"I did a lot of hard work right in the neighborhoods, and a lot of people helped me," Jones said. "But Mayor Carter and the City Council did not step up when I needed it, and I just don't know why because MYA has saved lives."

Jones said she's even been able to get some gang members to trust her and come to her asking for help to get off the streets and change their lives.

"We have sat right at this table at MYA and worked things out with groups of young men who were feuding," Jones said. "We gave them hope and saved them and tried to better our community."

The Rev. Runney Patterson said he's witnessed Jones's dedication to young adults and her commitment toward making a difference and her courage.

"I have seen her literally get in between two groups who were fighting," Patterson said. "And, she puts her arms up and tells them to stop the violence and stop killing each other and she works toward saving our babies in this community."

Jones said she will close MYA on Dec. 31 "unless there is a miracle."

KSTP has not yet heard back from the mayor's office or City Council President Amy Brendmoen for comment.