Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern and Gainesville High graduate Caroline Brown
Meet Jordan Hussey! Jordan is married and the executive director of J’s Place in Gainesville. J’s Place, The Jeffrey Dallas Gay Jr. Recovery Center, helps people seeking recovery and those in long-term recovery build relationships and skills that help them thrive, succeed – actually have fun – without the use of substances.
Jordan is a person in long-term recovery and has made it her life’s mission to help others who are facing similar struggles. Today, Jordan uses her experience to advocate and empower others and connect them with the resources they may need.
We want to thank Jordan for spending time with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “Remembering what I was facing in the beginning of my recovery journey, there were a lot of barriers. I thought that I would forever flip burgers because I didn’t think with my background and my past that anybody would ever hire me. I also had a great support but I encountered so many friends that didn’t have support like that. The thing that made a difference in my own life and my journey was seeing people that were willing to take a chance on me. That’s why I wanted to give back for something given freely to me.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County? And what do you love there?
A: “I have so many favorites depending on the mood that I’m in. Johnny’s BBQ is always a good go-to, and when I go there I always get their barbecue, but their wings are incredible. And 2 Dog is another go-to, I always order the sides of there menu that’s for the day (I can’t remember what’s that called). Mellow Mushroom is great too, I love pizza and hands down with their Greek salad. And then Sweet Magnolia’s chicken salad sandwich is so wonderful!”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I’ve been working in Gainesville for about three years and I love it here.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County? And why?
A: “Some of my favorite people that I’ve ever met are all right here in Gainesville. Several of our board members are my dearest friends and people that I look up to; mentor Dallas Gay, being one of the first. I’m kind of in awe of someone who’s made such incredible strides for people in, and seeking recovery.”
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: “I have several, one would be Christmas morning, my grandparents would come from Atlanta and my siblings and I would open presents. I miss those times and the innocence that comes with it; they’re not alive anymore and I miss them.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “I’ve always wanted to go to Italy. I love Italian food but I think it’s more of just experiencing other cultures and getting to know people from different backgrounds and seeing all the history. I want to go to Paris as well.”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “Be kind. Our bias gets in the way, our judgment gets in the way, but we all need grace and mercy. My advice would be to be kind and extend the same grace and mercy that we all need.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Traveling is definitely on my bucket list. There’s a lot of places I want to go and things I want to see. And remodeling my house is my current bucket list.”
Q: What is your favorite music or three bands that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “I love all kinds of music. I grew up on oldies Beach Boys, The Temptations, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash and I am a big 90s fan. I love everything current, as well. I think I would have liked to have seen Elvis Presley, I don’t know that I would have behaved the way that some of the women did, but I think that I would have really enjoyed seeing him or maybe Ray Charles.”
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Green’s Grocery. And I think the reason is because my great grandfather owned a little grocery store in Thomaston, Georgia and it makes me nostalgic of being around family. Growing up we would go to Thomaston on Sundays and my great grandmother would cook a full meal and make chocolate pies and it was like Thanksgiving every weekend. It just makes me think of spending the weekends there in the big house and rolling in the grass.”
Q: If you could choose anyone (dead or alive) with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “I would say Bill W., who is the founder of AA. And I would probably take him to Johnny’s BBQ, sit somewhere quiet in the corner and try to soak up as much wisdom as I could from him.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Hall County?
A: “My favorite thing about this community is their love for each other, their willingness to help and their desire to see people get well.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “I didn’t plan any of this so it’s hard to say but I see myself still doing this work. Hopefully J’s Place will be expanded by then and maybe we’re covering more ground in other counties.”
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I used to sing a lot and write poetry as a kid. Prior to my addiction, I led praise and worship in church in Walton County. I don’t sing as much now and I don’t have the same voice that I used to.”
Q: If you have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, who would you choose? Driver, Nanny, Personal Trainer, Chef, or anything you want.
A: “Oh gosh! Someone like Guy Tang, he’s like famous hair artist. I probably will never be able to afford even a visit to his salon but his work is really incredible and I do change my hair quite a lot.”
