Gaines-Jones Education Foundation

Gaines-Jones Scholars is a public charity founded in 2001 by Anita Jones Roehrick and her husband Robert M. Roehrick. The organization was established in memory of Mrs. Irene Gaines Jones, Dr. Betty J. Jones, and Mr. Silas Jones, who are part of the Roehrick family. The mission of Gaines-Jones Scholars is to mentor youth, promote youth advocacy, and provide need-based annual college scholarships specifically for African-American students in southwest Georgia and the San Francisco Bay area. Many of the scholars supported by the foundation are the first in their families to attend college, and the organization emphasizes the importance of community support in achieving academic success.

Since its inception, Gaines-Jones Scholars has awarded over 300 scholarships totaling more than $400,000, serving over 180 students. The organization operates entirely on a volunteer basis, ensuring that donations directly contribute to scholarship funds. The foundation encourages community involvement and donations to help Black students graduate from college debt-free, highlighting the significant impact that financial support can have on students' educational journeys.