Chris Jones Scholarship
Chris Jones was not only a SOAR alumni, but a treasured member of our family and one of our brothers through and through. He was a foundational individual here who helped build and transform the SOAR program into what it is today from the ashes of WAR. On a deeper level, Chris left behind a legacy of compassion, unconditional love, and kindness. He had a gift of connecting with others and making them feel seen and understood. Not only was he sharp, but he used his wits to make others laugh and lighten their hearts. Chris overcame dark struggles in his life and was able to use those experiences to guide youth, support others, and fill us all with hope.
Chris is survived by his family in Illinois, including his mother, sisters, and nieces and nephew who he talked to on a daily basis and will miss him dearly. He has left a hole in our hearts that we can never fill, but we honor his memory by creating this scholarship in his name - gifted to a special individual who needs another chance, and hasn’t let the misfortunes of life sour them to the potential and beauty that surrounds us.