Meet Sharon Jones

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sharon Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sharon, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity came within and nurtured by my mother. She was called “Ma” in our community because she would take children in our home eventho we did not have much. She would feed the homeless. We weren’t allowed to speak down on people in her presence. She would talk to drug dealers shownlove and tell them God had better plans for them. She shared her wisdom of life to whomever would listen

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I assist non-violent felons by helping them with restitution, probation fees, job training, and placement. What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to engage with underserved communities and provide valuable resources. It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect with individuals in these areas, reminding me of my own upbringing and the significant impact my mom had on others’ lives. A special moment in my journey was welcoming a son from one of my program participants into my home, where he has lived for thirteen years. It’s profoundly rewarding to support his growth and give back to the community, influencing his life in the same way my mom influenced mine. I believe this compassion is a legacy that continues through my family, as my two sisters also dedicate themselves to community service in Atlanta and Fayetteville, NC.
I recently launched initiatives to further empower these communities and expand our outreach. I’m excited about the positive changes we’re making and the potential for impact on future generations. My daughter is already following in my mom’s footsteps, contributing to her community in Atlanta, and I take great pride in that. Together, we embody a spirit of purpose and compassion that drives our mission forward.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are compassion, resilience, and determination
1. Compassion: Understanding and empathizing with the challenges faced by non-violent felons has been crucial. This quality drives my desire to help and connect with those in underserved communities after my brother lost his life while incarcerated by a correctional officer. For those early in their journey, I advise actively seeking opportunities to volunteer or engage with diverse groups. It helps build a genuine understanding of different life experiences.
2. Resilience: The path to making a meaningful impact can often be challenging. There have been setbacks along the way, but maintaining a resilient mindset has allowed me to keep pushing forward. My mother would say don’t let no one stop you and don’t you stop yourself Newcomers embrace challenges with growth opportunities. Cultivating a resilient attitude involves learning from failures and remaining committed to your goals despite obstacles.
3. Determination: A strong sense of determination has fueled my commitment to this work. The passion to create change and help others is what motivates me, even on tough days. For those just starting out, I suggest setting clear goals and maintaining focus on your mission. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who share your vision, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your goals.

Nurturing these qualities and consistently seeking personal growth can significantly enhance one’s journey in making a positive impact.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The most helpful influences in overcoming challenges and developing the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success have been my faith, my accountability partner, and, most importantly, the wisdom of scripture imparted by my mother.

My faith has been a guiding light throughout my journey, providing me with strength and resilience during difficult times. It has instilled in me a sense of purpose and a belief in the possibility of positive change. My accountability partner has played a crucial role by offering support, encouragement, and honest feedback, helping me stay focused on my goals.
The most profound influence has been the wisdom of scripture that my mother instilled in me. Her teachings and the lessons derived from the Bible have provided invaluable guidance on compassion, perseverance, and the importance of serving others. These truths have shaped my character and inspired me to make a difference in my community. I am grateful for these influences, as they have collectively equipped me to navigate challenges and pursue my mission with conviction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Paroled2pride.org
• Instagram: Paroled2pride
• Facebook: Paroled2pride
• Youtube: Paroled2pride
• Other: TikTok Paroled2pride

Image Credits

Sharon Jones