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Matthew Jones grew up in a small town outside of St. Louis, Villa Ridge Missouri. He is a 1991 graduate of Pacific High School.  In high school he was a member of the Conflict Mediation Group, Peer Counselor and volunteered at one of the local elementary schools. He started off his collegiate career at Benedictine College in Atchison, Ks. where he received a football scholarship. While at Benedictine he volunteered at the local juvenile center and was President of the African American Student Union. In 1993 he headed to Springfield, Missouri to attend then Southwest Missouri State University. He later transferred to Evangel University where he received his  Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Services and also worked on his Master’s degree in secondary education, also at Evangel University.

 

Born to Eugene and Maxine Jones October 2, 1972. He is the youngest of 4 children. His father was the pastor of Douglas Memorial C.O.G.I.C. (retired in 2009) a church in Meacham Park, Missouri where he was given the foundation of religion, family and community work. The saints of the church and parents of friends provided the village that helped support, teach and encourage him.

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Even with the strong family upbringing and support. Matt made choices  that could of derailed his life. After suffering his 2nd Knee surgery in College he fell into drinking and fighting. This period of his life he was fighting to find himself and his purpose. Through the prayers of the saints and family he was able to come out of those dark days. He found value again in himself and wanted to share his testimony and encourage others.

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While living in Springfield he has worked with youth and families in the area for over 30 years. He started with the Boys Girls Club of Springfield and Boys and Girls Town. He is now retired from the Division of Youth Services (State of Missouri) after 27yrs. of service. Currently he works for O.A.C.A.C. Head Start program as a Family Advocate and Bus driver.. He has also worked as an assistant high school football coach and coached youth sports in Springfield for many years.

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Words from the Founder

 

I would like to first thank God and my parents for instilling in me the passion and desire to help and care for others. They have given me the foundation of prayer, faith and willingness to serve. Thank you to the many members of my village who have been there for me; my three sisters Nina, Juanita and Gaye Jones, my Douglas Memorial Church Family, my little league baseball coaches, high school, college coaches, parents and students who stood beside me. These people made up my village and I thank you.

 

It is our goal to be a blessing and support to others.  We would like people to realize and understand all of us have stumbled. All of us have not made the best decisions. Each one of us had to fight for our sanity and survival in some way.

 

We want to help people identify and reach out to those in the community that are willing to be in their village. We want to help youth and families build a strong foundation and realize they are not alone.

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                     – Matthew Jones