What’s Your Legacy Ep.2 - Jose “Neaners” Garcia

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!

Elsa Espino, Podcast Host
Website: https://www.elsaespino.com/
Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/elsamespino/
Photography IG: https://www.instagram.com/elsaespinophotography
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