Dedicated to ensuring historically-underserved students and their families achieve economic mobility and lead choice-filled lives, education non-profit CORE has named long-time juvenile justice professional and youth advocate Jeff Jones to serve as executive director of CORE. Previously serving on the organization’s Board of Trustees, Jones’s transition to this new role enables him to directly impact the day-to-day program and operations.
“Jeff has such a deep sense of understanding and connection to the local community in Southern Nevada, particularly the issues and challenges that youth and families face,” said Lindsay Harper, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CORE. “In this new role, Jeff can make a greater impact on our CORE Scholars and the families we serve. We are thrilled for Jeff to be an even more engaged CORE champion.”
A Las Vegas native, Jones brings nearly three decades of experience in working with local youth and families to CORE. Retiring from an impressive career as a Youth Probation Officer and Juvenile Services Manager with the Las Vegas Juvenile Justice Services Division, Jones is a graduate of Rancho High School with fond memories of a non-profit program that he was involved with in his youth that he credits with saving his life. He recalls how that experience informed his subsequent career within the juvenile justice system.
Jones is looking forward to contributing his experience and expertise to help guide CORE’s two-generational programming and services geared towards under-resourced youth and families.
“I come from this community and can identify with the struggles and obstacles families and kids face,” said Jones. “I remember feeling like there wasn’t a pathway to success for me and that I was invisible. That’s what motivates me. CORE’s two-gen approach is compelling and impactful. Working with both on education and economic mobility, the whole family grows together.”
A military veteran, Jones previously served in the U.S. Army. Following his term of service in the military, he attended Grambling State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He credits his time at Grambling and continual involvement with the university as keys to not only his professional success but also his passion for youth advocacy.
Following his graduation from Grambling State University, he worked at the Methodist Children Home/Foster Care System, and next transitioned to his lifetime work as a Juvenile Probation Officer and youth advocate.
During his tenure as a Probation Officer, Jones had several roles in the juvenile justice system and has become a multi-honoree in the Juvenile Probation discipline. The Clark County Board of County Commissioners has previously recognized him for excellence in Juvenile Probation and has acknowledged his efforts with a Proclamation for commitment to youth at risk. The Nevada Association of Deputy Chief Probation Officers mirrored that sentiment by granting honors of the same at the statewide level.
A published poet and co-writer of several children’s books, Jones enjoys traveling and can be found on the weekends enjoying coffee on his patio.
