Eric Jones Fund

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Eric Jones Fund

Whit and Paula Jones' son, Eric died by suicide in 2004 at age 31. He worked in the family business and had always had special interest in organizations focused on women and children’s issues. Eric’s parents and co-workers decided to create the Eric Jones Fund in his memory and direct funding toward organizations with projects focused on women and children in Idaho and the Middle East.

The Eric Jones Fund Advisory Committee, composed of Eric’s fellow employees at Business Psychology Associates and led by Amanda Iverson, holds two annual fundraisers. In addition to Business Psychology Associates employees, other private donors have donated to the Eric Jones Fund.

The Eric Jones Fund recently awarded three grants to Idaho-based organizations with programs in the field of Women and Children's issues:

The Idaho Foodbank was the recipient of 2009 funding from the Eric Jones Fund, and received $3,562

The Idaho Foodbank in an efficient and caring manner, provides food, information, and supportive services to hungry people through partnerships with nonprofit agencies, the food industry, government, volunteers, corporations, and individuals by serving as a central clearinghouse for donated and purchased food.

Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Living was the recipient of 2008 funding from the Eric Jones Fund, and received $3,668.60.

Many women released from prison are seeking positive life change. In response, Chrysalis Women's Transitional Living Inc. was founded in Boise, ID, by Marsha Tennyson in 2001. Entirely through private funding, Chrysalis has four homes and 34 beds. Chrysalis helps women take the necessary steps away from their former destructive lifestyles and towards independence.

Valley Crisis Center was the recipient of 2007 funding from the Eric Jones Fund, and received $3,160.10.

Valley Crisis Center (VCC) is a domestic violence shelter that began as a grassroots endeavor 22 years ago in Nampa, Idaho. Valley Crisis Center provides shelter and meals to victims of domestic violence and their children. Valley Crisis Center's mission is to provide shelter, services, and self-help programs to victims of domestic violence enabling them to break the cycle of violence in their families, while they learn to lead healthy, productive lives.

Al Aroub Children's Garden

In June 2008 Whit and Paula Jones attended the dedication of the Eric Jones Section of the Children’s Garden at the Al Aroub Refugee Camp. This project was supported by the Eric Jones Fund of the Center for Emerging Futures.

Many of the Palestinian refugee camps have existed since 1948. Most lack outdoor recreation facilities and children are forced to play in the narrow paved streets. The new Children’s Garden has grass, trees, a sandy area with playground equipment, a fountain, and two pools. Let the children play!