Jacaranda Rising

It’s Jacaranda Season 💜

All across Los Angeles, the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom — vibrant purple petals covering our yards, streets, and sidewalks in beauty and color.

Did you know Jacaranda Rising was named after these beautiful trees because they are our founder Ali’s favorite? Jacarandas represent rebirth. They are vibrant, beautiful, messy, and imperfect — just like us.

That is the heart behind Jacaranda Rising. We want every young adult in our programs to know this truth:
✨ You were created vibrant and beautiful.
✨ Life is messy and imperfect.
✨ And you are deeply LOVED exactly as you are.

Happy Jacaranda Season! 💜🌿

Since we have some new faces here, we’d love to (re)introduce our Founder & Executive Director, Alison Bodager.

Alison is the heart behind Jacaranda Rising. Her passion has always been to walk alongside youth who are navigating life on their own—and that commitment shapes everything we do. Love is the driving force behind our work and the lens through which every decision is made.

As Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” That belief is woven into the fabric of Jacaranda Rising.

Originally from Ohio, Alison moved to Los Angeles County in 2010 to work at an after-school program in Skid Row. After years in the nonprofit sector—and time spent working as a paralegal—she took a leap of faith and began working on Jacaranda Rising in 2020.

This year, we celebrated our 5th anniversary on March 22—the day we officially received our nonprofit status, and, ironically, also Alison's birthday. What a milestone!

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Alison and her vision along the way—our volunteers, donors, and prayer warriors. Because of you, Jacaranda Rising has served over 140 young people and continues to grow. 💜

I still remember the first time I met Jake.

It was the month of his 19th birthday. We showed up to the shelter with a small gift and his dessert of choice—chocolate chip cookies—hoping to make the day feel special for a young man who might otherwise go unseen.

Jake was quiet. Not expecting much. But something shifted, even in that small moment.

I didn’t know then that it would be the beginning of a two-year journey together through Jacaranda Rising.

After that day, Jake started coming to workshops. Then he kept coming. He asked questions. He built friendships with me and our volunteers. Before long, he was planning his schedule around our visits—choosing connection, choosing community, choosing to belong.

Over time, we watched Jake begin to believe in himself.

With support through our continuing education program, he pursued his guard card—and I’ll never forget the text he sent when he passed. The pride. The confidence. The shift.

Today, at 21, Jake has moved into his own apartment through The Village Family Services.

The growth is undeniable. But more than that—it’s his spirit. His excitement about building a life of independence is contagious.

We are so very proud of him.

Jake’s story is a reminder that consistency, relationships, and showing up again and again can truly change the trajectory of a life.

And our hope, and my prayer, is simple: that he will never have to experience being unhoused and alone again.

Because now, he doesn’t have to. 💜

- Ali, Founder / Executive Director -
(Name and likeness changed to protect the privacy of Jake)

🎷💜 Thank You for the Music! 💜🎷

A huge thank you to the incredible band who made our 5th Birthday Jazz Brunch so special! Your talent, energy, and beautiful live jazz created the perfect atmosphere for a morning filled with celebration, connection, and community.

We are especially grateful to you for helping us mark five years of Jacaranda Rising in such a meaningful way. The music truly brought the event to life and made the day unforgettable for everyone who attended.

Thank you for being part of our mission and for helping us celebrate this milestone in style. We appreciate you! 🎶✨

📷 : Darrell Johnson