a nurturing atmosphere in which we consistently offer our clients resources and information. Alumni who have been sober for 15, 20, or even 30 years are linked to our members, providing them with inspiration and helpful advice. 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.

Q. Can you share a few success stories that capture the spirit and impact of Ebony House’s programs? What impact have these tales had on the organization's future goals?

The success stories of Robert Holloway, a board member, and Michael Berry, one of our graduates, perfectly capture the essence of Ebony House. They demonstrate that individuals feel supported, loved, and needed here. With an emphasis on holistic therapy, Ebony House is committed to assisting people in leading happier, healthier lives. Their experiences demonstrate that anyone can quit using drugs, become clean, and resume enjoying life, regardless of how long they have fought with it. Their experiences serve as a reminder that there is compassion and assistance available to everyone who is feeling shattered. That location is Ebony House, which offers individuals a better route to self-love, forgiveness, and healing while assisting them in overcoming the chronic suffering caused by addiction.

Q. Support from the community is crucial for every non-profit organization. What methods does Ebony House employ to build enduring bonds with funders, partners, and people of the community?

Mercy Care, Molina, Care 1st, Banner Healthcare, Arizona Complete Health, OIC (a non-profit that assists those in need), Aunt Rita's Foundation, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program are just a few of the community groups with whom we collaborate. Every year, we host a Gala to collect money, and alumni of our program, partners, and new contributors get together to generously support the cause. In order to grow our network and open up new financing prospects, I have also developed solid partnerships with government organizations. For us to continue providing our services, community support is crucial.

Arizona's healthcare system is now experiencing financial difficulties, which have resulted in lower billing rates and delayed reimbursements, making it more difficult to deliver the treatments that people require. To keep providing our essential services, we need funds. I've put a lot of effort into adapting and making sure the community still has access to the services they need in spite of these financial difficulties. But in order for us to continue navigating through this difficult financial scenario in Arizona's healthcare system, we must get steady financing.

Q. In communities where addiction and mental health issues may still be taboo, how does Ebony House combat the stigma associated with these issues?

We provide information and assistance to those dealing with addiction and mental health concerns at several events hosted by our community partners. In order to make prospective customers feel understood and appreciated, we also use our social media channels to disseminate information about our helpful services. Individuals may embrace good change in a secure and friendly setting with the help of compassionate, nonjudgmental assistance provided via one-on-one therapy.

Q. In recent years, there has been a greater demand for mental health care. What new difficulties or achievements have resulted from this increase in demand, and how has Ebony House handled them?

We have consistently maintained over 90% client satisfaction for the past two years since I was elected President. This achievement may be attributed to the establishment of a respectful and appreciative work culture that allows our clients and employees to flourish. One of the difficulties we've encountered is individuals who lack access to mobile services or transportation to the treatment facility. In order to help clients begin our program, we provide transportation, picking them up from treatment facilities, hospitals, or their present location. We also offer tools to assist clients in obtaining free mobile phones and service when they are enrolled in the program and demonstrate improvement.

Q. After reaching the 50-year mark, what are some of the future goals or dreams you have for Ebony House as it steps into its next era of service?

We intend to develop a facility for teenagers, increase the number of beds in our residential facilities for men and women, provide supported housing for those living with HIV, and expand our Children’s Service Clinic. Our objective is to establish a complete campus that offers the community all of these services in one location. We will require funds and resources in order to do this.

Q. Would you like us to highlight something important happening in your company that we may have missed asking about?

We are always striving to improve and reshape industry norms. We require new funders and the community's continued support to continue offering the high-quality programs that are in great demand.

Dr. Che Jordan, CEO

Dr. Che Jordan has established a care model based on compassion and humility by introducing a leadership style centered on helping others. Since Dr. Jordan took office as president in December 2022, this strategy has produced a culture of respect, gratitude, and understanding that has led to over 90% client satisfaction for two consecutive years. The company has won multiple accolades for creating an environment where employees and clients can flourish, including appearances on media sites such as Sonoran Living ABC15, 2024 CEO Weekly Magazine, Business Insider Magazine, The Silicon Review, The Montel Show's "The Balance Act," and CIO Today's "Emerging Innovators: Top Personalities Driving Impact."

Dr. Jordan also received the BNS Winner Magazine Trust Award, was included among the "Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs" in 2024, and was named one of the "Most Influential Leaders in Health and Wellness to Watch" in the same year. In 2024, they were also named the "Best Business in America" and won the 2024 Global Recognition Award. In addition, Dr. Jordan received the 2024 American College of Healthcare Executives Regent's Award and the 2024 World CEO Award for Best Innovative CEO in Healthcare at the city level.

“We have consistently maintained over 90% client satisfaction for the past two years since I was elected President. This achievement may be attributed to the establishment of a respectful and appreciative work culture that allows our clients and employees to flourish.”