Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gregory Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gregory, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I had already spent years working with youth, pouring into their lives and doing what I could to guide them forward. But one moment shifted everything for me.
I was invited to a meeting focused on supporting young foster youth facing homelessness. It sounded like the kind of conversation that could spark real change. But as the meeting went on, it felt heavy… stuck. Ideas circled the room, but nothing landed. No plan. No action. Just talk. By the end, we walked away with no real solutions, and that didn’t sit right with me.

I left that meeting carrying frustration and disappointment. I was actually on my way to Mississippi for vacation, but mentally, I couldn’t disconnect. That meeting stayed with me the whole drive. I kept thinking about how it could have gone differently… how it should have gone differently.

Then something shifted….On July 4th, 2014, I made a decision. I told myself, “Let something that makes you mad be the thing that pushes you to do good.” That moment became my turning point. What started as frustration became fuel.

From there, it wasn’t just an idea anymore, it became a responsibility.

The next days and weeks were filled with questions: How do I create a safe space? What does structure look like? What do these young men truly need beyond just a roof?

I began researching, connecting with people, studying programs, and identifying gaps. I looked into housing requirements, support services, life-skills development, and sustainability. I had to think beyond shelter, I had to think about stability, dignity, and opportunity.

Then came the real work.
Building a team. Finding support. Securing resources. Putting systems in place. There were long days, uncertain moments, and plenty of obstacles, but I stayed grounded in that purpose that was born out of frustration.

By 2015, that vision became reality.
We opened a home designed to serve up to 21 young adult men. But more than that, we created what was missing…a safe, structured, and supportive environment where young men could rebuild their lives.
And it didn’t take long to see the impact.
Within just a few months, we welcomed our first six young men. Then more came. Each one with a story. Each one with potential. Each one reminding me why that moment in 2014 mattered so much.
What started as a disappointing meeting became a life-changing mission.
Sometimes, it only takes one moment, one feeling, one decision, to move from talking about change… to becoming it.

In closing, it is vital that those who believe in the mission support it through donations, especially when it comes to nonprofits like mine, where every contribution directly helps make a meaningful difference.

Gregory, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Me & My Work
I am originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, where I was raised with a strong foundation in family, service, and compassion. From an early age, I was taught that while family should always support one another, there is an even greater blessing in extending that same care and humanity to those who are not your own. That belief has stayed with me throughout my life and ultimately shaped my purpose, to serve others.

My journey into this field was not just a career choice; it was a calling. Over the past 40+ years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life…ranging from youth with disabilities to those impacted by gang involvement, as well as young people navigating the foster care system. Each experience has deepened my understanding, strengthened my compassion, and reinforced my commitment to making a difference. I can truly say that I have embraced every part of this journey, and I am honored by the work I have been entrusted to do.

Today, I continue that mission through both my full-time work in foster care and my organization, where I provide housing and support for young adults ages 18 to 25. My work focuses on addressing a critical gap, helping young people who are at risk of homelessness transition into stable, independent living. But what I offer goes beyond just a place to stay. I strive to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where young adults can learn the value of responsibility, develop life skills, gain employment, and understand the importance of giving back to their communities.

What sets my work apart is the heart behind it. This is not just a program, it is a mission rooted in lived experience, consistency, and genuine care. I believe in meeting people where they are, walking alongside them, and helping them build a future they can be proud of. Transparency is also a core value of mine. I believe that those who support this work, whether through partnership, mentorship, or donations, deserve to see the impact and trust in the mission.

One of the things I am most proud of is being able to turn purpose into action, creating a safe space for young men who need guidance, stability, and opportunity. Seeing their growth, resilience, and progress is the greatest reward. At the same time, balancing both my professional role in foster care and running my own organization keeps me grounded, continuously learning, and striving to be better each day.

Ultimately, I want people to know that this work is bigger than me. It is about changing lives, building futures, and creating a cycle of giving that extends far beyond what we can see today. This is not just what I do…it is who I am.❤️‍🔥

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of longevity, authenticity, and a clear commitment to my mission. Having served in this field for over 40 years, I have been able to develop deep relationships, gain valuable experience, and demonstrate consistency in the work that I do.

Transparency has also played a major role. I make it a priority to be open about my mission, my processes, and the impact of the work. This builds trust with those I serve, as well as with partners, supporters, and the community.

Equally important is the heart behind what I do. My passion for making a difference and my genuine belief in the next generation are at the core of everything. People can see that this is not just work for me, it is purpose driven. I have been given the ability to connect and relate to others in a meaningful way, and that has allowed me to build strong, lasting relationships.

Ultimately, it is the combination of experience, integrity, and a sincere commitment to serving others that has shaped my reputation and continues to set my work apart.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Effective team management and maintaining high morale begin with consistent leadership rooted in respect and integrity. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to manage teams of over 100 individuals at a time, and one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people respond to leaders who demonstrate strong character and genuine care.

It’s essential to treat every team member with fairness and respect, setting a standard of professionalism and accountability. As a leader, you must be willing to make difficult decisions when necessary, while remaining transparent and principled in your approach. Leading by example is equally important when your team sees you working hard alongside them, it builds trust and reinforces a shared commitment to the mission.

Inspiring others is at the heart of strong leadership. When your actions encourage people to think bigger, strive for more, and believe in their potential, the team as a whole achieves greater success. Challenges and criticism are inevitable, but rather than allowing them to discourage you, use them as motivation to strengthen your purpose and push forward with even greater passion.

Ultimately, maintaining high morale comes from creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and driven by a shared vision. When that culture is in place, the team not only performs well, they grow, persevere, and succeed together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://A2ndhomeforyou.org
• Instagram: gcjones1028
• Facebook: Gregory Jones and A 2nd Home For You
• Linkedin: Gregory Jones

Image Credits

Russell Lang at russ_lang_photography