Founding the JB White Foundation
A Journey of Turning Tragedy into Hope and Action by: Jude Voss
On August 1, 2020, a pivotal moment altered the course of my life. Tragically, my grandson, JB White, fell victim to gun violence, leaving me consumed by profound sorrow. In response to this devastating loss, I resolved to dedicate myself to alleviating the pain experienced by individuals and families, striving to prevent others from enduring the same heartache I have endured.
Months following JB’s passing, I founded the JB White Foundation. The overwhelming outpouring of love and support for JB following his death, as well as the profound impact he had on the lives of others, inspired me to create this foundation in his memory.
One of my primary objectives for the foundation is to honor JB's memory and perpetuate his legacy as an athlete and a young man. Additionally, I want to transform the sorrow and grief of his untimely passing into a force for positive change.
Sadly, JBs death did not serve as a deterrent for other young individuals in New Mexico to resort to gun violence. Even more sadly, there has actually been a rise in gun-related incidents in New Mexico, reflecting a broader issue that our entire nation is grappling with.
My vision for the JB White Foundation is to utilize JB's story as a catalyst for Gun Violence Awareness. I am determined to guide and support our youth in choosing paths that steer them away from the perils of gangs, drugs, and violence, while using sports as a positive outlet to avoid the trap of gun violence and other negative influences.
Witnessing the love and admiration for JB only solidified my belief that his life was cut short prematurely at the tender age of 18. I know that JB would want me to use his passing to help and guide other youth through the perils of gun violence.
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About the Foundation
​​​The JB White Foundation was established in July 2021 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The foundation is named in honor of my grandson, JB White, who tragically lost his life to gun violence. Working along with those who loved JB and other supporters, I have been raising funds along with family and friends annually to support the foundation's initiatives. Currently, the foundation is in the process of establishing a board of directors and assembling an operational team to help achieve its mission. By involving experienced, dedicated, and caring individuals in these roles, the foundation will ensure its legitimacy and effectiveness in serving the community.The JB White Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on the youth of New Mexico by providing support, resources, and education, while advocating for an end to gun violence. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and initiatives as we work towards fulfilling our mission.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower youth by raising awareness about gun violence, providing academic scholarships to high school seniors, and supporting children in sports through assistance with registration fees and shoe apparel. By educating young people about the impact of gun violence, offering opportunities for academic achievement, and promoting participation in sports, we strive to create a safer and more supportive environment for our youth.
Through these initiatives, we aim to instill values of responsibility, resilience, and community engagement, equipping young individuals with the tools they need to succeed, stay out of trouble, and make positive contributions to society. This chronicle of purpose illuminates the genesis of the JB White Foundation and is the driving force behind our commitment to transforming tragedy into hope and action.
Our Vision
Our vision is to raise awareness of gun violence and promote safety in a world where guns have a significant presence among the youth in our society. We will conduct speaking engagements in schools, participate in sports (and other) events, and collaborate with local law enforcement and allied groups to disseminate awareness and support.
Beginning locally in Santa Fe, our goal is to expand our reach across the state and ultimately establish JB White as a cornerstone for national gun violence awareness efforts. By championing these initiatives, we aspire to cultivate a culture of safety, understanding, and proactive engagement in our communities, with the ultimate objective of creating a safer and more informed society for our youth.
But I can’t do it alone. Our foundation would appreciate help in a number of areas including volunteers, donors, event help, and others. We promise that your efforts will support a worthwhile cause and one which was founded to protect our most valuable resource - our children. Please send an email to JBWhiteFoundation@gmail.com if you would like to help us achieve our mission and vision.