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We know that real change comes from within a community. People must be inspired and empowered to revitalize their community. Sustainable change is driven by self-determination. Period.
But we can’t inspire them if we aren’t among them.
So we don’t just visit the community — we are immersed in the community. Our Executive Director Gerrel Jones purchased a home in Ensley in 2017 and lives there today. He is demonstrating first hand each and every day what it means to put the neighbor back in the neighborhood.
Gerrel Jones was born in Birmingham into the seemingly endless and vicious cycle of generational poverty, drugs, alcohol, and abuse.
Until he was seven years old, he was considered legally blind. At nine, he committed his first strong-armed robbery. At age 13, he ran away from home and was brought back by the police. At age 19, he was addicted to cocaine, an excessive drinker, no stranger to conflicts, and was arrested for drug trafficking. At age 24, he committed a violent homicide, fled the scene, but eventually turned himself in to Officer Dana Marsh. He then started serving his life sentence in a maximum security prison.
Little did he know Officer Marsh would impact his life for many years to come.
While in prison, Gerrel transformed his life by seeking the Holy Sprit and he gave himself to Christ in 1992. From that point forward, he was never in trouble. He counseled other inmates, and was instrumental in helping form faith-based dorms and religious education housing units within the correctional system.
Because of his exemplary conduct and work, and with the advocacy of his friend Officer Dana Marsh, he earned parole after 20 years and was released in 2012.
Drawing on his experience and his passion for his community, Gerrel has dedicated his life to serving the marginalized and underserved areas of Birmingham.
Gerrel Jones was born in Birmingham into the seemingly endless and vicious cycle of generational poverty, drugs, alcohol, and abuse.
Until he was seven years old, he was considered legally blind. At nine, he committed his first strong-armed robbery. At age 13, he ran away from home and was brought back by the police. At age 19, he was addicted to cocaine, an excessive drinker, no stranger to conflicts, and was arrested for drug trafficking. At age 24, he committed a violent homicide, fled the scene, but eventually turned himself in to Officer Dana Marsh. He then started serving his life sentence in a maximum security prison.
Little did he know Officer Marsh would impact his life for many years to come.
While in prison, Gerrel transformed his life by seeking the Holy Sprit and he gave himself to Christ in 1992. From that point forward, he was never in trouble. He counseled other inmates, and was instrumental in helping form faith-based dorms and religious education housing units within the correctional system.
Because of his exemplary conduct and work, and with the advocacy of his friend Officer Dana Marsh, he earned parole after 20 years and was released in 2012.
Drawing on his experience and his passion for his community, Gerrel has dedicated his life to serving the marginalized and underserved areas of Birmingham.
Gerrel’s Story
