Jennifer Jones, an advocate for children and families with more than 20 years of experience, will join the Milwaukee-based Alliance for Strong Families and Communities to lead a new three-year project meant to infuse, align and accelerate brain science research within nonprofit human-serving organizations, as well as policies and systems.
Jones, who is currently the associate director of the Madison-based Wisconsin Children’s Trust Fund, will join the Alliance on Monday, Feb. 2 as director of child and family systems innovation. She will work out of the Alliance’s national operations center in Milwaukee.
“Through the establishment of this new program, and the leadership of a true advocate and professional like Jennifer, we have the opportunity to make a clear difference in the way nonprofits strengthen the children, adults and families in their communities,” said Susan Dreyfus, president and chief executive officer of the Alliance. “Jennifer brings to the Alliance a wealth of knowledge of this important research and how to apply it into policy, practice and systems change.”
Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Norlien Foundation, the project will involve nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada identifying healthy behaviors early in life that will set the framework for future success in education, employment and adult functioning.
“The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities is a true leader in advancing the critical role of the nonprofit human-serving sector in ensuring the health and well-being of our nation’s citizens,” Jones said. “I am thrilled and honored to be joining their team in this very important and exciting new position. I look forward to furthering the remarkable efforts already underway in our communities in applying emerging research to truly enhance the lives of children and families and communities.”
In addition, Jones will take part in program development and policy advocacy around child and family well-being for the Alliance. She will serve as a thought leader, presenter and advisor on child welfare, behavioral health, family stability, trauma-informed practice and other issues that affect the well-being of children and families.
The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities is a national organization dedicated to achieving a vision of a healthy society and strong communities for all children, adults and families.
