Our Story
The Still Water Foundation has its roots in the Ruth and Percy Jones family's deep and abiding commitment to philanthropy. In 1954, Ruth Jones with her two daughters, Julia "Judy" Jones Matthews and Edith Jones O'Donnell, formed the Dodge Jones Foundation, named for the deceased brother of Judy and Edith. The official date of formation was December 25, 1954, the wedding anniversary of Ruth and Percy Jones. With the creation of the Dodge Jones Foundation, the family launched its dreams of philanthropy into tangible reality. Since that date, the Dodge Jones Foundation has had a transformative impact on Abilene and Taylor County.
From the early years, Judy Matthews instilled the core family value of philanthropy in all five of her children, and always encouraged the practice of charitable giving and planning. Eventually, in realizing their mother's goals, each of her children created their own foundations. Her only daughter Julia "Jill" Matthews Wilkinson established the Still Water Foundation in 1982. Its impact in Texas and beyond is detailed in this website.
Our Staff
Ellen Ray
Ellen has played a central role in the leadership of Still Water Foundation for over two decades, overseeing all philanthropic endeavors and community partnerships. Ellen believes in the transformational power of high-impact philanthropy to shape positive outcomes in our communities. She finds it incredibly rewarding to spearhead Still Water’s efforts to strengthen organizations, grow networks, and ultimately, improve lives.
A long-time trustee of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, she most recently served as Executive Chair of the Board. She is also on the Board of the Austin Community Foundation and is the founding President of MINDPOP, an organization dedicated to expanding creative learning in classrooms across Austin. Ellen is proud to represent Still Water Foundation as a founding member and President of the Board at Texas Rural Funders, a coalition of philanthropic organizations working to bring attention and resources to rural Texas.
Ellen is an avid reader, traveler, and is equally passionate about the arts and the outdoors. A native Austinite, she and her husband have two adult children.
Katy Sauer
Katy joined the Foundation in 2020 as Still Water’s Program Officer. She is passionate about building relationships with grant partners and working together to execute impactful grants that are responsive to community needs.
Before joining Still Water, Katy worked for a nonprofit consultancy implementing capacity building programs for nonprofits and providing project management support to nonprofit networks. Her professional experience also includes contracted work with local foundations, providing case management services to children and families, and teaching English as a Second Language abroad. Katy is honored to serve on the Board of Directors at El Buen Samaritano, an Austin-based organization that provides access to healthcare, education, and support for basic needs.
A native to the Texas Hill Country, Katy has a passion for the outdoors and can often be found hiking state parks with her husband and enjoying quiet weekends at her family’s ranch in Doss, Texas.
Lisa Jacobs
Lisa joined the Foundation in 2022 as Program Associate. After studying social work as an undergraduate student, her passion for mission-based work and deep impact led her to a career in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
Lisa brings ten years of experience in administration, event management and communications. Prior to joining Still Water, Lisa worked for several organizations, including the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Well Aware, and IDignity.
In her spare time, you’ll find Lisa with her fiancé and pups walking around Lady Bird Lake, picking up native plants from Barton Springs Nursery or cycling around South Austin.
Pam Lawrence
Pam oversees financial and operational systems for the organization, as well as performing all HR functions.
As a former paralegal turned accountant, she brings a variety of business experience to the Foundation. Her priority is to streamline processes to maximize efficiency, and she is honored to contribute to Still Water’s impact on communities.
Pam is originally from Dallas and has been in Austin since 2014, after raising her family in northeast Ohio. She is passionate about the arts and loves cooking, baking, reading, the outdoors, and spending time with family.
Jenny Booth
Jenny Booth is a Native Texan who grew up in Richardson (near Dallas) and has resided in Austin since 1986 when she followed her older brother to UT Austin.
After earning her BS in Organizational Communication and spending many years in sales, marketing and event planning she realized that she always gravitated toward support roles and finally found her niche in being an Executive Assistant.
Her greatest loves are live music, dogs, friends and family.
Board of Directors
President
Still Water Foundation
Director
Still Water Foundation
Director
Still Water Foundation