Nourishing Hope at Jordan Downs: Nancy Hernandez Leads with Dignity and Care

For Nancy Hernandez, community leadership begins with seeing the value in every person.

Throughout her career, Nancy has served children, families with limited incomes, and individuals experiencing homelessness through community and shelter programs. Today, she continues that calling at Jordan Downs in Watts through Better Tomorrows, where she leads community programming and an after-school program.

“I truly love the Jordan Downs community, its culture, its history, and the resilience of the people who call it home,” Nancy shared.

Jordan Downs has often been viewed through outdated stereotypes, but Nancy sees a community marked by strength, perseverance, and commitment to one another. She points to a saying that has stayed with her: “W.A.T.T.S: We are taught to survive.” For Nancy, the next step is creating spaces where residents can move beyond survival and experience safety, joy, support, and belonging.

Access to fresh food is one area where greater support is needed. Many residents do not have reliable transportation, making a trip to a full-service grocery store a 20- to 30-minute walk. Stores offering culturally familiar foods may be even farther away. Financial limitations, language barriers, and limited access to affordable produce can make healthy choices difficult for families and seniors.

A recent food distribution demonstrated what is possible when community leaders and partners work together. Hollywood Food Coalition provided the groceries and coordinated the delivery. Bel Air Rebuilds supported the effort with its box truck and volunteers who transported and unloaded the food. Nancy mobilized more than 10 volunteers at Jordan Downs to welcome residents and distribute groceries to approximately 30 to 40 people.

One of the most meaningful moments came when children from Nancy’s after-school program arrived. Their excitement grew when they saw a familiar face waiting to welcome them.

“That moment reminded me that this work is about so much more than distributing food or resources,” Nancy said. “It’s about building relationships, creating trust, and making people feel cared for.”

That sense of dignity is central to Nancy’s leadership. She wants every resident who attends a distribution to feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. She also wants families to know that receiving food assistance should never carry shame. Everyone deserves access to nutritious food and a welcoming community.

Nancy’s team is now working toward establishing a monthly distribution that could serve approximately 100 families. Her team is prepared to coordinate the space, promotion, resident outreach, volunteers, and distribution. The greatest need is a committed partner that can provide food consistently and work alongside the community to create a sustainable program.

Nancy encourages anyone who wants to become involved to begin with humility: “Come with an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a desire to serve. Be humble, be authentic, and meet people where they are.”

Bel Air Rebuilds exists to come alongside community leaders like Nancy, connecting the people and resources of Bel Air Church with those already working to strengthen Los Angeles. This is the Church at Work, following Jesus every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Whether you are ready to volunteer, support the work financially, or explore a community partnership, there is a place for you to join what God is already doing across our city.