Finding a Home at Rancho San Antionio

One Youth’s Journey of Resilience
At Rancho San Antonio, we strive to create pathways of restoration and opportunity for youth. Among the many inspiring stories in our community, Jordan’s stands out as a testament to resilience, faith, and determination. A college student in our transitional-aged housing program, Jordan is not just forging a better future for himself—he’s becoming a role model for others.

Overcoming Adversity
Jordan grew up in Westmont, California, navigating the challenges of an unstable home life. Raised by his single mother alongside his younger brother, he often shouldered responsibilities far beyond his years. From a young age, he experienced housing insecurity, sleeping in cars or temporary shelters, all while helping his mother manage their family’s needs.

In middle school, Jordan met a teacher who would change his perspective forever. Mr. Tran, a Vietnam War survivor, shared stories of resilience, education, and starting over from nothing. His words lit a spark in Jordan, inspiring him to see education as a tool to transform his life. This lesson stayed with him, even during difficult times in high school when peer influences and life’s pressures threatened to derail his progress.

Finding a Home at Rancho San Antonio
As a freshman in college, Jordan struggled to find the support he needed in another transitional housing program. The experience left him feeling disconnected and uncertain about his path forward. In December 2022, a connection with Rancho San Antonio changed everything.

From the moment Jordan stepped onto our campus, he felt at home. “The first day I arrived, it felt like I could breathe,” he says. The stability and support he found at Rancho gave him the foundation to focus on his goals and rediscover his potential.

Jordan’s commitment to education shines brightly. Now a student at California State University, Northridge, majoring in Communication Studies and Journalism, he is building a future that once felt out of reach. He credits his mother, teachers, and mentors for instilling in him the value of persistence, and he carries that lesson into everything he does.

His involvement in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has been another transformative experience. Through the fraternity, Jordan has found mentorship, brotherhood, and a platform to give back. From organizing fundraisers to awarding scholarships to students in need, Jordan is leveraging his opportunities to uplift others.

A Vision for the Future
Jordan’s ultimate goal is to use his education and life experiences to mentor others and create opportunities for youth who face the same struggles he once did. “If anyone asks me for help, it’s my duty to provide it because others have done the same for me,” he says.

At Rancho San Antonio, we are proud to have been part of Jordan’s journey. His story illustrates the power of programs like ours to provide not just shelter, but a sense of belonging and a springboard for success.

Jordan’s journey is still unfolding, like many of the youth at Rancho San Antonio. It is because of your support that we can continue to offer youth the tools they need to thrive. Whether through donations or raising awareness of Rancho, you are creating lasting change.

As Jordan says, “It takes a village to raise the wolf.” Together, we are building that village.