The Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF) has always been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and change. What began in 2013 as a grassroots effort in Durham, North Carolina, quickly blossomed into a powerful force for good in local communities. The foundation’s mission was clear: to uplift underserved youth, foster education, and promote the kind of community development that creates lasting change. In Durham, CJF became synonymous with positive transformation, as it provided youth with the resources, opportunities, and support they needed to succeed.
However, the path of giving and service is not always linear. In 2016, just a few years after the foundation’s inception, Courtney Jordan’s life took a dramatic turn. After being diagnosed with cancer, he made the difficult decision to temporarily pause the foundation’s operations. From 2016 to 2018, as Courtney sought healing in London, the foundation closed its doors in Durham, giving him the time he needed to focus on his health.
Though CJF was not actively operating during those years, Courtney’s recovery was a time of reflection and renewal. It was a period when the foundation’s core values remained intact, and Courtney, despite his personal battle, never lost sight of the mission to empower and uplift. The time in London proved to be a period of transformation, not only for Courtney but also for the foundation itself. As Courtney healed, so did the foundation, adapting and growing in ways that would serve it well upon its return.
In 2022, with renewed strength and vision, Courtney Jordan returned to the United States. His recovery not only marked a new chapter in his personal life but also signaled the beginning of a new era for the Courtney Jordan Foundation. Under the leadership of Kristen Picot, the foundation was reborn, more focused and stronger than ever. Kristen, who had been a key partner in CJF’s international initiatives, took the reins with a vision to expand the foundation’s reach and solidify its place as a global force for good.
CJF’s growth since its rebirth has been remarkable. What began in Durham as a local initiative now spans across continents. The foundation has continued its work in the U.S. while expanding to reach countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Each community that CJF touches is empowered by the resources and opportunities provided, from education to healthcare and beyond. What once started as a small endeavor in North Carolina has now evolved into an organization with a far-reaching impact, changing lives across the globe.
Courtney’s journey—from the early days in Durham to the battle with cancer, and now, leading CJF once again—mirrors the resilience of the foundation itself. Just as Courtney has overcome tremendous challenges, the Courtney Jordan Foundation continues to rise above, adapting to challenges, embracing new opportunities, and pushing forward in its mission to make the world a better place.
Looking back at the foundation’s humble beginnings, it’s incredible to see how far it has come. But the work is far from done. With a renewed sense of purpose, and an ever-growing commitment to global change, the Courtney Jordan Foundation continues to inspire those it serves and will do so for years to come.
This journey is more than just Courtney’s story. It is the story of every young person, every community, and every life that CJF has touched. And it’s just the beginning.