The Jones Project was founded in June 2022 in memory of Josh Jones. Our mission is to bring a message of hope and healing to Kansas secondary students by using the power of storytelling.

Coach Damon Parker, the keynote speaker and executive director of The Jones Project, spent 21 years as a teacher, coach and professional speaker in both Kansas and Missouri. His gripping 60-minute presentations are not solely directed at students who are in crisis; they also are for those in the audience who don’t have firsthand experience with mental health illnesses.

Both students and teachers leave Coach Parker’s presentations with clearly defined and easily accessible action steps that are specific to your school. Audiences are taught not only to have empathy for their peers with mental health struggles, but “three critical steps” that will help everyone, regardless of where they are in their own mental health journey.

Damon Parker advocates for mental health awareness amongst teens –News video Damon Parker advocates for mental health awareness amongst teens (wibw.com)

Students at Ellsworth Junior Senior High will get the opportunity to learn from Damon Parker on Wednesday, October 18^th starting at 9:30am in the PAC.

USD 327