In Memory of Joy Jones - Help a CB Girl Pursue College

Joy Jones was an outstanding role model for Community Bridges girls. Joy first came to Community Bridges as a volunteer after responding to a notice in the Takoma Voice and she became the Chair of the Board of Directors. Joy grew up in Roxbury, an African American section of Boston, during the desegregation of Boston schools. Joy was a graduate of Girls Latin School (now Boston Latin Academy), received her B.A. from Brandeis University in 1971 and her Masters Degree in 1979 from Harvard University.

Joy began her career as a community builder/organizer who assisted those in need and in crisis through her work with the Roxbury Multi-Service Center where she initiated programs that provided interest-free loans to low income home owners to make critical home repairs and supported housing inspections to find and eliminate lead poisoning. Throughout her career she focused on improving the lives of others as Executive Director of the YWCA (National Capitol Area), Executive Director of Associated Black Charities (Baltimore, MD), Child Care Coordinator for the Mayor's Office (Baltimore, MD), and Development Coordinator for Wonder's Child Care (Chevy Chase, MD).

"To live joyfully and well through the creative life" was Joy's goal. Her zest for knowledge was embodied in the manner in which she lived her life: as a student of culture. Joy expressed herself best through writing. In addition to the numerous grant applications she prepared, she was published in The Washington Post, served as a feature writer for the Takoma Park City News, and successfully completed the Hurston-Wright Foundation Writers Academy. Joy believed that learning was not only a life-long process, but an enduring responsibility. At the age of 53, she fulfilled a childhood dream of learning to play the piano.

"Joy was warm, witty, artistically talented - writing, jazz piano, and jewelry making - and a beloved and generous friend, and the eldest of a large family that adored her." - Noami Nim, Community Bridges Founder and Former Executive Director