Harvey and Bernice Jones had a knack for seeing the potential in things, whether it was the mules and wagon that started the Jones Truck Lines or the community of Springdale that they called home. And today, their legacy lives on through the Jones Trust, an organization dedicated to supporting nonprofits and enriching families across Northwest Arkansas.
The late Harvey Jones may have begun his journey hauling goods between Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville with just a humble setup, but his vision and hard work transformed Jones Truck Lines into the largest privately owned fleet in America. This same spirit of dedication is what the Jones Trust channels into its philanthropic mission, focusing on giving back to the very communities that supported the Jones’s ventures.
In the heart of Springdale, the Harvey & Bernice Jones Center for Families stands as a testament to Bernice’s dream of a community hub. Opened in 1995, the center provides a space for recreation, learning, and connection—a place where families can come together and strengthen the ties that bind them. This center is not just a facility; it’s a symbol of the Jones’s commitment to communal well-being.
The Trust also operates the Center for Nonprofits at the JTL Shop and the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s, both of which serve as crucial resources for the area’s nonprofit organizations. By offering support services, the Trust empowers these groups to better fulfill their missions and serve the people of Northwest Arkansas more effectively.
This ongoing support aligns with a broader trend of philanthropic efforts in the region, as seen with initiatives like the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation grants and the Arkansas Community Foundation’s 50-year milestone. Each of these efforts contributes to a rich tapestry of community support, echoing the Jones’s dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in their local area.
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow and evolve, the Jones Trust remains a steady force in championing the causes that matter most to its residents. With a focus on strengthening families and supporting nonprofits, their work ensures that Harvey and Bernice Jones’s legacy of generosity and community commitment will endure for generations to come.
Source: Jones Trust NWA
