Meet Gregory Jones

We were lucky to catch up with Gregory Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gregory, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Over the years, my confidence and self-esteem have been shaped by the powerful foundation laid by the incredible women and elders who raised me. My mother, great-grandmother, and grandparents. I was brought up on the strength and guidance of their words, which still resonate deeply within me.

They taught me never to let anyone pressure me into doing wrong, nor to allow others to speak down to me. From an early age, I was encouraged to understand that I matter—that I have value. They instilled in me the importance of walking with purpose and letting my character speak for itself.

Building confidence, for me, has been about knowing and accepting both my strengths and my limitations. It’s about owning my worth, treating myself with dignity, and making choices that reflect who I am and what I stand for. I feel that, true self-esteem comes from recognizing your unique value and consistently honoring it through your actions, words, and self-respect.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

A Second Home for You is a small business doing big things—with a heart for change and a mission to grow. We proudly serve young adults who have aged out of the foster care system, helping bridge the gap between care and independence. Our programs offer hope, guidance, and practical life tools to help them not only survive, but thrive—and build the future they deserve.

Every day, we witness the impact of this work, and we know we’re just getting started. With the joy of owning our new location, we truly believe this is the beginning of something even greater. We’re committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact—but we can’t do it alone. Your support, whether new or ongoing, means the world to us.

And to those bold enough to step out in faith and pursue their mission by starting a new business: know your why. Why are you doing this? Why does it matter? Keep that purpose front and center—it will guide you through every challenge and remind you of the difference you’re here to make.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I can clearly see the three qualities that made the biggest impact: the values I gained from my Southern upbringing, the power of humility, and the ability to stay focused and optimistic through every challenge. Growing up in a small town, I witnessed firsthand how deeply people support one another and that sense of community became a foundation in my life and work. I learned early on that no job is too big or too small, and that staying grounded while managing responsibilities is key to getting things done.

For those just beginning their own journey—especially in leadership or running a program. My advice is simple but essential. First, make sure you fully understand the type of nonprofit that best aligns with your mission. Surround yourself with a strong, committed board that truly believes in your vision. When everyone is on the same page, teamwork becomes your greatest asset.

Make sure your bylaws and mission are clear and in alignment, and take time each quarter to evaluate what’s working and what can improve. Everyone involved should know the organization’s elevator speech and be ready to share it with passion. Networking and visibility matter. And once you begin to gain support—whether through donors, volunteers, or community partners—know how to keep those relationships strong. Consistent communication and genuine appreciation go a long way.

This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. And I believe that with heart, purpose, and the right people beside you, anything is possible.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The people who have been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and grow into the leader I am today are my family, our board members, and our donors. Their honesty, support, and wisdom have been invaluable. They celebrate the wins with me—but just as importantly, they hold me accountable, ensuring that every decision aligns with the mission and purpose of our organization.

Our board members are more than just a governing body—they are trusted advisors and partners. Each one brings a wealth of experience and insight, and they generously share that knowledge every step of the way. I’m truly grateful to have such a dedicated and thoughtful team walking alongside me.

To our supporters and donors: your belief in our mission and continued generosity have propelled our work forward in ways that words can hardly capture. Thank you for caring, for showing up, and for standing with us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://A2ndhomeforyou.org
• Instagram: Gcjones1028
• Facebook: Gregory Jones/ A Second Home for You
• Linkedin: Gregory Jones

Image Credits

All phots done by Russell Lang: [email protected]