Jocelyn Route is a mother, a social worker, a mental health professional, a volunteer and a proven leader.
Lending a helping hand to those in need and being the voice of the people has been the life’s work of Jocelyn Route. Following college graduation, she became a frontline behavioral health social worker, serving vulnerable youth and young adults. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science and a Master’s degree from Howard University. Jocelyn Route is a proud Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
In December 2016, Jocelyn Route accepted an appointment as the Strategic Planning, Policy, and Engagement Officer for a DC government agency, where she served as the lead planner on the Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Block Grants, the agency’s strategic plan, and all stakeholder engagement strategies. Prior to her appointment, Jocelyn Route was responsible for establishing the Transition Age Youth Mental Health system of care in Washington DC as well as opening a 66-bed transitional housing apartment community for young adults who have aged out of the child welfare and children’s mental health system.
While serving in this capacity, she made the decision to run for Town of Bladensburg Council Member of Ward 1. In October 2019, Jocelyn Route was elected by her neighbors to serve a 4-year term as the Town of Bladensburg Council Member.
Jocelyn Route has successfully steered a reputable career path in public service, leading to her current role as a Public Health Advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She is presently the point of contact for the Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma Grant that assist high-risk youth and families living in cities that have recently faced civil unrest through implementation of evidence-based violence prevention, and community youth engagement programs, as well as linkages to trauma-informed behavioral health services. She prides herself on being able to lead a team of mental health professionals that promote resilience and equity in communities.
As a mental health activist and change agent, Jocelyn educates members of her community on mental health, civic engagement, and voting rights. In 2023, she established Elevation Hope, a non-profit organization committed to promoting mental health wellness and awareness. She is also the self-published author of a children’s book that enlightens children on the activities of city government.
As a devoted mother, Jocelyn finds herself actively involved in her children’s school and sports activities. Family, she reiterates, will always be her biggest motivation for her service to her community.
Her Beliefs:
