Welcome to The N.Y.O.K.I. Foundation

What if where you came from became your superpower?

We believe it already is!

Newcomer: an individual who arrived at a new environment, country, or community, typically from another nation. These individuals often seek better opportunities, safety, or a different quality of life. The term “newcomer” is inclusive and recognizes the shared experiences of those who are adapting to a different culture, language, and societal norms in their adopted home.

"I used to think I was waiting for the right moment to start something like this. But now I see—I wasn’t waiting on the moment; the moment was waiting on me to become ready." - Ms. Jones

"The establishment of the NYOKI Foundation was not born out of a fleeting idea, but rather the culmination of a lifetime of preparation. Every experience, from my earliest responsibilities to my personal and professional challenges, has uniquely equipped me for this mission. This nonprofit is not just a project, it is a reflection of my. life's work and the journey that has shaped me -- it's my heart, my journey, and my purpose coming full circle." - Ms. Jones

Meet the Founder,
Nyoki G. Jones

Newcomers Yearning for Opportunity, Kindness & Inclusion (N.Y.O.K.I) was born out of a personal journey—one filled with faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to helping

others find a place to belong.

At the age of ten, Nyoki G. Jones migrated from

Kingston, Jamaica to the United States with dreams bigger than the world she was stepping into. As a young girl navigatinga new culture, new school systems, and the weight of responsibility, she quickly learned what it meant to be a newcomer—hopeful, but often unseen. By thirteen, she began working as a tutor at New City Kids, located in Jersey City, not just to support herself, but to gain a sense of purpose in her new environment.

After graduating from Henry Snyder High School in 2017, she was accepted into the prestigious West Point Military Preparatory School—an experience that taught her discipline and resilience, even though she eventually chose a different path. She went on to graduate from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Intelligence, equipping her with the skills to understand data, people, and the systems that shape our world.

Today, Jones serves her country as an IT and HR Specialist for the Department of the Navy, a Social Media Strategist and member for All Nation Church but her heart has always remained with the people especially those like her: immigrants, youth, and anyone yearning for opportunity and belonging. In 2023, she placed Top 20 at the Miss New Jersey Pageant, where she used her platform to speak boldly about the need for inclusive spaces and support for underserved communities.

Currently, as a dedicated social media strategist at All Nations Church NJ, Jones combines her faith, creativity, and service to uplift others and spread a message of love without strings attached. It is this same love—unshaken by borders, language, or background—that inspired her to launch the N.Y.O.K.I Foundation.

This foundation is more than a nonprofit. It’s a movement. A place where newcomers are embraced, where kindness is more than a gesture—it’s a way of life. Rooted in her own story and guided by her faith in God, Nyoki created the N.Y.O.K.I Foundation to be a beacon of hope, helping individuals navigate new beginnings with the tools, support, and love they deserve.

Because everyone deserves a chance—not just to survive, but to soar!