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Reverend Walter Jones

Everyone has a calling. Some of us are called to keep the community healthy, some of us are called to protect our community, some of us are called to lead the community, and some of us are called to better the community. Bettering the community is a deep and humble calling that isn’t exactly known for glory. People who are called to better the community spend their lives fixing the deepest and darkest problems facing their neighbors.

Reverend Walter Jones understood that this was his calling at a young age and dedicated his life to it. When Reverend Walter Jones was just a teenage boy, he lost his father. It was at this point in his life when he realized the importance of fathers, which eventually led to the founding of his Nonprofit Fathers Who Care.

Reverend Walter Jones was born and raised on the west side of Chicago before pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. After which he pursued advanced studies at GMOR Theological Institute. Throughout his tenure he committed himself to community work with Attucks Community Services in Carbondale, IL, Family Focus and Healthy Families in the North Lawndale community, the Obama Administration through Fatherhood Buzz, and Congressman Danny K. Davis’ Fathers and Public Policy Task Force. Reverend Walter Jones was even appointed by the Governor to be a Commissioner for the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood.

Through all of this community involvement at the state, local, and federal levels, Reverend Walter Jones founded Fathers Who Care in 2002, where he devoted decades of service to his community. Fathers Who Care had a bold vision that fostered positive results for the west side of Chicago.

Reverend Walter Jones Full Article

Fathers Who Care was originally founded as a think tank with the goal of bringing men together and changing society’s perception of black men. Reverend Walter Jones knew the issue affecting his community, particularly those pertaining to the perception of his people. He used

this thorough understanding to create an organization aimed towards combating these issues. When it came to resources and change Reverend Walter Jones fought for legal resources for fathers (biological or not), a drug-free westside at the federal level, and violence prevention

programs at the state and local level. In order to achieve these three major goals for the west side, Reverend Walter Jones organized his people in revolutionary ways. One of these ways was called “pop ups.” Pop ups happened when people came together to peacefully take back “hotspots,” which were areas and corners that had higher crime rates than others. Other methods included purposefully organizing block parties by these hotspots and bringing churches outside of the

walls of the church. These tactics brought about an inclusive environment for residents on the west side to solve the problems affecting their communities together in a nonviolent manner. Reverend Walter Jones has been able to bring his community together while uplifting fathers and men in general, the west side owes him a big thank you. Reverend Walter Jones, has now created and/or co-chairs the National Fath Based Prevention Alliance, Westside Men’s Network,

Westside and West Garfield Park Community Stakeholders, Westside Behavioral Health Task Force, and the West Garfield Park Youth Council. He leaves behind a lasting and unique legacy.

Welcome to the 28th Ward Office

Your Local Partner for Community Growth and Development

At the 28th Ward Office, we are committed to fostering a thriving, equitable, and safe community for all who call the ward home. From residents and businesses to community stakeholders, we work collaboratively to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that local government should be transparent, accessible, and proactive in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within our neighborhoods. We strive to ensure that every resident feels valued, every business feels supported, and every stakeholder knows their contributions matter. Our office is here to provide guidance, resources, and solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the 28th Ward.

The 28th Ward is a tapestry of cultures, businesses, and families who all contribute to the vibrancy of our community. We take pride in supporting initiatives that foster growth, whether through economic development, improving local infrastructure, or advocating for affordable housing and public safety. By actively engaging with residents, hosting community meetings, and gathering feedback, we ensure our work aligns with the priorities of those we serve.

We understand that lasting progress comes from collaboration. That’s why we partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses to implement programs that address critical needs like education, employment opportunities, and public health. Whether you’re seeking assistance with city services, have ideas to improve your block, or want to get involved in local initiatives, our team is here to listen and take action.

At the 28th Ward Office, we don’t just represent the community — we are part of it. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive ward where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. We look forward to working with you to achieve this vision and making the 28th Ward a place we’re all proud to call home.