Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jo’vohna Hughes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jo’Vohna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
As someone who is passionate about advocacy and believe in the potential for systemic chance, I began to think how could I help those in the community who may be experiencing a difficult time in their life. By providing a safe, supportive environment through a group home, I am able to address the immediate needs of the adolescent population–such as housing, safety, and emotional support–which simultaneously empowering them through mentorship. The intent of the mentorship program was to offer young people the opportunity to guidance they need to navigate lifestyle challenges, build confidence, and set personal and academic goals. This combined approach fosters both immediate relief and long-term transformation. As someone who is passionate about advocacy, it is not just about meeting basic needs; its about creating opportunities for growth, self-determination, and social change, empowering young people to reach their full potential and become advocates for their own futures.
Jo’Vohna, 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?
Journey Haven Agency group home is exclusively dedicated to housing girls aged 17-25, providing a supportive and nurturing environment tailored to their specific needs. By focusing on a single gender, we aim to create a harmonious and empathetic community where girls can build strong connections with their peers and staff.
Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment that empowers young individuals to overcome challenges, discover their potential and thrive. Through compassionate care and unwavering commitment, we aim to foster growth and development, ensuring that no one is counted out of the opportunity to build a brighter future.
Journey Haven Agency mentorship program ‘Haven Guides’ is a structured mentoring program designed to support the personal, academic, and professional development to both male and female adolescents. The program aims to build self-esteem, leadership skills, and career aspirations among participants by pairing them with accomplished mentors of various fields.
As a founder, I am incredible proud to know that I am directly contributing to creating a transformative space for individuals in need. This initiative is more than just a place to live or a set of lessons–it’s about offering a foundation for personal growth, emotional healing, and empowerment. Having the opportunity to watch someone grow, overcome obstacles, and reach their potential–whether that’s through graduating from school, securing a job, or developing confidence in their abilities– is a source of deep fulfillment. Being the founder means I’ve created a space where individuals not only find stability but also the opportunity to dream, thrice, and change their future. It’s about giving back, making a lasting impact, and being part of a community that lifts each other up.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
A few ways that I am currently building my reputation in the nonprofit advocacy world are:
1. By staying true to the cause; by demonstrating a deep passion and a clear commitment to the population that I serve.
2. Another way is through building strong, authentic relationships with other nonprofit professionals, community leaders, donors, and volunteers.
3. Being clear about how my work improves the lives of other people in the community that I serve.
4. Most importantly being open and transparent in order to build trust.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As someone who wears many hats and has lives many lives, I’ve had to overcome a number of challenges and lessons to get to where I am today. From growing up in a difficult environment, and facing adversity such as poverty and abuse, instead of allowing these experiences to define my future, I used them as motivation to help others. My story not only highlights my resilience but also underscores a deep understanding of the needs of vulnerable individuals. By turning my pain into purpose, I was driven by a powerful desire to create a safe and nurturing environment where at-risk individuals can find support, guidance, and opportunities for growth. My personal experience of overcoming hardship gives me the empathy, knowledge, and determination to lead a program that helps young people break cycles of adversity and build brighter futures.
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Taylor Robinson