The Helping Hands of Jordan Rider
A young woman rises from trauma to support those in need.
Maichina Veri, July 02, 2022 // Brantford, Ontario
Jordan Rider of Brantford, Ontario. Photo credit Paul Smith, Photohouse Studio.
It’s been a hard-knock life for Jordan Rider. The 20-year-old has experienced more personal trauma than what we can write about, and yet she shows up. She shows up with a smile, grateful and unassuming. She shows up and chats with us, her voice softer than the pink in her matching polo and skirt combination (she looks like business, but is, instead, warm and kind). She shows up and articulates her passions, dreams and desires. Above and beyond all of this, she shows up for Brantford.
Jordan, who is the owner and operator of Jo’s Cozy Nails, has been in Brantford for just under two years, but is already making a splash. Her fervour for and dedication to helping those who are vulnerable, especially in marginalized communities, has kept Jordan busy and involved. You might have seen her success on Facebook in various community groups. Jordan has done several fundraisers and contributed many donations to worthy causes in town such as the Brantford Period Pop Up and Nova Vita. Her goal is to uplift and support those who have suffered similarly to herself – those who are in dire situations, who are misunderstood and who struggle to find help. “I know the feeling of being vulnerable. I know what it’s like to go through grief, go through bullying, go through poverty and all of these issues as I’ve been through it.”
The results of some of Jordan's many initiatives to help our community. Submitted Photos.
Jordan goes on to say that part of her dream is to work on her advocacy and activism and get involved with more organizations to make a “big” difference for different groups of people.
In addition to her fundraising efforts, Jordan also tries to build community networks in town. She is the administrator of the Facebook groups Brantford Circle of Care and Brantford Rainbow Dating & Friends. Both groups are for young folks between 19 and 30 years of age who are looking to make connections. Brantford Circle of Care is specifically a place for individuals to share their battles and to receive support for their pain.
"Jordan goes on to say that part of her dream is to work on her advocacy and activism and get involved with more organizations to make a “big” difference for different groups of people."
Jordan believes it’s crucial to give back to those who need it, and recognizes that Brantford has a lot to offer in terms of supportive organizations. She has found that, for people who have been knocked down, support and community building not only help people feel wanted, but also allow them to thrive. “I think when we build a community, when we build a strong, thoughtful, caring, kind, warm community, it really makes our town blossom. It really makes our people blossom.”
From Jordan’s personal traumas stems her desire to make change. Her mother passed when she was 15. She’s suffered bullying from those she should have been able to trust. She has felt alone and helpless. From her deep pain, she has risen as a compassionate and empathic young woman who hopes to help as many vulnerable people as possible. “I would definitely like to help as many people as possible. As many vulnerable people as possible going through various issues – bullying, abuse, illness, mental illness, trauma, homelessness, child abuse and much more. I really, really want to help.”
Jordan Rider around downtown Brantford. Photo credit Paul Smith, Photohouse Studio.
Jordan is not alone. She has seen success in her groups and has received messages of support and gratitude for her work. She also has her Uncle J in her corner who has been “very” supportive and drives Jordan to make all of her donation drop offs.
"You might have seen her success on Facebook in various community groups. Jordan has done several fundraisers and contributed many donations to worthy causes in town such as the Brantford Period Pop Up and Nova Vita. Her goal is to uplift and support those who have suffered similarly to herself – those who are in dire situations, who are misunderstood and who struggle to find help."
When Jordan is not offering aid and trying to change the world for the better, you can find her working out, trying different recipes in new cuisines, connecting with nature and exploring Ontario. It’s important to take time for personal care when offering so much for amazing support for those in need.
To connect with Jordan, you can find her on Facebook by clicking on the links below.
Jo’s Cozy Nails - Facebook
Brantford Circle of Care - Facebook
Brantford Rainbow Dating & Friends - Facebook
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maichina Veri is a writer based in Brantford, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Montreal’s Concordia University and has a background in Journalism – Print from Niagara College.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Paul Smith has been shooting photos professional for the past eleven years. After graduating from Applied Photography at Sheridan College in 2008 he returned to Brantford and opened Photohouse Studios with his partner.