June 5, 2001 launched the too-brief life of Jacob “Dylan” Jones, a beloved son, brother, athlete, honor student, performer and friend. In a response of hope to Dylan's untimely death at age 21, this year his birthday will be honored with the launch of the Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry.
Angel 14 is a resource for young people to connect to mental health professionals. The nonprofit organization is under the direction of the Jones family: Dylan’s parents, Yasmen Brown-Jones and Dante Jones, and his two older siblings, Dante II and DuVall. They seek to provide a safe place where teens, especially athletes, won’t fear judgment but can easily seek help with emotional needs.
Dylan was a dynamic personality. Known for his funky socks and tennis shoe collection, he loved to laugh, run and sing. His kindness and acceptance made him a natural friend to nearly everyone he met. As a spiritual soul, he was an encouraging force in the world. He excelled in track and football at Lakota West before his graduation in 2019, where he sported a jersey marked with the number 14, the namesake of the foundation.
“So many people know Dylan from his number, 14,” says Yasmen, Dylan’s mom. “We hope Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry can leave a legacy of a voice of strength and encouragement. We know that pouring our hearts into it is going to be a way to honor him and the impact that he had on the community,” she says. “He was such a beautiful person.”
Next March, the West Chester-Liberty Chamber Alliance will give out the first annual Big Spirit Award and Scholarship for area youth in Dylan’s name. Local high school and college students will be eligible for this special award.
“I almost feel like the energy that I have for loving my son and missing my son has to go somewhere,” Yasmen shares. “I can't think of a better way to use it than to give back, because that's what he always did.”
Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry embodies Dylan’s spirit and carries on the legacy of his brief but shining life. Visit the website to read and share stories about Dylan Jones and tap into the resources provided in his name. Angel14.org