Jeremy Ward is a man with a mission. And having already conquered several challenges, he remains resolute and undeterred.
“Growing up I learned early what it feels like to stand out. I was born with vitiligo, a condition that changes the color of your skin. For years, it made me feel different, but over time it taught me something powerful – that every person deserves to be seen for who they truly are” Ward said.
“Education became my pathway forward. I attended Prairie View A&M University where I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2018. But just months later, my life changed forever. On Oct. 22, 2018, I suffered a spinal cord injury that left me in a wheelchair. In one moment, everything about my future looked different,” he said.
“During that time, I started thinking deeply about young people who face obstacles every day: poverty, lack of guidance, and broken systems. I realized many are not failing because they lack talent, but because they lack support. That realization gave birth to the Youthful Living & Learning Center, a place with 24/7 support and 100% commitment,” Ward said.
Having earned a bachelor of arts degree in history, Ward’s plan before his injury was to become a teacher, specifically teaching 12th grade, and eventually take that passion overseas to educate and inspire students globally.
When asked if his desire to open a youth center came about because of his injury, he said, “Yes, my injury played a major role. It changed my perspective on life and showed me how quickly things can shift. I realized there are so many young people who need guidance, support, and a safe place to grow – especially those dealing with challenges, disabilities, or lack of opportunity. What I went through gave me purpose.”
Ward said his vision for the center is to build a full-service, 24-hour Youthful Living & Learning Center that will be a safe haven where young people can live, learn, and grow. He said the center will include: education programs (including support for nonverbal and special needs youth); job training and life skills development; recreational spaces (sports, arts, music, gaming); medical and mental health support; faith-based and spiritual guidance; and housing for youth and staff.
“I want it to be a place that doesn’t just help kids survive, but truly thrive,” he said.
Ward has created a detailed vision and master plan for the center, begun developing financial plans and facility layouts and researched land and existing properties across Texas. He has also begun building awareness by sharing his story.
“This is no longer just an idea. It’s something I’m actively building,” he said.
Ward said he plans to secure funding through multiple streams, including: grants; donations and sponsorships; partnerships with organizations and businesses; fundraising campaigns and community support; and eventually, revenue from programs and services within the center.
His goal is to build the center in Texas, ideally in an area with enough land to support a full campus – possibly East Texas or near Houston – where space, accessibility, and community need align.
Ward even has ideas for an expanded vision that includes foster care and at-risk youth – young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, abuse, or instability in their lives.
“Many of these young people age out of the system without the support they need, and my goal is to provide them with a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. His expanded vision includes: stable housing for youth who need a safe place to stay; mentorship and positive role models; trauma-informed care and counseling services; educational support and life skills training; and programs focused on healing, growth, and self-worth.
To learn more, go to Ward’s website at https://youthfullivingcenter.com. To contribute, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/youthful-living-learning-center.
