A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Amber Jones
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: August 12, 2026
Amber Jones began her career with the Portage Township YMCA just a handful of years ago, in January 2022. Today, she serves as the organization’s youth development coordinator where she works with children as young as 2 years old through the YMCA’s programming. She’s made a huge difference in the community through her work.
“The Portage Township YMCA is a significant asset to the Portage community,” said Jones. “In my role, I get to witness how the Portage Township YMCA bridges a gap for the community. I love my job and I love working with the children.”
Jones and her family are members of the Portage Township YMCA, too. She and her husband Steven have two children who participate in the organization’s programming. Between the other children who participate in the YMCA’s programming and her own two children, Jones is a mother figure to many.
“I always say I have two biological children, but lots of others as well,” said Jones.
The Portage Township YMCA really is a bridge in the community. Through its activities and offerings, it facilitates a place for families and friends, men, women, and children to workout, learn, socialize, and recharge.
“I’m so proud to be a part of something that’s making a difference on so many levels for so many people,” said Jones. “Creating, running, and rolling out programming for our little members is very energizing for me. The children I work with are so enthusiastic and range in age from two to about seven years old.”
Jones was born and raised in Portage and attended Portage Township Schools growing up. While they were several years apart, both Jones and her husband Steven attended Portage High School.
“We met after high school,” she said. “I was working at a local restaurant and he came in on his lunch shift. After talking for a while, he asked for my number. The rest is history.”
The Jones’ two children attend Portage Township Schools. As parents and alumni of the district, Jones said it’s been fun to witness.
“Even though I’ve always loved and appreciated the community, I always thought I’d leave Portage at some point,” said Jones. “Obviously that’s not the case, and now we’ve all attended PortageTownship Schools.”
Jones enjoys traveling sometimes, but she mainly loves staying local. She loves being outdoors and spending time with family.
“I’m really a homebody,” she said. “I’m very content being home with my family. I love them very much.”
Many of Jones’ extended family still live in the area.
“Portage is a great place to raise a family,” said Jones. “It’s a wonderful, tight-knit community and I’m proud to call it home.”
Jones’ contribution to the children’s programming at Portage Township YMCA is a labor of love for the community she loves.
Jones impacts the future Portage generations, and her own children. Jones’ dedication, passion, and appreciation for her job at the YMCA, for the local Portage community, for her family, and even for her hobbies are all commendable.