Ebony House, Inc.: A Heritage of Healing and Growth in Behavioral Health

“Explore the transformative impact of Ebony House, Inc., a cornerstone of behavioral health and addiction recovery in Phoenix since 1973. Discover its commitment to healing, growth, and community-driven solutions for mental health and substance abuse challenges.”

Ebony House, Inc. has been a guiding light and change agent within the Phoenix community since its establishment in 1973. As founded by the now-legendary Elbertzena Fontenot, Ebony House has not faltered in this commitment to foster healing, growth, and development. As Dr. Che Jordan, President and CEO of Ebony House, continues to uphold this mission, the organization has become a vital resource for individuals and families battling addiction, mental health issues, and other challenges. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Jordan shares insights into Ebony House’s operations, milestones, and vision for the future.

Translating Mission into Daily Operations

Ebony House’s mission f healing, growth, and development is not just a statement but a guiding principle that penetrates every fiber of the organization. “Even though Elbertzena passed away in December 2023, her legacy lives on,” says Dr. Jordan. “Her purpose of helping individuals become clean and supporting them on their journey of sobriety continues to thrive through our alumni, staff, and leadership.” The day-to-day operations emphasize the nurturing environment that helps bring hope to the people and sets them on the journey toward recovery.

 Maintaining Founding Values

Since its establishment, Ebony House has become a landmark for the South Phoenix community in terms of essential mental health services provided across races and cultural backgrounds. While the organization expanded greatly in offering a lot in its scope over the years- such as male and female residential treatment facilities, Children’s Behavioral Health Clinic, an HIV Outreach Clinic, Adult Outpatient Counseling, and a Supported Housing Program-to name just a few-“our therapeutic offerings are evidence-based, client-centered, and results-driven,” Dr. Jordan states. “Since becoming President in 2022, client satisfaction has exceeded 90%.”

 Paying Tribute to Elbertzena Fontenot’s Legacy

Ebony House was established to treat alcoholism among African Americans. Although the agency remains committed to its founding mission, it has evolved to serve the needs of today’s behavioral health issues. “We emphasize long-term support for sustained recovery,” Dr. Jordan says. Our programs address the broader context of addiction, including family and youth services.” The organization also provides HIV education and medical case management and is looking to expand its supported housing program from six months to nine months for those graduating from residential treatment programs.

 Milestones of Impact

In its 50 years, Ebony House has achieved many milestones that have defined its role in the community. One of the key achievements is the HIV Outreach Program, which has been funded under the Ryan White Program. “This program was instrumental in Phoenix, where the resources for individuals fighting HIV were scarce,” remarks Dr. Jordan. Services include free rapid HIV testing, health education, risk reduction sessions, and case management for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. These efforts exemplify Ebony House’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges.

 Culturally Sensitive Approaches

As the state’s only residential substance abuse treatment site targeting African Americans, Ebony House takes a firm stance on placing culture at the forefront. “We have developed a diverse workforce,” Dr. Jordan explains. “Our counselors and staff are representative of most ethnic groups, making the environment one of relatability and trust. The diversity of our ethnic groups gives us the backbone to understand the socioeconomic barriers and cultural perspectives clients may have.”

Ebony House incorporates the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria into its treatment programs, ensuring proper placement, continuity of care, and outcome-oriented treatment. “Every client receives an individual treatment plan based on comprehensive assessments of their medical, psychological, and social needs,” Dr. Jordan explains. This evidence-based approach allows the organization to provide high-quality, client-centered care.

 Transformational Success Stories

The best way to illustrate the impact of Ebony House is through the success stories of its alumni. Former clients and board members Robert Holloway and Michael Berry are just two examples of the transformative power of the organization’s programs. “Their journeys from addiction to recovery and becoming family providers serve as a testament to the effectiveness of our holistic approach,” says Dr. Jordan. “Their stories remind everyone battling addiction that compassion and assistance are always available at Ebony House.

 Staff Training and Continuing Education

To maintain its excellent standards, Ebony House invests in staff training and continuing education. The organization collaborates with organizations such as Mercy Care, Molina, Care 1st, and Banner Healthcare, offering annual training programs. In this way, it can ensure that all staff members can provide evidence-based, client-centered care.

 Volunteer Engagement

Volunteers are crucial players in achieving Ebony House’s mandate. “We will engage with potential volunteers in community events hosted by our partners,” Dr. Jordan shares. “This offers us an opportunity to recruit supporters of our vision and those who are keen on doing much for our programs.” Volunteers frequently aid in outreach, education, and other vital programs.

  Overcoming Obstacles

Like many healthcare organizations, Ebony House has several challenges, especially in funding and treatment delivery. “Arizona’s healthcare system has faced financial challenges since 2023, leading to lower billing rates and delayed reimbursements,” Dr. Jordan explains. “To continue providing essential services, we need sustained funding to support our staff and clients.” Despite these challenges, Ebony House remains steadfast in its mission.

 Addressing Stigma

Breaking the stigma around behavioral health issues in underserved communities is a priority. “We participate in community events to provide information and support to those dealing with addiction and mental health concerns,” Dr. Jordan says. Information is also spread through social media channels to inform people about services, and the environment created is welcoming so that people feel understood and valued.

 Vision for the Future

Ebony House looks forward to increasing its services and reach. The future plans include building an adolescent facility, increasing the capacity of residential facilities, offering supported housing for veterans and those infected with HIV, and expanding the Children’s Service Clinic. “Our ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive campus offering all these services in one location,” says Dr. Jordan. This will take a lot of funding and community support.

 Collaboration and Community Support

Ebony House has been in collaboration with other organizations and government agencies to improve its services. Incidents like the gala fundraiser lately managed to collect funds and further improve relationships with alumni, partners, and contributors. “Community support is important for us to continue our services,” according to Dr. Jordan.

 Inspiration and Dedication

According to Dr. Jordan, the most inspiring thing about running Ebony House is seeing clients transform. “From entering treatment at their lowest point to graduating after 90 days, the change is breathtaking,” he says. “Providing a beacon of hope and seeing clients rebuild their lives is one of the greatest feelings in the world.”

 A Message to Those in Need

To fearful clients and families seeking assistance, Dr. Jordan has words of hope: “Trust and relatability are at the heart of what we do. Our alumni’s testimonials speak for themselves and provide hope for a brighter future.”

 Call to Action

Community support is a critical factor that will help Ebony House succeed in its goal. According to Dr. Jordan, monetary donations and volunteer support are needed. “With your help, we can continue to reshape industry norms and offer high-quality programs that meet the needs of our community.

With the passage of 50 years, the legacy of healing and growth at Ebony House remains even more potent. Moving into the future, guided by its mission, and inspired by the resilience of its clients, Ebony House shall move forward into a hopeful, determined future together with the support of the community in transforming lives and building a brighter, healthier tomorrow.