Alumni Update: Eboney Jones

Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”

It was fall. The campus of the University of Montevallo never looked so beautiful with its colonial brick buildings and contrasting white painted trim, nestled among mighty oaks, bearing leaves of rich red, orange, and yellow hues. Eboney could feel the crisp air on her face as she breathed in the beauty of the opportunity she had been given. Every movement seemed to have slowed down, simply for the benefit of absorbing all she could before this instance slipped away. This memory remains with Eboney to this day. "I remember feeling a sense of peace. I had faced so much adversity in my life. As I stood there on the campus of the school of my dreams, I didn't have a single worry. My classes were going well. Although I didn't have all the things I wanted, I had everything I needed. It's been a long time since I've had that feeling. Honestly, I've only had that feeling one other time in my life. But, that's a moment that I will never, ever forget", she said. 

Eboney spent most of her childhood bouncing from foster home to foster home. She vividly remembers all of the schools she attended before Restoration Academy: Glen Iris Elementary School, Greenwood Elementary School, Tuggle Elementary School, Wilkerson Middle School, Berry Middle School, Jess Lanier High School, Woodlawn High School, and Fairfield Preparatory High School. While residing in The Salvation Army's Social Services facility, Eboney never felt settled or a sense of belonging. Investing in relationships was pointless, and everyday comforts and security were fleeting. 

During Eboney's 10th grade year at Fairfield Preparatory High School, Eboney resided at Grace House Ministries, Inc., a group home for girls in foster care. Grace House founder, "Mama" Lois Coleman, created the ministry at the age of 69, providing a safe place for girls in a traditional home environment. Through this nurturing atmosphere, Ebony flourished as a young lady and a student. She felt more comfortable with making relational investments. She participated in Fairfield's J.R.O.TC, the color guard, and the debate club. Eboney had finally discovered what it meant to belong. 

Eboney loved the debate club.  She knew debating was her gift. That's why when "Mama Lois" approached her about transferring to a small Christian school called Restoration Academy, she felt there was no better time to put her debating skills to the test. Eboney refused profusely. She had finally discovered what it was like to be completely comfortable and settled. It seemed that "Mama Lois" wanted more than comfortability and never wanted her girls to settle for anything.  Armed with only the seriousness in her eyes and a $5.00 bribe, "Mama Lois" presented her case. Her dream was for all her girls to receive a private Christian education. "Mama Lois" knew this would be challenging but believed her girls would thrive in a school like Restoration Academy.  Eboney trusted "Mama Lois" and agreed to transfer to RA in the fall of 2011 as a junior. 

Eboney's favorite class was Bible class. Her appreciation for the spiritual applications she learned flows deeply. One of Eboney's treasured memories is reading the book Kai'Ro: The Journey of an Urban Pilgrim, a book written by RA's bible teacher who would later become principal and executive director, Mr. Ben Sciacca. The book chronicles the spiritual journey of a young man named Kai'Ro. Not only did Eboney find the main character in the book relatable, but she also formed deep respect and admiration for the book's author. "I will always be thankful to Mr. Sciacca for taking the time to write the book and for introducing us to Jesus. Much of what I learned in his class still applies to my life to this day." 

Fond memories of Restoration Academy remind Eboney of the perfect balance of love, support, growth, and the challenge "Mama Louis" knew she needed. Eboney recalls finally being able to get back to the one thing she loved: Debate. Through RA's Leadership Society, known as RALS, Eboney visited courtrooms and met actual attorneys and judges. Stepping into the courtrooms gave her a feeling of belonging once more. Eboney still remembers every detail from the mock trial she and her classmates litigated in an actual courtroom in Downtown Birmingham. It wasn't long after this that Eboney, the flourishing student growing into her own, would be a senior with graduation just beyond her fingertips.

"I remember the first day of school of our senior year like it was yesterday. The notion of going to a lake house on the very first day of school was unbelievable! The entire class was excited.  We were all on time because no one wanted to miss the bus. When I arrived at the beautiful home situated right on the lake, I couldn't believe it! I got to spend time with my classmates and truly bonded with all of them that day." Although she doesn't remember the name of the RA supporter who offered up his beautiful home, the memory of the day centered among glistening lake waters and sounds of nature are etched on Eboney's heart and will never be rubbed away. As Eboney's senior year came to an end, there was very little doubt in her desire to attend the University of Montevallo. She considers herself blessed to be able to enroll in her "first choice" school. Through a series of subsidies, especially for foster children, Eboney could afford classes, books, and more. The weight of opportunity were heavy at times. She remembers walking through campus, unable to look straight ahead. Pressures of classes and succeeding rested on her shoulders. She then drew upon something she learned in Mr. Sciacca's Bible class. He said, "Even if you can't get on your knees and pray every night, you can pray wherever you are." Often when Eboney walked from class to class with her head lowered, she was praying. Perhaps she was praying about the life she once had—a life lived out of suitcases. Maybe her prayers were prayers of thanksgiving for places like Grace House and Restoration Academy or even for those who opened up their homes to her during the Holidays because she had no place to go. At that time, she was now too old to return to the group home that gave her the security she needed. 

Through these challenges, Eboney remained focused. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2018. She thought that would be it and felt that a college degree under her belt had accomplished her mission she didn't know was possible. Still, there was something rooted in her spirit that left her longing for more. More importantly, her desire to help girls like her manifested in ways she never saw coming. Eboney's memory of her social worker brings joy to her voice as she recalls, "I had a great social worker. She always made sure I had every resource available. I could tell she really loved her job and cared about me. I want to serve children in the foster care system in the same way." Through this motivation and the motivation of those who had helped her throughout her life, she was accepted into the Masters program at The University of Alabama and earned her Master’s of Social Work in 2019.

Today, Eboney's journey has led her back to Grace House, where she serves as a Residential Assistant and Case Manager. Many of the girls she mentors are Restoration Academy students. Eboney describes her dream of one day establishing her own transitional facility for foster children who have aged out of traditional homes with such enthusiasm. "I want to be able to provide sustainable housing, professional development, and jobs for the older kids. Although they are older, they still need mentors and family experiences."