Meet Ashley Jones of 13:3 Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Jones.

Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
13:3 Collective is a faith-based nonprofit organization I founded to support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through creative expression, meaningful connection and reentry support.

The organization grew out of my own life experience. I have personally experienced incarceration, so I understand how isolating that experience can be and how much it matters to know that someone on the outside still sees your value and believes in your future.

My faith was a major part of rebuilding my own life, and Hebrews 13:3 — which calls us to remember those in prison — became the foundation for 13:3 Collective.

What began with writing letters, offering encouragement and building relationships with incarcerated individuals quickly grew into something much bigger. Artists began sending me drawings, paintings, poetry, greeting cards and other creative work. I saw an incredible amount of talent that deserved to be seen beyond prison walls.

That inspired me to create a platform where incarcerated artists could share their work with the outside community while also feeling remembered, valued and connected. Through 13:3 Collective, we showcase and sell their artwork, provide encouragement and resources, and continue building partnerships that support individuals as they prepare for reentry and life after incarceration.

My own journey has taught me that a person’s past does not have to determine their future. Today, 13:3 Collective is my way of turning what I have lived through into something that can create hope, opportunity and restoration for someone else.

What started as something deeply personal has become a mission to make sure people behind the walls know they are not forgotten, their gifts still have value and there can be a meaningful future waiting for them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been building a nonprofit from the ground up while also trying to create real impact with limited funding and resources.

Because 13:3 Collective serves incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, there are also unique barriers that come with the work. Communication can be slow, access to correctional facilities can be difficult, and every institution has different rules when it comes to correspondence, artwork and outside organizations. At the same time, many of the people we serve are navigating reentry, housing, employment and rebuilding relationships after incarceration.

Personally, I have also had to overcome my own past and learn how to turn difficult experiences into purpose. There have been moments of uncertainty, rejection and doors that did not open right away, especially when it came to funding and building partnerships as a newer organization.

But those challenges have made me even more determined. Every letter we receive, every piece of artwork an artist trusts us with, and every connection we are able to make reminds me why this work matters.

I have learned that building something meaningful takes patience, consistency and faith. 13:3 Collective is still growing, but every obstacle has helped shape the organization into something stronger and has made me even more committed to the people we serve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 13:3 Collective ?
13:3 Collective is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through creative expression, personal connection and reentry support.

What sets us apart is the way we combine art, encouragement and practical support. We work directly with incarcerated artists who send us original artwork, poetry, greeting cards and other creative pieces. We help bring that work beyond prison walls by sharing it with the public and creating opportunities for their talents to be recognized and supported. Proceeds from the sale of their artwork are used to support the artists and their families, allowing their creativity to have a meaningful impact even while they are incarcerated.

Our work is also deeply relational. We correspond with incarcerated individuals, send encouragement, prayer and resources, and build relationships that remind people they are more than their circumstances. As individuals prepare for release, we also focus on reentry by connecting them with community resources, employment support, mentoring and organizations that can help them move forward successfully.

I am especially proud that 13:3 Collective gives people a platform to be seen for their creativity, their potential and who they are becoming. We are not only showcasing artwork. We are creating connection between people inside correctional facilities and communities on the outside.

Our foundation comes from Hebrews 13:3 and the call to remember those in prison. That message guides everything we do. We want our artists and participants to know they have not been forgotten, their gifts still matter and their future still has value.

As 13:3 Collective grows, our goal is to continue expanding our artist network, correctional partnerships and reentry services so we can support people both during incarceration and as they return home.

The proceeds piece makes this answer much stronger because it shows the artwork is not just being displayed—it is creating tangible support for the people and families connected to it.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely have not built 13:3 Collective alone. I am incredibly grateful for the people who have believed in the vision and helped me bring it to life.

My mother, Karen Kennedy, has been one of my biggest supporters and plays an important role in the creative side of the organization. She helps turn the artists’ work into greeting cards and other products and has supported me through every stage of building 13:3 Collective.

My son, Davian McNeil, has also been an important part of the organization, helping with outreach, financial responsibilities and wherever support is needed. Having my family believe in the mission and work alongside me has meant more than I can put into words.

I also have to give credit to the incarcerated artists themselves. They trust us with their artwork, their stories and their creativity. Their talent and resilience are a huge part of what inspires me to keep growing this organization.

I am also grateful for the community partners, mentors and organizations that have taken the time to listen, offer guidance and open doors for 13:3 Collective. Every conversation, introduction and partnership has helped us move forward.

Most importantly, my faith has carried me through this entire journey. I truly believe God gave me this vision for a reason, and I am grateful for every person He has placed along the way to help turn that vision into something real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.133collective.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13_3collective?stkn=Y2o1ZGExc2dwMHM5&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566679251358&mibextid=wwXIfr