Meet Desiree Jones | Chief Executive Officer of Step-by-Step Behavioral Health, Founder/President of Step-by-Step 4 Help Foundation, Inc and Licensed Mental Health Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Desiree Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I decided that I would no longer be a victim of my past pain. I decided to make my pain pay! Being a victim of abuse hinders your self-esteem and makes you fearful to move forward with your dreams and goals in life. It alters your perspective on people, life, and your overall vision of who you are and what you can achieve. After addressing my trauma I knew that I had to plant seeds in the lives of others so that they could get past their trauma, achieve their goals and have a successful life. In order to do this, one must take a step-by-step process and do the work to change their negative view of self, others, and mindset. And most importantly forgive and let go of any guilt and shame.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Step-by-Step Behavioral Health Services. and Step-by-Step 4 Help Foundation, Inc. is a business that cares about people. They provide Wrap-around services (Mental Health Counseling, Targeted Case Management, Psychiatric Evaluations, Psychosocial Rehabilitation), Community Outreach Programs (Mentoring, Tutoring, Crime Prevention, Family Engagement, Counseling) in order to give back to the community. We provide services in the homes, schools, and the community. Wherever the client is most comfortable and it’s confidential. I am also the owner of the USA Pawn Shop.

We are set apart from other companies because my companies are driven by passion and purpose! When you have had experiences like the clients you serve you know how it feels to be on the other side. Therefore, you hire and serve with that in mind. You make sure you are vested for the clients no matter what. We also treat our employees like family,

I got where I am today by praying and doing the work! I work hard for so many years for other companies and they treated me so bad even after I left they tormented me and they didn’t want me to succeed. That only gave me the push I needed to keep pushing. I studied. I prayed. I worked. I believed that I could and I did!

No, it was not easy but it was worth it.

If I overcame years of abuse I knew that I could do this. That was one of the most difficult things I ever had to do. I also knew that if God brought me to this He would bring me through it and He would never leave me. I kept my eye on the prize and I pressed toward the mark. I knew I did not want anyone else to suffer the abuse I went through. I had to do this.

Lessons: Never let anyone talk you out of your dreams. Your past does not dictate your future.

I want the world to know- That there is life after abuse. It’s okay to get therapy. Especially African Americans. Address your Mental Health. Take the journey, step-by-step. Love yourself, You are enough!

I am an Intelligent, Beautiful African American woman who is passionate about Mental Illness!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom Deborah Underwood and my sisters, Arellia Corley and Shakesha Swift have always been the biggest supporters. My husband Thomas Jones and my children Te’Jayah Jones, Thomas Jones, and Kevin Jones are the ones who encourage me daily and are my biggest fans. On my hardest days their smiles, hugs, and kisses keep me going. My late-night phone calls of course with my C-PHI Cheerleading Besties, Dee Chester, Tammy Broadnax, Lori Johnson, Natasha Horne are always there for me no matter the day or time. Sabrina Mixson, Melissa Wiley, and Nicole Smith are my business mentors. When I have questions or need to run any business ideas by anyone they are always my go-to ladies.

Website: www.step-by-stepbehaviorhealth.com and www.step-by-step4help.com

Instagram: @stepbystepbehavioral

Facebook: @stepbystepbehaviorhealth @stepbystep4help

Image Credits
Gold_ Bracy Photograpy Gray: Agnes Lopez