Servant Leadership in Addiction Treatment: Changing Lives at Ebony House

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL CEOS MAKING DIFFERENCE, 2025
Dr. Che Jordan President & CEO Ebony House. INC

Discover how Ebony House is transforming addiction treatment through servant leadership, innovative programs, and community outreach. Learn about our holistic, client-centered approach to long-term recovery and support.

Beyond the Mission: Personal Values Shaping Leadership

At the heart of my leadership philosophy is the concept of servant leadership. Regardless of the title or position, I am convinced that we are created to serve and raise others up. It is not only a guiding principle but a core value that informs every decision I make at Ebony House. Our focus is on people’s long-term recovery, fostering trust in a healthcare system often marked by detachment and bureaucracy. Unlike the conventional corporate approach prevalent in healthcare, my leadership style prioritizes empathy, humility, and active engagement. Through creating a culture of patience, understanding, and compassion, we have reached over 90% client satisfaction over the last two years, excellent employee retention, and were recently recognized as a 2025 Legacy Spotlight by Arizona Workforce Development.

The Future of Addiction Treatment and Ebony House’s Role

The landscape of addiction treatment is changing fast. I see a future where clients need more than the traditional 90-day programs; they will need extended support because of inflation, housing crises, and homelessness. Ebony House is pioneering a model that provides an additional six months of supportive services post-treatment. This ensures that clients remain connected to our staff, alumni network, and resources, offering a total of nine months of structured support. They will eventually benefit from a year of continued support as they transition to permanent housing, setting a new standard in addiction care.

Encouraging Innovation and Continuous Learning

Our approach to innovation is based on teamwork and flexibility. We encourage our staff at Ebony House to be innovative with their clinical approaches, especially in our residential and HIV programs. We believe that the new generation of young adults entering treatment will pose a different challenge, and being proactive will help us in our success. Encouraging continuous learning and professional growth helps our team to adapt to new trends, treatment methodologies, and community needs.

Address the root causes of addiction. For true addiction intervention to be implemented, we have to address some root causes like poverty, trauma, and systemic inequities. Ebony House incorporates the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria into our programs to make sure that all treatments are all-inclusive, client-centered, and individualized in nature to help meet a range of different medical, psychological, and social needs for our clients. Additionally, our employees’ familiarity with clients’ lifestyles promotes trust and rapport. Our employees have dealt with addiction within their own personal lives or as a family matter; therefore, they are much better equipped to work with our clients in moving them toward healing.

Community Outreach and Advocacy

Reducing stigma and enhancing mental health knowledge is part of our mission. Ebony House proactively engages in the community through programs like sponsoring The Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which promotes cultural diversity and unity. Through social media and local partnerships, we work to ensure accessibility and visibility of our services. Our outreach efforts also help us better understand the evolving needs of the communities we serve, allowing us to adapt and expand our services accordingly.

Ensuring Equitable Access to Services

Ebony House has always had a historical emphasis on directly addressing behavioral health disparities in African American populations. However, we truly serve all marginalized populations. We partner closely with our courts to find alternatives to incarceration for people who are struggling with addiction and offer an opportunity for rehabilitation. Removing the barriers to access include giving clients graduating from the justice system the clothes and necessities as they start our programs.

Navigating Funding Challenges

Sustainable funding is still a challenge in the healthcare sector, especially considering the financial challenges Arizona’s healthcare system has been facing since 2023. Despite lower billing rates and delayed reimbursements, we have strategically positioned Ebony House to secure funding through media exposure, such as appearances on The Balancing Act with Montel Williams and Sonoran Living ABC15. Our features on streaming platforms and television networks have broadened awareness, encouraging community support and donations.

Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce

One of our greatest strengths lies in our ability to attract and retain a diverse, highly qualified workforce. Many of our staff members have personal experiences with addiction and long-term sobriety, which fuels their passion for helping others. Our recognition in the Legacy Agency Spotlight reflects the outstanding work of our team and the positive impact they have on clients.

New Trends in Substance Use

There is a new psychoactive substance, and the opioid crisis has not ended. It is about time to take the initiative. I have developed excellent relationships with governmental and private sector stakeholders since taking office to increase our outreach. We are often at educational events and resource provision for high-risk areas to ensure our services are accessible to those in need.

Leveraging Technology and Telehealth

Ebony House has embraced technology to improve access and enhance the client experience. We offer telehealth options for clients and their families who may face barriers to in-person visits. This flexibility ensures that clients can receive the support they need without logistical obstacles impeding their progress.

Measuring Program Effectiveness

Success in our programs is measured by completion rates and long-term well-being of our clients. While our clients initially may resist extended treatment programs, they often choose to stay longer when they experience the benefits of our comprehensive approach after entering with an expectation of 30-day care. Our consistently high client satisfaction rates are a testament to the effectiveness of our services and reassure stakeholders of our impact.

The most rewarding thing about working at Ebony House is the transformation of our clients. Their journeys from the lowest point on entering treatment to their triumph upon graduation are the epitome of hope and resilience. Time is a precious commodity, and it is rewarding to see our clients use their newfound time to rebuild their lives and inspire others.

Advice to Aspiring Leaders

To those aspiring to lead in the addiction treatment and mental health field, I would emphasize servant leadership. True leadership is not about titles or personal gain but about serving others with patience, humility, and compassion. Focusing on the greater purpose, aspiring leaders can achieve meaningful success and create lasting change.

Lessons in Leadership and Resilience

This has made me learn to become a leader who brings hope, listens to those who feel unheard, and becomes humble as the way of change. By just maintaining a servant mindset through fostering a culture of support and empowerment, one can make a positive difference in the lives of others he or she serves.

In a nutshell, Ebony House continues to revolutionize the treatment of addiction and mental health services by encouraging a culture of compassion, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our holistic, client-centered approach ensures that every individual receives the care and support they need to achieve long-term recovery and a brighter future.