In reviewing the meeting packets of the Escambia Children’s Trust, I came across the staff review of New World Believers’ grant request for its third year. The nonprofit employs six Jones family members as contract workers. Read Hoops Yr 3 Review.
Six Jones Family Members
Rodney Jones, executive director: $59,876
Latshasa Jones, wife and program manager: $53,051
Children
- Romeo Jones, financial assistant: $26,884
- Rodrico Jones, mental health counselor: $26,884
- Ranajia Jones, aftercare coordinator: $18,281
- Radajeline Jones, aftercare coordinator: $18,281
Total: $203,257 – 53% of professional services
Family That Works Together
Rodney Jones was asked: “Provide a list of people getting paid, and are people getting paid under more than 1 job description? Rodney, please submit the anti-nepotism policy with an explanation for the number of family members working together.”
He explained their qualifications:
“Rodney Jones is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Master’s in Counseling & Psychology, a Certified Anger Management Counselor, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Therapist, and a Ph.D. candidate who has completed all coursework and dissertation requirements. He has 25 years of direct professional experience working with underserved populations and guiding youth toward success.
“Latasha Jones, as co-founder, has extensive experience in community engagement, program development, and organizational leadership, contributing equally to the vision and sustainability of NWB HOOPS (New World Believers Healthy Opportunities and Options Promoting Success [H.O.O.P.S.]).
“From the inception of NWB HOOPS, the Jones family has played an integral role in the organization’s mission. Their children — Romeo Jones, Rodrico Jones, Ranajia Jones, and Radajeline Jones — have been trained, guided, and mentored under the direct leadership of Rodney Jones since their youth.”
Hiring Family Isn’t Nepotism
Rodney Jones stated that NWB HOOPS had an anti-nepotism policy, but hiring family didn’t violate it. Read the HOOPS Nepotism Letter.
- Why? Because of his wife and children’s “documented experience and training in counseling, youth development, and community outreach,” “demonstrated commitment to serving disadvantaged and vulnerable populations,” and “unique qualifications.”
Rodney Jones argued, “The involvement of the Jones family is therefore not a matter of favoritism, but a reflection of generational investment, professional competency, and a shared commitment to the mission of empowering youth.”
Board Approved: Though Rodney Jones provided no documentation of experience and training, demonstrated commitment and unique qualifications, or, at least, it’s not included in the meeting agenda packet, the Trust Board approved $585K for NWB HOOPS.
- Definition of Nepotism: Nepotism is the practice of giving jobs, promotions, contracts, or other advantages to relatives because of kinship, not qualifications or performance. The Trust did not ask whether NWB HOOPS had other applicants for the positions.
One Odd Budget Item
The approved budget includes direct assistance to the participants. “Youth will receive assistance (90 days -approximately 12 weeks). The Maxium (sic) amount that youth can receive is $600. However, the youth has up to 180 days to spend the total amount.”
- The approved budget has $60,458 for Direct Client Assistance.
Tax dollars: Escambia Children’s Trust is funded through a dedicated property tax (ad valorem tax) levied on Escambia County property owners. Its revenue comes from an additional one-half mill (0.5 mill) ad valorem tax on the taxable value of real property in Escambia County, after exemptions.
- Suspension: NWB HOOPS has suspended Rodney Jones due to a Department of Juvenile Justice investigation. The Trust has suspended its grant until the issue is resolved.
