Alumni in Action - Jonathan Clemente '99
Submit a Name
Know a deserving alumnus for a future Alumni in Action story?
Click the link below to submit their name.
Jonathan Clemente '99
Cleveland, OH
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Toner ‘73
Time as a student: One of Jonathan’s favorite Ignatian memories was going on the Kairos Retreat where he recalls enjoying deep discussions with other students about their lives through the lens of Jesuit spirituality. As a student at Ignatius, he was inspired by the daily focus on reflective prayer and was struck by the beauty of both the Memorare and Prayer for Generosity.
Life Story and Professional Career: As a student at Saint Ignatius and throughout much of his college education, Jonathan struggled with substance use, which caused challenges to his personal and professional life. Later he was able to come to understand that he also had a co-occurring mental health disorder. After seeking support through counselors, friends, family, and Hopewell Therapeutic Farm, a residential treatment program for adults with severe mental illnesses, Jonathan has now over 20 years sobriety! He carries with him the Ignatius motto of being a "Man for Others" in now supporting others with similar struggles.
Jonathan, now a Certified Peer Support Specialist for Catholic Charities and Consultant for NEOMED, continues to foster a life of prayer and meditation to advance his recovery. “Many people separate from their spirituality while in active addiction. My best mentors challenged me to integrate my Catholic faith into my recovery.”
Through his work, he now mentors those struggling with their own mental health and addiction challenges. He states, "Helping others has made a huge difference to my own perspective and given my life purpose." In addition to his work in the mental health field, he is also a visual artist and plans to host an artist workshop later this month at Hopewell Therapeutic Farm.
Advice for students: "Trust God and know that God won’t abandon you. Make use of both the spiritual and material resources around. Take advantage of opportunities to consult with both spiritual leaders like priests and theology teachers as well as mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and counselors."