7 Questions For..........

Romalic M. Jones, CEO Just Say Y.E.S., Inc. 

By DIVINE Staff Blogger, Tiffoni Mitchell

Just Say Y.E.S.., Inc provides services to the community through Health Fairs, Stop the violence Crime Marches and Performing Arts productions that allow young people express their talent.  This organizations goal is to bring more attention to the positive things that we as individual people can collectively do to help others. DIVINE and the organizations CEO Romalic M. Jones sat down to discuss Just Say Y.E.S., Inc. and its purpose.

DIVINE::     How was the idea for Just Say Y.E.S., Inc. conceived? 

Romalic Jones::  The idea was conceived in 1995 after much emphasis was placed on West-Memphis Arkansas where three young people were murdered that year.  From that incident, I organized a rally at the Civic Auditorium in West Memphis that gathered over 400 youth, to instill into them a positive view on life. Just Say Y.E.S (Youth Empowerment Supporters).

  Who is Just Say Y.E.S. intended to help?

Romalic Jones:: It was designed mainly to serve the community with emphasis on issues plaguing our youth.

DIVINE::     How has the organization touched your life personally? 

Romalic Jones:: It has given me more understanding of my purpose in life, which is serving others in a needed capacity.

DIVINE::   What impact has Just Sat Y.E.S., Inc had in the community?  

Romalic Jones::  It has brought hope in desolate areas of our community by hosting “Time to Stop Crime Marches.”  It has also taught and aided young people in developing leadership skills through theatre and performing arts.  Just Say Y.E.S has also reached out to seniors by providing meals to those less fortunate. Our latest projects have taken us into the health care field such as health fairs and advocates for kidney disease awareness.

DIVINE::     What local or national leaders and or organizations is Just Say Y.E.S., Inc partnered with to effect the change that is needed in the lives of the youth and young adults being helped.

Romalic Jones:   Memphis Tourism Foundation,  Memphis City Schools, Project Why, Local church youth groups, Local CDC chapters in Southeast Memphis.

DIVINE::     Tell our readers about “An Evening of Hope” and how this event connects with you personally? 

Romalic Jones:: This evening was designed to enlighten those in attendance about possible chances of not having to continue a journey on dialysis by making them aware of others that have over come.  I am one that ended a 10 year journey August 23, 2011 of dialysis through a kind act of a good friend Ms. Christina Hobson a 27 year old young lady at that time.  I want them to leave knowing that there is definitely, “Hope Without Denial!” Look at me.

DIVINE::     Is there a certain population that is being effected more than others with kidney disease but receiving the least help due to limited knowledge of the disease or financial reasons? 

Romalic Jones::  According to research done by research doctors those minorities that don’t have private insurance have not been encouraged through provided information to get on the transplant list. Here is a link to the article. http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112665033/race-and-insurance-a-big-factor-in-being-assessed-for-kidney-transplantation/    

Just Say Y.E.S., Inc is a 501 (c)(3)  entity and operates on revenue from fundraisers, donations, grants, sponsorships and volunteers.  If you are interested in partnering with

 Just Say Y.E.S., Inc 

contact their office at

3182 Old Getwell  Road 

Memphis, TN  38118 

901-878 JUST (5878)

901-794-0247 (fax)

Email: jsy501c3@gmail.com

and follow them on Facebook @ Just Say Y.E.S.