Remarkable Women: Susan Jones

CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The first family resource center of it's kind has opened up to serve families in Cameron and Willacy Counties.

ValleyCentral met with Susan Jones, who is proof that a positive attitude can take you anywhere.

"Working with families and children is everything, I love working and serving the community, to me that is rewarding to me to help somebody and see how it benefits from the services we provide," Jones said.

Susan Jones is the woman in charge of the BCFS family resource center off Sunshine Strip in Harlingen.

"Diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, bleach, those sorts of things," Jones said.

The center is a one stop shop, supplying families with everything they need to succeed, like household items and even classes.

But it took a lot of work to get here. The non-profit is funded by the state, leaving a tight budget for the rent and supplies.

"I have to make the best of what I have, when we started we started in one little room, so when we came in here we can make it work," she said. "We've expanded and now we offer GED classes for free for the community, they don't have to pay a single cent."

But Jones didn't let the hurdles hold her back. She found a place and opened the area's first family resource center.

It's been a success ever since.

"To me it's very rewarding to hear those success stories from the families, they'll write a little note saying they're benefiting," she said. "It's rewarding."

But this is just the beginning. If the families can't come to her, she'll go to them.

"We do pop-ups! We take the resources to them and they meet us there at that facility," jones said.

She makes sure the families are taken care of, as well as her own family.

"I have four kids and six grandkids," Jones said.

And on top of running the non-profit, she's also a professional parent teacher.

"I also got my real estate license, I did the lactation counseling, I'm now working on a class for family relationships to improve relationships, I feel like if I can help someone and give back to my community," Jones said.

With only 24 hours in a day, Jones makes sure to use every minute wisely. But her real secret to success is her positive attitude.

"Do not focus on the negative or the hurdles," she said. "Everybody has hurdles, everyone has problems but if we just think of the problems we're never going to just get ahead. That's what I say."

For now, Jones says she'll continue focusing on the families of the RGV and wants to make an impact on someone every day.

"I feel my calling is here," she said. "I pray that god puts me where he wants me to be and so I can serve."

The BCFS family resource center will also begin offering free immigration and citizenship classes. If you're interested in the resources available to families and you live in the Cameron or Willacy county area, you can contact them at (956) 662-3780 to schedule an appointment.