We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jorgonne Ellis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jorgonne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

One of the most heartwarming and life-changing moments in my career occurred in 2015, when I was working as a house coordinator assistant with a youth program in Queens. During that time, there was a young person who was considered “voiceless.” Many staffs had given up on him, but in my spirit, I felt called to see beyond his behavior and truly understand his background. As I started conducting groups with the clients, by observing and building trust, I discovered that he had suffered deep neglect and abuse from his previous placement. He shared that he was mostly given peanut butter sandwiches for both lunch and dinner. That revelation broke my heart because I realized he was not just hungry for food but also for love, attention, and support. One day, during a vulnerable moment, he looked at me and asked, “Ms. J, where were you when I needed you the most?” That question pierced my soul. In that moment, I felt the compassion of God so strongly. I gently told him that although I could not change his past, I was here now, and I would not abandon him. I reassured him that he mattered, that his voice had been heard, and that he was seen and loved. That experience strengthened my faith and confirmed my calling. I knew that God had placed me in this field to be a voice for the voiceless and to serve those who have been neglected, forgotten, and overlooked. It reminded me daily that healing begins when people feel valued, heard, and loved. This encounter also shaped my purpose and continues to inspire the work I do today, especially in supporting vulnerable populations and creating safe, nurturing environments where people feel seen, valued, and heard.

Jorgonne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not be familiar with my journey, my name is Jorgonne Ellis, and I am the founder and visionary behind Simone Helping Hands, LLC. My work is deeply rooted in faith, purpose, and lived experience. I entered this field not simply as a career choice, but as a calling. My life journey, including overcoming childhood trauma and adversity, shaped my passion to serve vulnerable and marginalized populations, particularly individuals facing homelessness, mental illness, and emotional neglect.
I began my career over 20 years ago as a personal care aide, supporting individuals in their homes and learning firsthand the importance of dignity, compassion, and human connection. Over time, I advanced into various roles, including working in juvenile residential settings, mental health facilities, case management, and leadership positions. Each experience strengthened my commitment to trauma-informed care and holistic healing. I realized early on that many individuals are not “difficult,” but rather deeply wounded and unheard. This understanding became the foundation of my approach.
Through Simone Helping Hands, I provide supportive services that focus on housing stability, mental health support, case management, advocacy, and life skills development. My vision is to establish a 59-unit mental health facility that offers safe housing, 24-hour supervision, medication support, financial guidance, and structured programs designed to help individuals rebuild their lives. I am especially passionate about addressing the intersection of homelessness and dual diagnoses, because many people fall through the cracks when their needs are complex.

What sets me apart is that my work is not transactional—it is transformational. I lead with empathy, faith, and cultural humility. I believe in seeing the whole person, not just their diagnosis or circumstances. I take time to listen, to understand, and to create environments where people feel safe enough to heal. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and service. I strive to empower both the individuals we serve and the teams I lead.

One of the greatest problems I aim to solve is the lack of compassionate, comprehensive, and person-centered care in the mental health and housing systems. Too often, people are treated as numbers rather than human beings. I work to bridge that gap by creating supportive spaces where individuals are valued, respected, and given real opportunities to thrive.

I am most proud of the lives I have been able to touch and the trust I have built with the communities I serve. Whether it is helping someone transition from homelessness into stable housing, advocating for someone who has been overlooked, or mentoring future leaders in the field, these moments remind me why I do this work. I am also proud that my journey reflects resilience and faith and that I can use my testimony to inspire hope in others.

What I wish to convey to my potential clients, partners, and followers is that Simone Helping Hands is more than a service—it is a mission. We are committed to restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and creating sustainable change. Our work is driven by compassion, excellence, and accountability. We believe that healing is possible, that transformation is real, and that every individual deserves a second chance.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of impact. I want to create systems and spaces that continue to uplift people long after I am gone. I want others to know that no matter their past, their story is not over. There is always hope, there is always purpose, and with the right support, trauma can truly be transformed into triumph.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that best illustrates my resilience is my journey of building Simone Helping Hands, LLC. The vision for this organization was born out of both personal experience and years of working with individuals facing homelessness, trauma, and mental illness. However, turning that vision into reality has not been easy.

There were times when resources were limited, doors did not open, and I faced uncertainty about funding, partnerships, and sustainability. Many people only see the vision today, but they do not see the long nights of planning, researching, and praying. They do not see the moments of doubt, the sacrifices, and the emotional weight of carrying a mission that is bigger than myself.

At times, I questioned whether the Lord God Yeshua chose me to lead such an important role. Yet, every time I considered giving up, I remembered the individuals I had served over the years—their faces, their stories, and their trust. That reminded me that this mission was not just about me. It was about creating a system of care that I wished existed when so many people needed it.

Resilience, for me, has meant continuing to move forward even when the path is unclear. It has meant believing in the vision before others could see it. It has meant trusting the process, building relationships, and staying committed to excellence and integrity. Today, I am proud that Simone Helping Hands represents hope, compassion, and transformation. This journey has strengthened my leadership, deepened my faith, and reinforced my commitment to serve vulnerable communities. My story is proof that vision, perseverance, and purpose can overcome obstacles. I want aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders to know that challenges are part of the process, and if you remain consistent and grounded in your mission, the impact will be greater than you ever imagined.

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

Without hesitation, I would absolutely choose the same profession and path again. This work is not just a career for me—it is my calling. Every experience, both painful and beautiful, has shaped the person and leader I am today. If I had taken a different path, I would not have the same depth of compassion, resilience, and understanding that allows me to truly serve others.

There were seasons in my journey that were extremely difficult. There were moments of exhaustion, emotional strain, and sacrifice. I have witnessed deep trauma, injustice, and the realities of homelessness and mental illness up close. At times, the work can be heavy, and there were days when I questioned whether I had the strength to continue. However, those same experiences have also been the most meaningful and transformative.
What makes this path so special is the opportunity to see real change in people’s lives. Watching someone regain stability, rediscover their confidence, and believe in their future again is a reward that cannot be measured. Knowing that I played even a small role in helping someone feel seen, heard, and valued is something I would never trade.

If anything, I would start this journey even sooner. I would step into my purpose with more confidence and less fear. I have learned that the challenges were necessary because they prepared me to lead with empathy, wisdom, and faith. They taught me how to advocate, how to persevere, and how to remain grounded in compassion.

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