Jordan White moved through life with a warm smile, energy that radiated in any space she entered, and an intelligent mind that got her accepted to William Paterson University and made her dad proud.
That is how Dr. Altarik B. White, Sr., a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., remembers his daughter, the cheerleader and dancer whose favorite color was pink. The elder White, who is founder and executive director of Leaders for Life, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Newark, NJ, recalled his “forever baby girl.” She died three years ago at age 20 after a bout with and diagnosis of neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic conditions that causes tumors to grow on nerves. He still tries to understand how Jordan handled illness with such poise, grace, and uncanny strength right until the end of her young life.
When asked what he would say to Jordan today, White said, “I did open up a group home for boys in your honor. It’s called Jordan’s House. Your legacy will live on. It gives 16- to 25-year-old young men an opportunity to live and go to school, and go to work, and not worry about having a place to stay. It’s a transitional home where we will support young people in their efforts to better their lives. It’s in honor of Jordan White.”
Jordan’s House opened officially with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 23.
Ideally, White said, each resident will live in the home for six to eight months, and some may stay longer.
Although he initially self-funded Jordan’s House, White believes continued local and state support will be essential for helping residents thrive in the 12-bed transitional living facility. “We wanted to help young men who attend Leaders for Life Academy Alternative High School stabilize themselves, stabilize their lives,” and plan for a productive future, he said. Residents must be enrolled in school or have a job. Counseling is available to help residents become self-sufficient.
White confirmed that Jordan’s House is open to young men who are not students at Leaders for Life. The home has around-the-clock supervision by Jordan’s House residential coordinators.
Now that Lasana Bamba and Faco Camara have moved into their new home, they have chores, life skills sessions, money management sessions, and rules to follow. In the grocery store, they push the cart and select products. At home, they are responsible for maintaining the house and washing their clothes.
With great grades and an impressive attendance record, Bamba, 19, is looking forward to college after he graduates from Leaders for Life (LFL) in the City of Newark this month and is more focused than he has ever been. He credits his “village” at LFL for helping him pivot and overcome the challenges he faced in life: his mother, Mr. White, staff at his school, and co-workers in the construction industry. At one point, Bamba didn’t have plans to finish school. Bamba will graduate on June 20 and is excited about the future. His mindset is, “No distractions. Just focus.” After college and trade school, he has his sights on business with a focus on real estate, carpentry, and construction.
Camara, 19, also graduated from LFL in 2023 and “I’m going to college next month at Saint Elizabeth University” on a scholarship, he said while standing on the front steps of Jordan’s House during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
White, who also has an 18-year-old son, understands what it’s like to be a young man in need of a place to stay. He remembers being homeless for six weeks at age 15 because the home where he lived — his grandmother’s house — felt too crowded.
He looks out for young people. Three years ago, a 17-year-old female came to White, saying that she felt unsafe living with her older boyfriend. She had nowhere to go, so she endured the sexual abuse from her boyfriend. White, who wants to establish a transitional home for girls in the future, took action and reached out to Michael Bright, president and CEO of the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity, and she obtained housing and returned to school.
This is one example of why Bamba said that White is “loyal and he always wants to help people.” Bamba noted that White can be a strict disciplinarian, because he cares.
Bamba wants future residents to take care of Jordan’s House. “Don’t take it for granted and don’t bring no trouble to the house. Keep it clean and we’re all going to be good.”
Asked “What else would you say to Jordan now?” White paused while tearfully reflecting on his daughter and said, “Just remember that I love you. I miss you. And I hope that I made you proud. Love you, baby.”