Meet Ali Bodager | Founder & Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Bodager and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
During my three years working in Skid Row, Los Angeles, I saw firsthand a significant gap in services. When young people turn 18, they are often treated the same as adults, even though they still require specialized support to prevent homelessness. In 2020, I began researching the issue and realized there was a clear need for programs specifically for young people ages 18-24, also known as Transition Age Youth (TAY). This critical transition into adulthood is often navigated alone, especially by TAY at risk of homelessness or those aging out of the foster care system. So my thought process behind opening Jacaranda was that I saw this need, and I decided I wanted to do something about it. In late 2021, I founded Jacaranda Housing (also known as Jacaranda) with the goal of bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood for these young people.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Jacaranda is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles County that supports young adults ages 18-24 through a variety of services, including life skills workshops, job readiness workshops, college application assistance, birthday gifts, and more. These young adults are living in transitional housing either due to the risk or experience of homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. Thanks to partnerships with other committed nonprofits, Jacaranda was able to serve 63 young adults in 2024, and we are excited to expand our reach in 2025.

Jacaranda Housing is currently undergoing a rebranding, with plans to replace the word “Housing” in its name. The organization was originally founded to provide wraparound services, with transitional housing as the primary focus. However, due to the challenges of being a new organization with a larger annual budget, we were unable to raise the necessary funds to launch the housing program as soon as we originally anticipated. As a result, we made a strategic pivot.

Rather than waiting, Jacaranda’s founder and board were determined to begin serving young people immediately. So we partnered with transitional housing programs in need of workshops for their residents and quickly adapted our approach. Additionally, Jacaranda has created a safe and open space for young adults to provide feedback, share their needs, and suggest additional workshops or services. We believe it’s essential for them to have a voice in shaping the programs we offer.

Jacaranda is committed to being flexible and adaptable, ensuring that every TAY we come into contact with has the option to receive the support they need to thrive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would make sure that my best friend enjoys the following:
1. The Blue Room in Burbank
2. Dad’s Donuts in Burbank
3. Castaway in Burbank
4. Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank
5. The Magic Castle in Hollywood

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can’t single out just one person for a shout-out because I am fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated board that goes above and beyond their typical duties. Many nonprofits face the challenge of getting their board members involved beyond just attending meetings, but my board has been unwavering in their commitment and hard work to ensure that Jacaranda meets the needs of the young people we serve. Our board members include Luis Curet, Charlene Allen, Chanel Williams, Gaby Carrera, Nancy Geroso, Patricia Priore, Lorri Hubert, and myself as the founder.

In 2022, we faced the difficulties of being a new organization, especially when it came to raising the necessary funds for a housing program. However, the board worked closely with me to pivot our approach, transitioning from a housing-focused program to one that addresses the broader needs of Transitional Age Youth (TAY). As a result, we now support TAY who are currently living in transitional housing by offering life skills and job readiness workshops, college application help, school supplies, birthday gifts, and more. I could not have accomplished any of this without the incredible support and collaboration of Jacaranda’s board.

Website: https://www.jacarandahousing.org/

Instagram: @jacarandahousing

Facebook: /jacarandahousingca

Other: We are having our 3rd Jazz Brunch on February 1st with Grammy nominated musician Herman Jackson.
https://www.jacarandahousing.org/jazzbrunch