We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gregory Jones. Check out our conversation below.
Gregory, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes, I have. I believe in treating others with kindness, respect, and trust, even when it’s not always easy. There was a time I stood up for someone because I saw potential and wanted to believe in their character. I trusted them, spoke highly of them, and gave them the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, they showed me dishonesty and revealed that their intentions were self-serving. That experience cost me. Not just emotionally, but it also made me build a wall of defense. It’s been hard to fully trust others since, but it taught me valuable lessons about discernment, boundaries, and protecting my heart while still striving to be the kind of person who stands up for what’s right.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Greetings,
My name is Gregory E. Jones, proudly Southern raised in Cleveland, Mississippi ❤️🔥. My journey has been shaped by a deep love for people and community. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life. From bright-eyed five-year-olds to adults stepping into their full potential. Each encounter has fueled my passion to lead, uplift, and create meaningful change.
I see myself as an emerging Black leader, driven by purpose and a calling to stand in the gap for those who need support and opportunity. In 2015, that calling came to life when I founded A Second Home for You, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing homelessness among emancipated young men ages 18 to 25.
But our mission is bigger than housing. It’s about restoring hope and building pathways to a brighter future. We provide transitional housing, education, and community connections that empower these young men to not only rebuild their lives but to thrive. What makes our work unique is the heart behind it: we offer scholarship opportunities, job resources, and mentorship that help transform uncertainty into stability and dreams into reality.
At A Second Home for You, we believe that every young man deserves the chance to stand tall, contribute to his community, and know that he matters. Our story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to the next generation.
This work is personal to me. It’s not just about programs. It’s about changing lives, one young man at a time, and helping build communities that rise together.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Smiling thoughtfully before answering, as if replaying moments from the past that shaped me.
“Honestly, the people who saw me the clearest were my mother (Ms. Jennie Thomas, my great-grandmother Mrs. Maggie Morgan, my grandmother (Mrs. Lela Brown, and my pastor ( Bishop, Larry Macon, Senior. “Each of them played a powerful role in molding the person I am today.”
Growing up, I was raised by a strong, determined mother who led by example. She was relentless in her commitment to provide, not just for me, but for herself too. Through her, I learned resilience. The importance of working hard, creating your own opportunities, and pushing forward no matter the odds.
“My mom taught me that if you want something in life, you put in the work to make it happen” “Watching her, taught me determination in its truest form.”
My great-grandmother and grandmother added another layer to that foundation: faith. They were the spiritual anchors in my life, constantly reminding me to stay prayerful and close to God.
“They would always tell me, ‘Stay prayerful and don’t turn from God, and He won’t turn from you,’” I try to share a warm smile. “They taught me to live right, not just for others, but for myself. No matter how hard things got, they reminded me to keep God at the center.”
And then there was my pastor, who spoke life and vision into me before I fully recognized my potential.
“My pastor saw things in me that I didn’t see yet. He believed in the calling on my life and spoke to that future version of me. Looking back, that belief helped me start believing more in myself.”
As I reflect, there’s a sense of gratitude that comes over me.
“Those lessons became part of my character. And now, when people say, ‘You have such a good spirit,’ it means so much. Because what they’re really seeing is the love, faith, and strength that was poured into me by the people who saw me clearly, even when I couldn’t.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Reflecting both strength and memory.
“Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. It showed me how to adjust, endure, and grow in the middle of hard and uncertain times.”
As I reflects on the sacrifices I made along the way.
“I had to give up personal wants, put certain dreams on hold, and even take on jobs I never imagined doing, just to keep things moving for my family and me. It was humbling. Those moments reminded me that it’s not always about you. I had responsibilities as a husband and a father, and that meant I couldn’t afford to stay stuck in self-pity.”
I recall the turning point that became part of my personal mantra.
“I used to give myself a few hours to feel down, then I’d shake it off and remind myself: You are the head, not the tail. Get up and lead your family. Be the man you were destined to be.”
These words echo the power of Deuteronomy 28:13:
“And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath.”
(Read the full verse — Deuteronomy 28:13)
“When life is easy, you don’t always have to test your resilience. But when you’re struggling, you learn how to fight through, how to adapt, and how to keep moving even when you’re tired. Those seasons of suffering shaped my character in ways success never could. They taught me faith, perseverance, and leadership under pressure.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is strong character and integrity. Being Southern, I was raised with deep spiritual beliefs. Be a person of your word, treat people right, help where you can, and stay grounded in simple, healthy living.
Maya Angelou’s words guide me: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” This reminds me to trust what I see in people’s actions, not just their words. It’s about making wise, honest decisions, protecting your heart, and staying true to your values without making excuses for behavior that doesn’t align with them.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I pray people say that when I was your friend, you felt encouraged, respected, and loved. That I stood with you through the good, the hard, and the difficult times. If you never betrayed my trust, you had a loyal friend for life. Someone who gave his all to help others. And I pray my legacy lives on through the lives I’ve touched.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://A2ndhomeforyou.org
- Instagram: gcjones1028
- Linkedin: Gregory Jones
- Facebook: Gregory Jones
Image Credits
Russell Lang deserve this moment!
📸 Russell Lang: Landr1312@gmail.com
