Wendy Jones

citizen |

Wendy Jones leading the third annual peace walk in Roseland.
Wendy Jones leading the third annual peace walk in Roseland.

Occupation: Owner and Executive Director of the Youth Peace Center of Roseland

Why does she stand out?

Wendy Jones is the Executive Director of the Youth Peace Center of Roseland (YPCR) where young adults (ages 13-21) of the Roseland community learn to avoid violence and crime and where they also receive the encouragement needed to lead successful lives.

Jones position extends far beyond managing employees and processing paperwork however. Often times she finds herself on duty long after YPCR closes for the day.

No one pays me to answer a teens call at 10:30 p.m. when they are getting kicked out the house because of a dispute between them and their parents, she said.

Since 1996, Jones has been serving Roseland as owner of Pretend Town, a recreational and educational facility for pre-school through sixth-graders. However, in 2007 she launched YPCR, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, to also make an impact in the lives of teenagers.

Sometimes the Lord speaks to you, and you have to follow what the Lord tells you to do, said Jones. My reward in doing this type of work is seeing these teenagers be able to become successful in the future.

Through YPCR, Jones has been able to provide mentoring and pre-employment training to its enrollees and for the past three years, Jones and her husband who work as a team, have hosted an annual peace walk to promote awareness about the devastating effects of youth and gang violence.

By: Abbra Stiffend

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.