2024 - Retha Jones

2024 The Arthur O. Eve Education and Community Service Award

BEOC Class of 1994, 2001

Ms. Retha Jones has seized opportunities and has overcome adversity. Her life experiences include being a 20-year-old mother of 3 when enrolled in the BEOC high school equivalency program, a domestic violence survivor, a recovering addict who this year celebrates 23 years being clean, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Grace Manor Nursing Home for 8 years, a Patient Navigator at Greater Buffalo Accountable Healthcare Network, an NFTA Paratransit Bus Operator, a college graduate, a motivational speaker, a comedian, and a community volunteer.

Mrs. Retha Jones.

“I have no secrets”, says Ms. Retha Jones. “People identify with me because of my life experiences. I am glad to share them and lift others up in life. I just do what I do.” 

Currently Ms. Jones is a NYS Insurance Fund Customer Service Representative, reviewing and processing claims between NYS employers and the Workman’s Compensation Board. Just prior to this, she worked at the Erie County Department of Social Services as an Adult Services Caseworker and Community Resource Technician. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health Advocacy from Empire State College and an Associate in General Studies/Social Science degree from SUNY Erie College. As part of her SUNY Erie studies, Retha interned with Constance Eve at her non-profit, Women for Human Rights and Dignity, providing transitional services to incarcerated women upon their release. Certifications Retha holds include National Disaster Mental Health, NYS Contact Tracer, CASAC-T Mental Health OASAS, NYS Human Services and Mandated Reporter.

Affirming Mr. Eve’s legacy, Ms. Jones’ volunteer work has made for a ‘Better Buffalo’. In affiliation with Buffalo City Mission, she has delivered meals to our area’s marginalized population. She has wrapped packages at the Galleria Mall with proceeds going to the Veteran’s One Stop, offered mental health insight to the Community Police Advisory Committee, and served as the Intake Coordinator for the Family Justice Center.

Retha “pays it forward” in unconventional ways as well. As a motivational speaker, she has uplifted audiences affiliated with Narcotics Anonymous and Diamond Girls of WNY. As a comedian, she has been an “opener” for Narcotics Anonymous headliners in Ohio, Florida and Rochester, NY. The Buffalo Helium Club has voted her “One of Buffalo’s Funniest Comedians” recognizing her use of humor to suppress cultural stereotyping.

Ms. Jones currently is in the process of exploring opportunities to buy a house and getting a NYS lodging license to room those released from rehabilitative services. She indicates there is a need in Western New York to provide safer places for these clients while they transition and navigate social services for assistance. 4.24

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