David F. Jones Sr., founder of the TH-JAW Foundation, truly believes it takes a village to raise a child.

“The same type of life you pour into your children, you should pour that into your neighbor’s child,” Mr. Jones says. “It truly does make a difference.”

That is the cornerstone of the foundation built by Mr. Jones. The name of the foundation is fashioned after the names of Richmond’s five primary high schools – Thomas Jefferson, Huguenot, John Marshall, Armstrong and George Wythe. The foundation’s mission is to help motivate and mentor student athletes at those high schools.

The 44-year-old Mr. Jones is a 1993 graduate of Thomas Jefferson with vocational training. He is chief executive officer of his own construction company.

In 2015, he became the coach of Thomas Jefferson’s ninth grade and junior varsity football teams.

Mr. Jones is so dedicated to the team, the students and his alma mater that his company, with donations from the community, built two coaches offices, a $70,000 weight room and locker rooms and purchased new uniforms and football sleds and tackling dummies for the Thomas Jefferson Vikings football team.

“It was a lot of hard work rebuilding the facilities, the team and athletic program,” says Mr. Jones, whose son, David, 17, is a junior at Thomas Jefferson and his daughter, Latisha, 15, is in the International Baccalaureate program there.

Now the TH-JAW Foundation is working to enhance the lives of student athletes — male and female — across the city. Twice a year, the foundation puts on events — the City Summit for young men and the Queen City Summit for young women. His wife, Tamara, serves as the foundation’s vice president.

“Our foundation’s program is for everyone attached to sports,” Mr. Jones says. “All of our female trainers, cheerleaders and band are a part of the program. They are a part of the program’s family.”

The summits bring together community leaders, school officials and business leaders with students to discuss academic and trade skills, the effects of social media and developing a purpose in life.

At the young men’s summit in November, students were given ties and other gifts and they received SAT and job training information and dinner.

The summit for young women is tentatively scheduled for January, Mr. Jones says.

The foundation has done additional philanthropic work, including giving 50 complete Thanksgiving dinners last month to families.

Looking to the future, the foundation is working on developing a new, citywide football championship game each year, similar to — and as big as — the legendary Armstrong-Walker Classic.

“Our ultimate goal is to have a Thanksgiving Saturday championship to be played at City Stadium,” Mr. Jones says. “This would include a citywide band. It would be a great city and school event while replicating the family tradition and atmosphere” of the Armstrong-Walker Classic.

“Additionally, the game’s proceeds would help the schools economically,” he says. “The funds would definitely go to supporting mentorship, scholarships and all of the programs to help young men and women have a better chance at being successful in life.”

The foundation has been working with Harry Hughes, Richmond Public Schools’ chief of schools, who was involved with a similar citywide football championship when he worked in Washington.

“Playing sports is a privilege,” Mr. Jones says. “You put in the long practice hours and, at game time, your parents, teachers and coaches see the result of all of your hard work as well as what they’ve invested.”

“As a coach, if I can teach a player 50 offensive plays, I know I can teach him geometry, math and history,” he says.

“I would rather my players have four hours of study hall and one hour on the field. They would never be penalized for that.”

Meet this week’s Personality and high school athletics advocate, David F. Jones Sr.:

Occupation: Chief executive officer of David F. Jones and Son Construction.

No. 1 community involvement: Founder, TH-JAW Foundation, which stands for Thomas Jefferson, Huguenot, John Marshall, Armstrong and George Wythe, Richmond’s primary public high schools.

Date and place of birth: July 19 in Richmond.

Current residence: Richmond’s Byrd Park neighborhood.

Education: High school diploma; vocational training.

Family: Wife, Tamara Jones, and two kids, Latisha and David Jones.

When I created the TH-JAW Foundation: March 15, 2017.

Reason for founding: To motivate and mentor student athletes in Richmond Public Schools high schools, as well as to help upgrade all athletic facilities.

Foremost mission: To have all RPS high schools on the same level as all county high schools.

Why I am excited about this organization: Because of the opportunity to reach out and mentor so many young student athletes in RPS high schools.

What I hope foundation can achieve: Unity between all city high schools on and off the field.

Services TH-JAW Foundation provides: Mentorship, motivational speakers, annual city summits and athletic facility upgrades.

Why I got involved in community service: Because of the lack of support and love shown in all city public high schools.

How I start the day: At 5 a.m. with the word of God.

A perfect day for me is: Every day is a perfect day.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Study politics.

How I unwind: Spending time with my family.

At the top of my to-do list is: To serve God.

A quote that I am inspired by: The best excuse is no excuse.

Best late-night snack: Something chocolate.

Kindergarten taught me: How to play well with others.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother, Alice C. Jones.

Book that influenced me the most: “Plug In” by Bishop Daniel Robertson Jr.

What I’m reading now: “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro.

My next goal: To become varsity head football coach at one of the city high schools.