We were lucky to catch up with Eric Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eric, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My path to discovering purpose has been a transformative journey, one not just of introspection but of profound spiritual connection. It’s a voyage marked by three decisive steps that have shaped the essence of my being and directed the course of my life.
The First Step: Embracing Spirituality
It all started with a conscious decision to open my heart to the divine. Building a relationship with God wasn’t merely about religious observance; it was about finding solace and strength in a higher power. This connection laid the foundation of my journey, infusing my daily life with deeper meaning and a sense of peace.
The Second Step: Yielding to a Higher Will
With faith as my anchor, I learned the art of surrender. Letting God lead my life meant embracing a trust beyond my understanding, a willingness to be guided by a force greater than myself. This was about more than faith; it was about relinquishing control and being receptive to the direction my life was meant to take.
The Third Step: Walking the Path of Purpose
As my relationship with God grew stronger, so did my clarity of purpose. It was as if each step taken in faith illuminated the next, leading me to embrace my calling. This wasn’t an overnight epiphany but a gradual realization that through serving others and honoring my values, I was living out my God-given destiny.
The journey to find one’s purpose is deeply personal and, for me, intrinsically linked to my spirituality. It’s a reminder that purpose can find us in myriad ways, and for those willing to listen, it can resonate through the core of our being.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Kings Kids Outreach, our mission is to bridge the gap between education and students who face significant challenges in their day-to-day lives. As the Executive Director, I lead a team that is passionate about creating a supportive environment that encourages consistent school attendance and academic achievement.
What makes our work exciting and special is the tangible impact we see on a daily basis. Through our outreach program, we offer guidance, resources, and mentorship to students who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Our approach is to engage with the students, understand their unique situations, and to work together with their guardians and schools to develop customized solutions that address their specific needs.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing the transformation in the lives of the children we assist. Seeing a student who previously struggled with attendance become a regular at school, or a child who had difficulties in their studies start to excel, is a testament to the effectiveness of our outreach.
We’re not just focused on the short-term either. Kings Kids Outreach is building a foundation for these students’ long-term success. By instilling the value of education and providing the necessary support structures, we’re helping to break the cycle of socio-economic challenges that many of these children face.
We would like readers to know that Kings Kids Outreach is more than just an organization; it’s a community movement. It’s about people coming together to invest in the future of our children. Donors, volunteers, and community leaders all play a crucial role in our efforts. Every bit of support counts, and we’re always looking for new partners to join us in making a significant, positive change in these children’s lives.
For those interested in learning more about Kings Kids Outreach or contributing to our cause, we invite you to visit our website, follow us on social media, or reach out directly. Together, we can continue to empower the youth in our community, one child at a time.
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?
Reflecting on my journey as the Executive Director of Kings Kids Outreach, I’ve found that the most impactful qualities that have significantly contributed to my success are as follows:
1. **Relationship Building**: The ability to forge strong and meaningful relationships has been the cornerstone of my work. Building trust and rapport with students, guardians, educators, and community members has allowed for open communication and collaboration. This has been essential in creating a supportive network around each child and ensuring they receive the comprehensive assistance they need.
2. **Connecting with the Younger Generation**: Understanding and relating to the unique perspectives and experiences of the youth has been crucial. By genuinely engaging with them and respecting their views, I’ve been able to make our initiatives relatable and accessible. This connection has facilitated a two-way dialogue where students feel heard and valued, which is key to motivating them and encouraging their participation in our programs.
3. **Visionary Leadership**: Having a clear and positive vision of what can be achieved has guided me through the challenges and opportunities that come with running an outreach program. It’s about seeing beyond the current situation, anticipating future needs, and inspiring others to share in that vision. This forward-thinking approach has been vital in driving innovation within our programs and in creating sustainable, long-term strategies for student success.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be:
– **Cultivate Genuine Relationships**: Invest time in understanding the people you work with, be it colleagues, clients, or community members. Be present, listen actively, and show that you care. Relationships are a two-way street, and the more you put into them, the more you’ll gain.
– **Learn to Adapt**: Connecting with the younger generation requires adaptability. Stay informed about the trends and issues that are important to them. Be willing to meet them where they are, both in terms of communication styles and the platforms they use.
– **Nurture Your Vision**: Develop a clear idea of where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Be ambitious but also realistic. Set goals and create actionable steps to reach them. Share your vision with others to build a team that’s aligned with your goals and committed to the mission.
Remember, personal and professional growth is a continuous process. Always be open to learning, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek mentorship or guidance when needed. Your unique combination of qualities and skills will be your greatest asset as you forge your own path.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has undoubtedly been in cultivating a stronger belief in myself. This development has been instrumental both personally and professionally.
In the context of leading Kings Kids Outreach, self-belief has empowered me to tackle challenges with greater confidence and resilience. It has been a journey of embracing my capabilities, recognizing the value of my contributions, and trusting in my vision for the organization. By believing in myself, I’ve been able to inspire my team, secure the trust of our stakeholders, and, most importantly, make a positive impact on the lives of the children we serve.
This growth has also translated into taking bold steps to expand our programs and to innovate new strategies for community engagement. With increased self-assurance, I’ve found the courage to explore uncharted territories, initiate partnerships, and advocate for resources that have driven our mission forward.
To anyone looking to grow in this area, my advice would be to focus on personal reflection. Take time to acknowledge your past successes and learn from your experiences. Set aside self-doubt and replace it with affirmations of your skills and strengths. Surround yourself with supporters who encourage your growth and challenge you to rise above your fears. Lastly, understand that self-belief is a skill that can be strengthened over time with practice and persistence. Trust in your journey, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kkoutreach.org
- Instagram: Kings Kids Outreach
- Facebook: Kings Kids Outreach
- Twitter: Kings Kids Outreach
- Youtube: Kings Kids Outreach
