Welcome to What’s Your Legacy, where we dive into legacies that change lives and the stories behind them.

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Jose “Neaners” Garcia. Neaners is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope for Homies, a healing center in Everett dedicated to empowering youth and adults through cultural reconnection, emotional regulation, and mentorship. Raised as a migrant worker, he faced significant hardships, including language barriers, an abusive home, and early involvement in gang life, which led to a 45-year prison sentence at just 14. While incarcerated, he earned his GED and envisioned a future rooted in healing and transformation.

Since his release in 2014, he has dedicated his life to social work, launching programs like “Coffee for Homies” at Tierra Nueva and developing successful youth initiatives in schools. Now leading a LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) Model for adults, he also runs a for-profit business while mentoring future leaders. A devoted father and advocate, Neaners believes challenges are opportunities for growth, using his lived experience to guide others toward healing and self-discovery. His mission is to build a lasting legacy of hope and resilience in marginalized communities.

Join us as we uncover what drives him, the values he hopes to leave behind, and maybe a few surprises along the way!

I’m your host, Elsa Espino—a fine art photographer, aspiring producer, and creative force in theater and TV. From behind the camera to onstage, I’m here to bring you stories of impact and legacy.

Want to stay connected, watch BTS content or just get to know us better? Find us on social media!

What’s Your Legacy? Podcast Website: https://www.elsaespino.com/whats-your-legacy-podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatsyourlegacypodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsYourLegacyPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsyourlegacypodcast

Elsa Espino, Podcast Host Website: https://www.elsaespino.com/ Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/elsamespino/ Photography IG: https://www.instagram.com/elsaespinophotography FB: https://www.facebook.com/elsamespino TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elsamespino

Jose “Neaners” Garcia, Podcast Guest Website: https://www.hopeforhomies.org/about Hope for Homies IG: https://www.instagram.com/hope_for_homies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neaners2