By ERIC AYRES

Staff Writer

WHEELING — While seeing the best in people comes from perspective, getting people to see the best in themselves – and helping them overcome obstacles to be the best they can be – is a characteristic that has become part of Lori Jones’ identity.

It’s a skill she’s honed and put into practice over the past two decades at YWCA Wheeling.

Jones was initially hired by the YWCA in 1998 as the business manager, responsible for the financial direction of the agency, grant billing and human resources management. She was promoted to executive director in 2011.

Previously working as a restaurant manager, Jones said a friend on the agency’s board thought she could be an asset to the team at the YWCA, so she landed an interview. She learned about nonprofit management, decided to explore it and ended up finding her calling.

“After being there for about six months, it was easy to see the good work and the numbers of women, children and men being assisted within the organization,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of the team long-term. I believed my for-profit management experience could help, and it has. My family says I have always been a helper or protector, so it fit.”

Since then, Jones has become a leader among leaders in the community, particularly in the arena of social services. She is a board member of the Northern Panhandle Continuum of Care for the Homeless and a member of Women for Economic and Leadership Development.

She was named the 2015 Black Heritage Festival Committee Person of the Year and as been recognized with numerous awards.

Those honors include the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Kathy Fortunato Award for Community Service, the Ministerial Alliance Speaking the Truth in Love Award, the city of Wheeling Exceptional Leaders and Volunteerism to Residents of Wheeling Award, the 2023 Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award and the 2024 Bethlehem Apostolic Temple Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Award.

As executive director of YWCA Wheeling, Jones is the lead of the organization and responsible for day-to-day operations.

“That means, along with the board of directors, we set the strategic direction, and the executive director is responsible for the movement towards meeting the goals set, personnel management, inventory control, facilities management, budget control and meeting all state, federal and local laws, regulations and requirements as set forth for the funding,” she said.

The third of seven children, Jones was born in Wheeling and raised on Wheeling Island. She went to Central Catholic High School and graduated from Seton Hill College (now University) in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, with a bachelor of arts degree in communications.

“I have had the privilege of serving the YWCA Wheeling for 26 years,” Jones said, noting that the advancements at the YWCA during her tenure are because of the “unwavering dedication” of the employees and the “invaluable input” of our board of directors. “The YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) has been in Wheeling for 116 years and will continue to assist residents of the Valley hopefully for another 116 years.

“There is a lot to be said for living with integrity, being able to look yourself in the face every day knowing that you are doing your best to assist women to thrive and realize their dreams.”

There are lessons to be learned every day, according to Jones, who said she encourages everyone to be open to them when they present themselves.

“I’ve learned that nearly everyone basically wants to help and do what’s right,” she said, adding that everyone has their own unique background and perspective. Lives are fragile, and most people are just one bad event or one bad decision away from needing the help and resources of the YWCA, Soup Kitchen or other service organization, she noted.

“More than 60% of people live paycheck to paycheck as I once did, meaning if I had a catastrophic incident, illness or perhaps one day decided to try drugs, who knows where I might be?” she said. “We see that every day at the YWCA.”

Traditionally, there are more women in social service fields than there are men, Jones said, noting that in the workforce as a whole, women are the primary breadwinners in about 50% of homes nationally and in the Ohio Valley. And they continue to strive for higher wages.

“I now see women believing that they have earned the right to be seated at the table, knowing their opinions count and knowing they can make a difference,” she said. “We need more women to realize we can overcome any diversity and achieve success.”

Nonprofits are adapting their services and programming to meet the needs of the community, Jones said.

“I truly believe all people want to help,” she said. “If we don’t let the people know what our needs are in a succinct manner, the people wanting to help will never be able to help in a meaningful way. People in general don’t always feel comfortable asking for help. We are led to believe asking for help makes us look weak or we don’t want to inconvenience anyone, but the truth is that people want to make a difference in people’s lives. It makes us feel good, happy and fulfilled when we are able to help others. Helping others enhances relationships and gives meaning to our lives. We see it over and over at the YWCA.”

Jones said she sees adaptability and a willingness to change the community for the better as a bright spot in the Ohio Valley that is shining like never before.

“As difficult as it is right now, the upgrades and transition are happening on every corner and within so many organizations and businesses that are setting us up for a much brighter future,” she said.

Jones lives in Washington, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Shaun, of 23 years. She has three stepchildren and one grandson, “all of whom I adore.” When she is not focused on work, she said she enjoys spending time with family or friends, reading, and “watching reruns … or sleeping.”

YWCA Wheeling assists not only women but also men and children with offering classes like life skills, nurturing parenting, Batterers Intervention and Prevention for men and women, basic anti-violence youth training, Hands are Not for Hitting for middle school students and much more.

If anyone is facing addiction, domestic violence, human trafficking, physical or mental abuse, are in need of clothing or just need someone to talk to, Jones emphasized that there is help available. She encourages anyone in need of help to all the YWCA hotline at 1-800-698-1247 at any hour of the day, any day of the week.

“We are here to help,” she said.