Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric D Jones. He is sharing his story with us below:
Eric DeWayne Jones, a native of Birmingham, Al is an advocate for the education and purpose-driven priorities of young people. Mr. Jones knows the importance of having influential people in your life, as he openly recants his childhood and not having those influences. Mr. Jones also openly shares his past and gang affiliations as a means to motivate youth to be serious about their education and mindful of the company they keep. He is the Founder of the KingsKids Outreach Inc which serves over 1200 middle schools and high schools youth in the Birmingham, Jefferson County and Midfield area.
Mr. Jones has served as the North Central District Leader for the Full Gospel International Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Paul Morton. While in this position he assisted the Full Gospel Church in raising $25,000 for children suffering from sickle cell disease. He currently serves as the Youth Pastor and Pastor of Media at Mt. Zion Cathedral City Church under the leadership of Bishop Awalski Moore.
He also serves over protocol for the Global United Fellowship Youth Department under the leadership of Bishop Neil C. Ellis. He is also the founder and C.E.O. of his very own company: EJ Media and Marketing Organization which specializes in multimedia consulting. When he is not serving in one of his many capacities, Mr. Jones is spending time with his lovely wife of 18 years, Mrs. Terria Jones, and their two beautiful daughters Ayrika and Morgan Jones. Eric D. Jones is a purpose-driven man, and he believes his purpose is to help change a generation, one youth at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, but it all has been worth it. Some of our challenges like most non-profits are funding issues. We try to administer little to no-cost programs, which can be difficult with the number of children we serve. We also face challenges when dealing with parents and having them understand the importance of what we do and how it benefits their children. The school system is as supportive as possible, but in order to be a part of it we have to maintain ourselves as an organization looking to make an impact, and that is what we aim to do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the City of Birmingham, we pride ourselves on being a haven for underprivileged youth. Our activities are exposure focused. We believe what children see is what they will be, therefore we aim to expose them to life beyond their neighborhoods. We take them on college tours, field trips, conferences, and so much more. We ensure that they strive for academic excellence. We pour decision-making skills into them and teach self-discipline.
In the city, we are known for our Adopt a Single Mom Program, Purpose Camp for boys 12-18 years old and our annual Boys and Girls Kicks and Bow Tie Conference. These are opportunities we have to sow into the lives of single mothers and bring in speakers to encourage our young men and women to be their very best. We desire for them to know that there are not any limitations, only challenges that they can overcome.
I am most proud when I see former students return with their success stories of what our programs did for them and how they were able to see a better future for themselves and pursue that. It makes us so proud. We have so many additional daughters and sons because of this program.
Unlike other programs, we are truly family. We are honest and open within the program, and we strive to give these children experiences and honesty that they can take far with them in life. We also know that not every child will attend college, but we can instill values and education in them all that they can carry wherever they decide to go beyond high school.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being responsible for the number of children in our program is a huge risk. There are several documents that have to be signed by their guardians, mediation forms, emergency forms, and more. With the brief amount of time that they are in our care, we have to ensure that they return. This is a risk, but one I am willing to take if it means I can save a life, touch a future, and make a difference.
In anything that you intend to do and be great at, you will have to take risks. That is truly our lot in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kkoutreach.org
- Facebook: KingsKids Outreach
