From Grief to Groundwork: Giovanne Schachere on Legacy, Leadership & Mysti’s Mission

Tell us more about who you all are and what you do?

I’m Giovanne Schachere, CEO and Founder of Mysti’s Adult and Family Services—a community-rooted organization serving vulnerable populations across California and Washington. We focus on justice-impacted individuals, unhoused families, and those navigating complex medical or behavioral health needs. Our services include enhanced care management, housing stabilization, and dignity-centered programs that reflect lived experience.

What inspired you to start Mysti’s Adult and Family Services?

The vision for Mysti’s emerged from pain and purpose. I lost my mother, Mysti, during the pandemic. She was my first example of love, resilience, and creativity. Her passing pushed me to create something that could honor her name while uplifting others. I wanted to build a space for healing, justice, and second chances.

Mysti’s was named after your late mother. Tell us about your relationship with her and the impact her presence had on your life.

My mother was magic. She was a singer, rapper, and actress who raised me with raw love and big dreams, even when life got hard. She was the type to hold space for others, even when she had very little. Her struggles and brilliance shaped my empathy, my fire, and my refusal to give up on people. Her death shook me but also gave birth to this mission.

Who should get involved with your organization and what are the top three things people can gain from getting involved?

We welcome those who care deeply—people with lived experience, professionals, volunteers, and advocates. The top three things they’ll gain are: purpose-driven impact (we’re not a job, we’re a calling), real-world leadership (you grow with us), and community and healing (we lead with heart, not ego).

Tell us about who you are as a father.

Fatherhood is my anchor. I have five kids, and everything I do—from school to advocacy—is rooted in showing them what love, accountability, and legacy look like. I’m present, honest, and imperfect and thats not easy in my shoes all the time or always possible. However, I aim to raise leaders who are emotionally intelligent, confident, and grounded.

How do you balance fatherhood while also being an entrepreneur?

Honestly, with prayer, structure, and lots of grace. I calendar everything—from bedtime stories to business travel. I remind myself that my kids don’t need a perfect dad; they need a consistent one. Sometimes that means putting the phone down and just watching a movie together.

Any advice to dads struggling to balance fatherhood and business?

Build systems. Be intentional. Don’t chase the illusion of balance—focus on alignment. Some seasons you’ll show up more at home, others in business. What matters is being honest with yourself and staying connected to your “why.” Also, ask for help.

Define what legacy means to you.

Legacy is what lives when you’re gone. For me, it’s not wealth—it’s worth. It’s how my kids feel when they say my name. It’s the community I built, the lives I touched, and the systems I challenged.

Where do you see your organization in 5 years?

We are committed to offering housing, care management, and culturally grounded support nationwide. I envision us expanding our services to any area where there is a need. I am also motivated by the challenges we face.

Tell people what’s next for you, how they can follow you, etc?

Next up: expanding , launching our mobile cell phone brand, and releasing a short docu-series on our clients’ journeys. You can follow me at www.schachere.com and connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/giovanne-schachere-70270b116. Also, check us out at www.mysticares.org for WA programs and www.mystis.org for CA programs.