Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazma Coates.
Hi Jazma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, my name is Jazma, I was born and raised in Baltimore MD. I am the prodigy of two recovering addicts. While we were evicted a lot due to the addiction, I primarily was raised in Edmondson Village and Cherry Hill. My mother went into drug treatment in the early 2000’s. During that time, I would go stay with her in the recovery homes. On my first night there, they held a meeting at 3 am called,” emergency wake”. This was to alarm all the other residents that someone wanted to leave the home to get high. To my surprise, everyone woke up gladly and congregated together to talk the Individual out of leaving the home and staying clean, as they would say,” just one more day.” It was at that moment I knew how powerful a community could be in saving a life. Therefore, I said one day I will own my own substance abuse center and it will be patient centered because I saw just how powerful letting those other clients lead that group saved a life. From there my journey began, but it was not an easy journey. From that time until now I have endured many challenges and setbacks, but I was determined to prevail so my mission could be fulfilled. First, in 2016 I would bury my grandmother, who raised me. This was detrimental, but also necessary. My grandmother had lupus and two other autoimmune diseases. This required me to take care of her until her last breath. During this time, I learned so much about myself and my desire to help serve those in a vulnerable situation. Not just because she was my grandmother and the one who sacrificed to take care of me with limited funds and resources while my parents satisfied their desire to use substances. It was because I saw again how coming together for another human can make a difference in that person’s life, even to the end. Shortly, after my grandmother passed, I became ill to find out, I had the same disease that killed her. So, for years I would battle this autoimmune disease which has attacked every organ in my body. From, my kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Not to mention all the pain my body would be in daily. I use this to keep me grounded in the moment that we all are fighting something and to be patient with the next person as you never know what pains they are enduring. Fast-forward to 2020, my mother would succumb to her battle of cancer. Prior to her death we had a conversation on why I never went back to school and became a counselor. My mother’s last wish was for me to follow my dreams and open my substance abuse center. So, I enrolled back in school shortly after her death to CCBC for their AAS in Human services counselor with a concentration of Behavioral Health Counselor. I placed myself on a 6year plan to have my MSW so obtaining a degree every two years. I knew this meant I would need to take 5 classes at CCBC, while still working and maintaining a family. I was up for the challenge! What I was not ready for was the sudden death of my father just one year after losing my mom. As I mentioned prior, my dad battled substance abuse. While on his way home he was hit by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. My dad suffered for 21 days from the injuries of the accident before he passed. Thus, given him 21 days sober. Then, two weeks after losing my dad I was in ICU fighting for my life because of my battle with Lupus. Doctors tried to convince me to shift my focus to Hospice. I in term checked myself out the hospital and started on a holistic journey to heal my body. However, through it all I graduated with honors with my first degree in Human Service Counseling with a concentration of Behavioral Health Counseling in 2022. Additionally, I received a full ride scholarship to the University of Baltimore for my BA in Human Services Administrations and graduated in 2024. I am now at Morgan State University finishing my MSW for a completion date of May 2026 still keeping a 4.0 GPA. Moreover, I am the proud owner of my own Substance Abuse Center- Journey of Life Behavioral Health Services, which officially opened its doors 06/01/2023. Since opening I have helped hundreds of individuals battle the disease of addiction. I host annual community events with my most recent one at White Marsh Mall Back to School give away. In addition, I am also the Student Vic-Chair for Morgan State University Field Advisor Board. Amongst other activist opportunities I participate in to bring awareness to substance abuse and mental health. Most recently I was honored with the unsung Hero Award at the national Turk Conference for Substance Abuse and Mental Health for my many contributions to the field of addiction and mental health.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been stamped by deep grief and loss, personal health scares, and the persistent challenge of navigating implicit bias especially as a Black woman in leadership and behavioral health. Losing loved ones while trying to build a business and serve the community was emotionally devastating. There were moments when the weight of personal pain collided with professional responsibilities, and I had to find strength I didn’t know I had just to keep going.
Health scares added another layer of complexity. They reminded me of the importance of self-care, something that’s often overlooked when you’re constantly pouring into others. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, that healing is not just for my clients, but for me too!
Then there’s the reality of implicit bias. Whether it was being underestimated, overlooked, or having to work twice as hard to prove my worth, those experiences shaped me. They fueled my commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, especially those who are often marginalized.
Despite the struggles, each challenge has deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve. They’ve made me more intentional about the work I do and the lives I touch. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful and I wouldn’t trade the lessons for anything!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Journey of Life, we believe recovery is more than a clinical process, it’s a journey of hope, resilience, and connection. Our organization is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate mental health challenges and substance use disorders with compassion and expertise.
Our slogan says it best: “We Embrace Your Past to Align Your Future.” Every story matters, and we’re here to help you turn the page toward a brighter tomorrow.
What makes us different? We don’t just provide therapy; we create community. From free substance abuse support groups in nursing homes to our annual holiday celebration for clients’ children, and even a Back-to-School Block Party that equips over 300 kids with backpacks and supplies, we go beyond the office walls to make a real impact.
We’re proud to be known for integrity, inclusivity, and culturally responsive care. Our team specializes in treating co-occurring disorders, offering personalized therapy and support that meets people where they are. Whether it’s individual counseling, group sessions, or family therapy, our goal is simple: to help every person feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Journey of Life isn’t just a name—it’s a promise. A promise that you don’t have to walk this path alone. When you choose us, you’re choosing a partner in healing and a community that cares.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I believe is most important to my success is resilience. In the behavioral health field, challenges are inevitable, whether it’s navigating complex client needs, managing organizational growth, or addressing community disparities. Resilience allows me to adapt, stay focused, and lead with clarity even in difficult situations. It’s what helps me turn obstacles into opportunities and maintain a vision for long-term impact. I pair resilience with empathy and strategic thinking, which ensures that every decision I make is both compassionate and effective. These qualities have allowed me to build programs that not only treat individuals but strengthen entire communities.
Pricing:
- We take MD Medicaid
- We will take uninsured clients and help them obtain insurance while still providing services
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jolservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyoflife_bhs?igsh=eGZzM3BxcTF6N29x&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1T2VrRS3M9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TIkTok- Journeyoflife_BHS
