Jon O! (Coach J’)

Co-Founder/Executive Director

Jon O’s journey began 20 years ago with the question; “Where are the great men, those who show up strong for others?”.

What was evident at that time is still true today; there were too few leaders. Years into the journey, it became apparent that Jon O’ would be a leader of leaders, specifically calling them out and guiding them to ‘find their voice.’

In the fall of 2001, Jon O’ led a group of college guys on an epic adventure to West Virginia to raft a Class V river. Chasing adventure and connecting with leaders continued for years until, by providence, adventure was replaced with service projects, which opened the door to new possibilities and new young men joining the journey. Today, these men continue to live out big stories across the country, serving their families and communities from a place of being known and affirmed in their strength.

In 2015, Jon O' met Cole Erno in a chance meeting. Cole was down for the struggle, and after traveling hard roads and sharing in an epic journey for several years, Jon O’ and Cole shared a vision that would lay the foundation for Providence Road.

With a small group of brave, committed volunteers and supporters, Providence Road was launched in 2018 with a simple premise to change attitudes and perspectives in the streets of Baton Rouge that would lead to a change in the culture. With many believing in and supporting the cause, Providence Road took shape and continues to attract new talent and skills to the struggle for young hearts.

"Every story has a hero. I'm not the hero; I find young heroes. With encouragement, they begin to step into strong, believing what is most true, and realize that their story is just beginning." -Coach J’!

Jon O is married to Sharon, who has offered unwavering support all these years and made such a journey possible. He has four children, all in their twenties, all living big stories, and are great supporters of their dad and the efforts of Providence Road.

Cole erno

CO-FOunder

One of the first to pioneer the concept of Providence Road, Cole Erno has been an integral part of reaching young hearts in the community. 

Gifted with a heart to serve, grit, creativity, and a strong desire to build something better, Cole is a recipient of attributes he gained from relationships with strong men. His grandfather’s, a WWII veteran and 45-year career railroad engineer, respectively, and his father an industrial designer/engineer. 

As a co-founder of Providence Road, he courageously steps foot into a void that many wouldn’t, taking on the daunting task of building relationships with youth who have difficult stories and calling out the strength inherent in each of them. He is an essential staff member of Providence Road, and without his commitment and diligence to developing and implementing the program side of Providence Road, there would be no program. 

Husband to Jennifer Erno (who is the best team mom ever), Cole finds purpose and passion in facilitating the healing of broken hearts. Most days, you can find them hosting and enjoying the youth of Providence Road in their home. Cole is always ready to leave town with great men and is responsible for coining the phrase we have adopted as our program slogan, 

"Doing hard things in beautiful places changes lives." 

Dwight Jenkins

Youth Mentor and Volunteer

Born and raised in the 16th Ward of, New Orleans, Dight has lived an amazing story of transformation and redemption.

After returning home from over three decades at Angola State Penitentiary, Dwight has become a powerful example of resilience, humility, and transformation.

Since 2022, he has served as a dedicated youth mentor in north Baton Rouge, volunteering multiple nights a week to guide and support the next generation.

A known affectionately as “Country Boy,” Dwight brings a calm presence, a strong work ethic, and deep life experience to everything he does—from mentoring teens to managing properties with excellence at Harvest Companies. His journey from incarceration to leadership in community and land stewardship reflects the dignity that comes from second chances and meaningful connection.

We’re proud to have Dwight as one of the steady pillars in our Providence Road family.