We were lucky to catch up with Jason Betts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I speak on having the right people in your life and inner circle. During COVID in 2020, I felt a little unsure within my profession and new business ventures opportunities. I explored my thoughts and feelings with one of my business partners who told me that I was ready. He assisted with removing any doubt in my mind which empowered me to take the necessary steps. Having someone believe in you will change your life, no matter what part of the journey you are moving into. This elevated my business and professional mindset. I will always be grateful to my business partner (Tevis) who I refer to as Megamind because of his vast knowledge in many professional areas and life experiences.

Jason, 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?

I am referred to as Coach Jason in the communities I serve and inside the institutions I provide instruction. I am a father, husband, son, brother, leader, coach, clinician, and business owner. As I progressed in the justice system field as a probation officer and while coaching youth football, I witnessed many young boys suffering from trauma or other disorders. I provided counseling and mentoring to them because it was needed. During the years, I felt I could do more but did not have the time available. Once my sons graduated from high school, the time to do more presented itself. I prayed for direction and God told me to go back to school. I applied to graduate school at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena and started the program. Everything about the experiences, from the courses to the instructors to the internship, felt right to me. I also was healed going through the program and obtained my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2014. I already had Life Builders Incorporated established in 2000 as a youth coaching and mentoring nonprofit organization. I rebranded Life Builders in 2017 into a youth/adult empowerment and mental health services nonprofit working with trauma exposed/justice impacted individuals and families. My journey was a full circle moment for me. I am very proud of the journey I’m on, the people I’ve provided services to, and the employment positions I’ve created for community residents, in addition to those who need a second chance (previously incarcerated individuals). My team and I bring understanding, hope, positivity, love, and support to our consumers and families in need of services. We are “gap fillers.” Instead of just providing one or two services, we ensure all consumers’ needs are met, regardless if we provide what’s needed or not. We link consumers to other agencies to provide additional services such as housing for example. Our approach is holistic and humanistic to elevate our consumers’ mindset, self-identity, community connectedness, and overall wellbeing. My purpose is my passion.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The experience that comes to mind was one of the worst years of my life. During my junior year in undergraduate school, I had to have an emergency medical procedure in May and my grandfather died a few weeks after I was released from the hospital. A few months later, my sister died. My heart was so broken, I felt lost. I sat in my room and cried while praying. I asked God for direction, that I needed His help. The message I received was to “get busy.” I enrolled into 18 units at school and worked two part-time jobs. I was so busy I didn’t have time to think of my pain. By staying busy, it allowed my heart to heal. I eventually understood the need to be resilient and to further develop it. A consumer recently shared with me that his pain was his power. As I reflect on my past, I totally agree with him. The experiences that broke my heart didn’t destroy me. I have used those experiences to pivot, adjust, and overcome all adversities regardless of what the experience is. I believe in embracing everything I’ve gone through; good, bad, and in-between.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes I would choose the same professions I’ve worked in. Each career prepared me for my current profession which is also my passion. I’ve worked as a teacher’s assistant/sports coach, group home counselor, probation officer, State investigator/detective and now licensed clinician/life coach. I’m able to draw from each position and plenty of life experiences that I share with consumers, mentees, and family members.

Contact Info:

• Website: Life-builders.org
• Instagram: lbi_wellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBIpower
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-betts-884a38a1/