For over thirty years, Rev. Damone Jones has committed himself to the youth of Philadelphia, especially those caught in the web of violence and incarceration.
His focus is on young men under 18 charged with murder, a demographic he describes as those who often feel unloved by society.
Working out of his West Philadelphia church and through his nonprofit, the Brothahood Foundation, Jones has been a consistent presence in the lives of many of these troubled teens, regularly visiting them in a city jail to provide guidance and support.
Jones understands the importance of small gestures, delivering necessities like clean underwear and toiletries, and organizing biweekly basketball games within the jail premises.
These games not only offer an outlet for physical activity but also serve as a means to introduce young men to positive role models—an important element missing in their lives.
Sitting down with the youths during lunchtime, hiring barbers to give them haircuts, and attending their court hearings, he often becomes the only person willing to advocate for them, testifying at their sentencings.
Jones helps these young men confront the pain they have caused and experienced, guiding them through an emotional journey of accountability and understanding of the long road ahead.
“Jesus said, ‘I was in a prison and you came to me,’” Jones reflects.
Though his work may not negate the crimes that brought them into confinement, he emphasizes the importance of compassion and the opportunity for personal growth.
Throughout his time serving these boys, some of them have turned to Jones for fatherly advice and support.
They have expressed their affection for him by referring to him as ‘Dad,’ reaching out with letters filled with reflections on life, aspirations, and regrets.
The dedication of Jones is unwavering and comes with great emotional investment, as he views these teens as family and, in many cases, a responsibility to the society that has failed them.
Jones, now 59, has earned respect within the Philadelphia community, garnering recognition from officials such as District Attorney Larry Krasner, who has labeled his work as groundbreaking.
Over the years, Mayors have acknowledged his contributions, appointing him to various boards focused on youth services.
Despite the accolades and outreach opportunities he receives, Jones’s heart remains firmly placed with the city’s most troubled youth, a population many have overlooked.
During a visit to Riverside jail, Jones greeted the teens personally, having memorized each of the 18 juveniles held there.
He can recount details of their backgrounds and the circumstances that led them to incarceration—such as poverty, violence, and absent parental figures.
His approach stems from the belief that a small amount of structure and love can lead to significant changes, highlighting the misconception that these youths are incapable of growth.
“They become people who are different than who the prosecutor knows only from a docket,” he points out, emphasizing that the narrative painted by the legal system does not encompass their full potential.
Jones’s own upbringing starkly contrasts with that of these boys.
Raised in a loving Christian household in West Philadelphia, he understood the value of having a supportive father figure.
A critical turning point happened when, shortly after becoming a minister at 21, he was invited to visit Holmesburg Prison, which shattered his preconceived notions of what inmates were like.
This experience expanded his perspective and ultimately ignited his passion for working with incarcerated youth.
“Everything I learned about working with incarcerated juveniles, I learned from Rev. James Hazzard, who was the juvenile jail chaplain at the time,” Jones shared.
From Hazzard, he absorbed principles that still guide him today: treating every child as a valuable individual, providing affectionate physical contact, and listening to their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
By 1995, Jones became the pastor of Bible Way Baptist Church, where he continued to grow in his mission.
In 2011, he received an opportunity that allowed him greater access to incarcerated youth when then-Mayor Michael Nutter appointed him to the board of Philadelphia prisons.
Jones began visiting juvenile units, introducing educational resources and motivational speakers, but the deteriorating conditions within the facilities nearly led him to abandon his efforts in 2016.
Faced with frustration, he contemplated walking away from a system that he felt had failed young people once again, until a conversation with a young man named Malik Manson re-ignited his purpose.
Manson, acknowledging Jones’s critical role, urged him not to leave, saying simply, “We need you.”
This heartfelt plea prompted Jones to continue his efforts, working consistently with countless young men throughout Philadelphia.
A particular success story includes Michael “Kyle” Moore, who met Jones after being incarcerated for the murder of a 25-year-old man at merely 13 years old.
Having faced trauma and neglect during his upbringing in North Philadelphia, Moore was deeply impacted by Jones’s approach.
Initially dismissive, thinking Jones was there only to preach, Moore gradually responded to Jones’s persistence and care.
They began to connect over books, leading to profound changes in Moore’s perspective on life and his emotional well-being.
After a sentencing of 25 years to life, Moore was grateful for the preparation Jones provided, allowing him to enter into his long prison term with a renewed sense of self and purpose.
He remains in contact with Jones, who continues to support him emotionally and financially through commissary funds.
Another young man, Cameron Choice, who shot into a crowd at 15, states that Jones has given him a sense of a second chance at life.
DeAndre Wiggins also refers to Jones as ‘Dad’, expressing love and gratitude in letters to the pastor.
Jones is not only focused on emotional growth among these boys; through the Brothahood Foundation, established in 2019, he assists them in obtaining basic necessities they often lack while incarcerated.
The foundation provides essential items like soap and underwear, and creates opportunities for engagement through basketball games that promote camaraderie and emotional release.
During a recent game, discussions evolved from sports to personal ambitions, showcasing the way these conversations offer glimpses of hope for their futures.
Yet, Jones faces criticism from some who question how he can support these young men who have committed serious crimes.
While some members of the community view his work with skepticism, Jones maintains that his commitment to these boys does not negate sympathy for their victims.
His family has personally faced loss due to violence, and he emphasizes the inherent worth of each young man he mentors.
There’s tremendous emotional weight that comes with caring for these young people, leading to painful goodbyes as many are transferred to state facilities after years of mentorship.
Each departure leaves a mark on Jones, who grows close to the boys and sees them as family.
Despite the challenges, he remains resolute in his calling, searching for ways to connect with those who are relocated far from the Philadelphia area.
Recently, Jones encountered some heart-wrenching farewells.
One of these was with Troy Fletcher, who faced an extensive prison term after involvement in a significant shooting incident.
For Jones, saying goodbye to these boys becomes an emotional ritual—each goodbye accompanied by tears.
As Fletcher prepared for a long incarceration, the moment encapsulated the bittersweet nature of Jones’s work: to support them as they face the consequences of their actions while hoping for their future growth.
Their embrace that day was tighter, as Jones realized how much these moments matter in the lives of these young men.
Ultimately, Jones’s narrative sheds light on the complexities of youth incarceration and the transformative power of compassion.
Through his dedication, he challenges societal perceptions around crime and punishment, advocating for understanding and love in places where many see only despair.
image source from：https://www.inquirer.com/crime/a/teens-murder-damone-jones-mentors-philadelphia-20250527.html
