User:Woo62581/sandbox

Lance “Woo” Jones, Jr., a Senior Family Services Specialist with the Hampton Department of Social Services, has officially announced his candidacy for a seat on the Hampton City Council.

“ Woo” the name that Lance has been referred to since birth by his family, close friends and what he is known by in the community.

Jones, who has been an employee with Hampton Social Services since 2012, serving in the Family Stabilization Unit. He is a graduate of Bethel High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology-Criminal Justice from Norfolk State University. His community involvement is vast, to include being the former President of Old Point Comfort Kiwanis Club. He is also a member of Transitions Family Violence Services Board of Directors, mentoring member of the 100 Black Men, Vice President of the Norfolk State University Peninsula Alumni Association, and First Vice President and Civic Engagement Chair for the Hampton Branch NAACP.

Lance, who has spent years engaging families and building trust-based relationships within the community, has been honored throughout his career, to include being named a 2017 Inside Business Magazine Hampton Roads Top 40 under 40 Honoree, the 2018 Omega Psi Phi Alpha Alpha Chapter Citizen of the Year, a 2019 Sister to Sister and Brother to Brother Inc. Honoree, and a 2019 Community Love Award recipient.

Jones states that his passion for the City of Hampton is indicative in the fact that he remained in the city after graduating from college, unlike many of his peers. “Hampton is a great city, and I am committed to building upon our success. My main focus will be Mental Health Juvenile Court, Housing, and Economic Development.

However, there is a critical need for the creation of a Juvenile Mental Health Court, similar to our acclaimed drug court. I have already begun those discussions,” said Jones. He also noted that the 100% accreditation of Hampton City Schools “is a positive indicator in helping us attract new families to Hampton.”  The election will be held in May of 2020.