SHEDRA JONES, STAFF

Shedra Jones, Gateway's Program Director, got involved in social services and advocacy at an early age. Her parents, whom she calls change agents, introduced her to the concepts of “looking beyond myself” and “paying it forward.” Shedra began her career in social services through volunteerism, peer counseling, and mentoring and then joined the staff of the Gateway Center.

“Coming to the Gateway Center was a logical progression in my career as its core values and vision paralleled my personal and professional desire to see individuals achieve and maintain self-sufficiency,” Shedra says.

As Programs Director, Shedra directs the day-to-day operations of the programs division, implementing policies and protocols that achieve the center’s goals and establish the Gateway Center as a leader in ending chronic homelessness.

Shedra also supervises all male-specific programs and is responsible for ensuring clients are provided fair and human services and that staff accurately produce data to support the Gateway Center’s work.

Shedra’s passion and commitment to the war on poverty and homelessness stem from her own background.

“Because of some of the obstacles that I faced growing up in a disenfranchised community and being exposed to many of the same problems that our clients face, in some ways, I have walked in their shoes,” she says.

Some days are tougher than others. At times, Shedra and the Gateway Center’s staff must respond to numerous stakeholders who may not share the same vision for outcomes, or work with people who aren't as passionate about the mission of the Gateway Center.

But Shedra sees value and results from her work every day.

“Sometimes I have to remind myself that even though I may have challenges, there are people with equal or worse challenges that may not have access to the same level of support as I,” Shedra says. “Keeping this in mind helps me to stay humble while giving direction.”

Shedra believes in seizing opportunities for her clients – and helping them learn to see do that for themselves. “We can't wait for things to happen or opportunities to materialize,” Shedra says. “I believe we make our own fate. We try to instill this perspective in our clients. We try to motivate our clients to seize opportunities that will empower them to take charge of their lives.”

She says: “We meet people where they are and then expect them to rise to a new (higher) plane.”