Taylor Jones: From Shelter to Strength, a Beacon of Empowerment

We're thrilled to spotlight Taylor Jones, our esteemed Empowerment Award recipient. Taylor's journey is a testament to resilience, a powerful narrative of transforming adversity into a force for positive change.

Taylor's story begins with a foundation that, for many, would have been insurmountable. She spent her formative teen years navigating instability challenges, moving between the YWCA Sojourners Shelter for Women and Families and the YWCA Resolve Hope House. Far from allowing these experiences to define her, Taylor chose to leverage them as a springboard for growth.

Mature beyond her years, Taylor has faced adult challenges, including domestic violence, with remarkable courage. This strength: coupled with a deep desire to help others, truly sets her apart. She yearns to share her story and the coping skills she's learned, offering hope and guidance to those who may be facing similar hardships.

Taylor's commitment to the Kanawha Valley community is evident in her volunteer and philanthropic endeavors. She is currently developing The Sutton Project, a women's self-defense class designed to empower survivors of domestic violence by teaching them practical self-defense techniques. Named in honor of her anticipated daughter, Sutton, the project is a testament to Taylor's dedication to turning her pain into a source of strength for others.

Furthermore, Taylor joined the Hope House team as a Domestic Violence Advocate following her role as the Girls Night Out Survivor Speaker in August 2023. This full-circle moment, returning to the very shelter that once provided her refuge, underscored her unwavering commitment to empowering women.

Taylor's contributions extend beyond immediate assistance; she is working to build a better society. Sharing her story with others; Taylor demonstrates extraordinary courage and self-awareness, offering a powerful example of resilience and hope. Her dedication to empowering women aligns perfectly with the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

As a former gymnastics instructor at Maverick Gymnastics, Taylor was a role model to young women, demonstrating behaviors that would serve them later in life. Her journey, marked by overcoming significant obstacles proves that people can build a life of purpose and strength while facing adversity.

Julie Britton, Executive Director of Resolve, eloquently captures the essence of Taylor's impact: "I love to see people learn, grow, and become the best version of themselves. I believe Taylor is on her way to doing just that."

Taylor's connection to the YWCA runs deep, having received services from Sojourner's and Hope House approximately 10-15 years ago this shaped her understanding of the vital role these programs play in the lives of vulnerable women.

Taylor's survival story, marked by her experience with domestic violence, further illuminates her dedication. She recognized the red flags early on, having witnessed abuse in her early life. Despite this awareness, she found herself in a similar situation, highlighting the insidious nature of abuse. Her own experience of abuse served as a turning point, propelling her to seek safety and create change.

"Resolve was our safe space as a kid, and if not for family, I would've been back there hiding," Taylor says. "Programs like Resolve are so needed because you're safe once you're in that gate. Nobody's going to get through, and if you're in an abusive relationship, you need that safe place to go to."

Taylor's story powerfully reminds us that strength and resilience can emerge even from the most challenging circumstances. Her commitment to empowering other women makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Empowerment Award.

We are excited to see the continued impact of her work in the years to come.