Jordan Hyde is the inspiration behind Jordan’s House. Jordan has autism. He's been riding horses since he was three, greets strangers like old friends, and brightens the lives of everyone around him. His quiet courage, kindness, and joyful spirit were life-changing for our founder, Jimmy Peña.

The two met when Jordan was in elementary school, and a simple exchange about mustard sparked a friendship that has spanned years. Jimmy often says that being with Jordan is like being closer to Heaven—it’s where he feels more patient, more grounded, and more like the person he hopes to be.

Jimmy writes, "After I leave his presence or I say goodbye to all of the kids after a day of respite, the places we go and the crowds we encounter later in the day get the best version of me. I’m more patient in line at the supermarket or more forgiving on the road. I smile more and demonstrate more compassion at the mall or in restaurants. Why? Because joy doesn’t wear off that fast. You don’t get over it quickly. It takes time for my natural inclinations to return. I don’t know. I just fight a better fight when I’m full of the good stuff of life. The kind of traits or fruits of the Spirit that God wants me to demonstrate are the ones I’m taught by those impacted by disabilities. That’s not an exaggeration."

Through countless Buddy Breaks, special needs events, and quiet moments of connection, Jordan taught Jimmy how to love without condition. And after Jordan’s family moved out of state, his influence remained. He is the reason behind the mission of Jordan’s House: to create a place of rest, joy, and renewal for families impacted by disability. Just as Jordan unknowingly became a source of peace and purpose for Jimmy, Jordan’s House now exists to do the same for others.