Hidden Gems: Meet Whitney Jones of Raymond K. Jones Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Jones.

Whitney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began when I lost my father to gun violence at just 9 years old. My younger brother was only 3. My dad was my best friend and such a big part of my life, so losing him changed everything. Growing up without him was difficult, and for many years I carried a lot of anger, hurt, bitterness, and resentment toward the person responsible for his death.

In my late 20s, I dedicated my life to Christ and was baptized, which began a deeper journey of healing and forgiveness. More than 20 years after losing my father, I had the opportunity to meet the person responsible for his death face-to-face and I chose to forgive her. That moment was life-changing. Forgiveness didn’t change what happened, but it changed me and allowed me to move forward with purpose.

I went on to start a nonprofit in honor of my father, providing support, resources, and hope to families impacted by gun violence. Today, I am grateful to be able to turn my pain into purpose and use my story to encourage, support, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. What was once my greatest heartbreak has become one of the greatest parts of my purpose.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Growing up without my dad has been one of the hardest parts of my journey. Having to experience birthdays, graduations, holidays, and other important milestones without him was difficult, and for a long time, I struggled to understand how to move forward without the person who meant so much to me.

Over time, through my faith, healing, and forgiveness, I’ve learned to navigate that loss differently. I can now say that the road has become much smoother, especially because I’ve been able to take what I experienced and pour into other families who have been impacted by gun violence. Helping others through their pain has brought purpose to my own journey and reminded me that even in loss, there can be healing, hope, and impact.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our mission is to provide support, resources, and hope to families impacted by gun violence. We specialize in bereavement assistance, grief support, scholarships, mentorship, and prison outreach, with the goal of helping families navigate loss while creating pathways toward healing and a brighter future.

Our two primary programs are the RKJ Hope & Healing Program and our Scholarship & Mentorship Program. The Hope & Healing Program provides immediate financial assistance, grief support, and ongoing care to families impacted by gun violence. Through direct aid and a structured 90-day follow-up period, we make sure families receive not only critical resources, but also compassionate support as they begin their healing journey.

Our Scholarship & Mentorship Program supports high school seniors who have lost an immediate family member to gun violence. We provide financial assistance for higher education, vocational training, or entrepreneurial goals, along with three months of personalized mentorship and coaching to help students confidently navigate their next chapter.

What sets our organization apart is that this work is deeply personal. I know firsthand what it feels like to lose a parent to gun violence and grow up carrying that loss. I founded this organization to honor my father’s life and legacy while making sure other families don’t have to navigate their loss without support.

What I’m most proud of is being able to turn my own pain into purpose. Every family we support and every young person we empower is another way I get to honor my dad while creating a lasting impact in the community.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my biggest goal is to eventually open a community center where families impacted by gun violence can come together in person to receive support, access resources, find community, and begin their healing journey in a safe and welcoming environment. I want it to be a place where families feel seen, supported, and reminded that they are not alone.

On a personal level, my family and I also dream of seeing my father’s story brought to the big screen. We want to share his life, our experience of losing him to gun violence, and my journey of forgiveness in hopes of showing others that forgiveness is possible and that even the deepest pain can lead to purpose.

I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the organization, expand our reach, and create a lasting legacy that honors my father while giving hope to other families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rkjfoundation.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithwhitney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RKJFoundation/