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“In his role with ProMedica’s Social Determinants of Health, John
has been instrumental in developing the vision for HOPE
Toledo. We are thrilled that he is now able to pivot to take
the leadership role in the organization,” stated Huntley.
“John’s deep experience in working with youth, and his
knowledge of our community, make him the ideal leader.”
HOPE Toledo’s mission is to coordinate and deliver higher-quality
educational experiences for children and youth, from birth
to career, with the goal of helping to create generational
economic change for the betterment of Toledo area families
and our community. Currently, 36% of the people in the TPS
district are living below the poverty line and only 18% of
Toledo children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
This cradle to career to community approach will better serve our
children and, in the long run, help our city progress
towards a stronger, more educated workforce. To that end,
HOPE Toledo is working with the Toledo community, through
public/private partnerships and in tandem with Toledo Public
Schools and Washington Local Schools, to develop a plan to
deliver higher-quality educational experiences for all of
our youth.
HOPE Toledo is committed to a full educational continuum beginning
with a focus on early childhood education, universal access
to Pre-K, so that all Toledo children have the opportunity
to enter kindergarten ready to learn. In addition to Pre-K,
it is operating the HOPE Toledo Promise Scott High School
pilot that was started with a grant from the Kadens Family
Foundation. The Kadens Family promised to fund postsecondary
education for the Scott High School graduating class of 2020
and also provide that same opportunity to a parent/legal
guardian of those students. The program is inclusive of
tuition, room and board, books and fees.
Currently, there are 80 HOPE Scholars enrolled in 12 postsecondary
institutions. Of this number, 20 are parents. There are
several more who will begin in the spring semester. HOPE
Toledo has provided laptops/devices to 36 of the enrolled
Scholars and they have conducted mentoring sessions to help
prepare these students with the transition to postsecondary
institutions.
John Jones is a proud alumnus of Central State University in
Wilberforce, Ohio, where he received his undergraduate
degree in 1996. He went on to receive his Executive Masters
of Business Administration (EMBA) at the University of
Toledo in 2013. In 2016, he completed his Certificate in
Diversity Management through the American Hospital
Association’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity.
Jones has been the recipient of numerous awards, including
induction into the 2008 Class of
“20 under 40” for Toledo and recipient of the 2010 Calla Lily
Educator Award from the National Sorority of Phi Delta
Kappa, Inc. – Beta Gamma Chapter. He currently serves the
community through numerous boards and church-related
organizations including: The Toledo Zoo; Toledo Opera;
American Leadership Council (Program Committee – Chair);
Cherry Street Mission Ministries; Ohio Coalition of
Community Schools; Toledo Christian Schools; Toledo Police
Chief Advisory Board; The Ohio Baptist State Convention
(Youth Director); and The Ohio New Life Baptist District
Association (Youth Director). He is also a proud member of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated – Alpha Xi Lambda
Chapter where he serves as Vice President.
Jones is an ordained minister and serves as an Associate Minister
at the Christian Temple Baptist Church under the leadership
and pastorate of his father, Rev. Charles E. Jones.
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