Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacobie Williams.
Hi Jacobie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First and foremost, I give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because without Him, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.
My name is Jacobie Williams. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, but Birmingham, Alabama, is where I was raised and where my story really began. I grew up in Ensley, in a single-parent household, without my father consistently being present in my life. Coming up, I experienced and witnessed a lot of things that shaped the way I viewed life, relationships, and even myself.
Growing up, I loved sports, especially basketball and football. Like many young men coming from environments like mine, I had dreams and aspirations, but I also had some things working against me. I was trying to figure out life without really knowing who I was or understanding my purpose.
As I got older, I made some decisions that took me down the wrong path. I became involved in the streets, and for years I lived a lifestyle that, at the time, I thought was providing me with everything I needed. I was making money, but what I didn’t realize was that I was losing things money couldn’t buy. My peace, my freedom, my relationships, and most importantly, myself.
One thing I’ve learned is that just because something is profitable doesn’t mean it’s purposeful.
For years, I was existing but not truly living. I went through seasons of depression, paranoia, disappointment, and trying to find my identity in things that were never meant to define me.
But God’s grace and mercy kept me even when I didn’t know how to keep myself.
In September 2023, I experienced a tragic accident that could have cost me my life. Walking away from that experience made me look at life differently. It reminded me that tomorrow isn’t promised and that God had given me another opportunity to do something meaningful with the life He spared.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! My journey has been far from smooth, but I can honestly say God’s grace and mercy have carried me through it all.
Growing up without my father consistently being present affected me in ways I didn’t understand until later in life. I struggled with identity, understanding love, trusting people, and knowing what it truly meant to be a man.
For years, I thought success was about money, respect, and survival. That mindset led me down the wrong path and into a lifestyle that cost me my peace, relationships, and freedom. I battled depression, paranoia, disappointment, and the consequences of my own decisions.
One of my biggest challenges was accepting accountability and unlearning things I had considered normal for years. Changing your life is one thing, but changing your mindset, habits, and character is a completely different process.
Even today, as a husband, father, mentor, and leader of EverybodyWENS, I face challenges such as limited resources, financial obstacles, and learning that I can’t help everybody who isn’t willing to help themselves.
But one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to stop depending solely on myself and truly trust God. I’ve also learned that asking for help, accepting correction, and seeking guidance are signs of growth, not weakness.
I don’t share my struggles for sympathy or to glorify my past. I share them because somebody needs to know that their past doesn’t have to determine their future.
I’m far from perfect, and I’m still becoming the man God created me to be. My past is part of my story, but it no longer controls my future. All glory to Jesus Christ!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the Founder and Executive Director of EverybodyWENS, which stands for Working to Enhance Neighborhood Success. Our mission is to empower youth, adults, families, and communities from the inside out.
Our organization focuses on three primary areas: Youth and Adult Mentorship and Development, Workforce Development and Economic Mobility, and Community Engagement. We believe in meeting people where they are, providing opportunities, and helping them recognize their potential beyond their current circumstances.
One of the things I’m most passionate about is my work with young men at the Vacca Campus, a juvenile detention facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Through my mentorship curriculum, The Journey to Becoming the Man I Was Meant to Be, I teach identity, accountability, decision-making, emotional development, and leadership.
One principle I stand on is “Connect Before You Correct.” I believe you have to build relationships and earn trust before you can truly influence someone’s life. These young men don’t just need somebody telling them what they’ve done wrong. They need somebody willing to listen, understand, challenge them, and walk alongside them.
What I’m most proud of isn’t the titles, recognition, or accomplishments. It’s seeing young people make better choices, develop confidence, and begin believing in themselves.
What sets me apart is that I’m not speaking from something I’ve only studied. I’ve lived through some of the same struggles many of these young men face. I don’t glorify my past, but I use my experiences to help them understand that change is possible.
My goal isn’t just to develop programs. It’s to develop people. Because when one WENS, EverybodyWENS!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can support and collaborate with me through EverybodyWENS. We’re always looking to build meaningful partnerships with businesses, schools, churches, community organizations, and individuals who genuinely want to make a difference.
Our biggest needs are financial support, sponsorships, mentorship opportunities, employment partnerships, volunteers, and resources that help us continue serving youth, adults, and families.
One thing I strongly believe is that real community change takes collaboration, not competition. No one person or organization can do everything, but when we bring our resources, relationships, and experiences together, we can create opportunities that make a lasting difference.
We’re not just looking for people to support events. We’re looking for partners who are willing to invest in people and help create long-term opportunities.
At the end of the day, it’s bigger than me or my organization. It’s about the people and communities we serve.
When one WENS, EverybodyWENS!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everybodywens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybodywens_?igsh=MXVlYWx6dTE1ZnY0ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everybodywens?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everybody-wens/
