My life is like millions of other Americans. I grew up in a small town. We had humble beginnings but there was a roof over our heads and food on the table. I was taught the principals of Jesus Christ. He was the first volunteer. I strive to keep his teachings to help the poor. I used to judge rich people. I used to wonder why are there hungry homeless people when we have so much wealth in this country? The answers are complex, as I discovered in the real world of adulthood. So now as I judge myself, I have learned it takes all of us helping. So, I volunteer.
I first witnessed poverty as a teenager going out into the community with church work. We lived in a trailer park and had little. I appreciated hand-me-downs and the generosity of others. Even in cases where we were as poor as the ones we helped, it still felt good to give. The reality was most kids I grew up with were in the same economic class. As an adult, performing home health as a COTA, practicing Occupational Therapy, I would see how poverty affected our community. If it weren't for St. Andrews Mission donating tub transfer benches and bedside commodes, some of my patient’s would not have been able to shower and perform their care at home safely or independently. All I had to do was donate my time, go pick it up and bring it to them.
The paradigm shift of my life was when my oldest child had an acute onset of mental illness when her daughter was diagnosed terminally ill with Zellweger Disorder. Seeking help was a nightmare. It was an eye opener for me. I am someone that likes to meet problems head on. So, I wrote a book, Treatment in America: Her Life Matters, about our experience and difficulty in procuring mental health treatment. That experience triggered PTSD with a dose of depression. On the positive side, it has influenced my compassion for others that are suffering and made me determined to never quit trying. Mental illness is a big part of the homeless problem with access to care at Emergency Rooms limited.
I met Sarah Conerly, founder of Greater Hope Homeless Shelter for men after reading an article by Joleen Smith. Ms. Sarah inspired me to volunteer. She gave her all, her home, her time, and talents to helping homeless men in our town. I met Jamie Stewart at her shelter. He was volunteering, helping get the men into programs to promote independence. His background in social work is an asset. Jamie is now the Director of GUEST House of Hope, women’s homeless shelter. I then met Ms. Emma Stewart, Jamie’s mom, she donated the building that houses GUEST House of Hope. At 93 years of age, Ms. Emma’s giving spirit is still going strong. I am honored to be asked to help. I volunteer as the secretary for our women’s homeless shelter in McComb, MS.
At the women’s homeless shelter, I have held art nights and cooked meals with the ladies at the shelter. I respect these ladies. Sometimes it’s hard for them to focus on art or simple things when they don’t have permanent housing or the security of a steady income. I listen though. That is something I can give that is free. We work as a group trying to guide them to the resources that they need to be independent. It’s not easy for them. It’s also overwhelming at times for the ones giving their all to take care of the homeless. I volunteer to help ease some of their suffering, the homeless and the caregivers. The best surprise has been that by giving, my own pain has been mitigated to some degree.
As we near Christ’s birthday, I want to celebrate his spirit by trying to follow his example. Sometimes events in our lives bring awareness we would not have had otherwise. I have felt overwhelming pain that has worn my spirit into silence. By volunteering I hope to empathize with those I am helping. Other times, I wear my pain like armor, not ashamed, able to face life by the strength pain has brought me and help others who are also facing similar battles. Won’t you help me? I encourage you to volunteer in your hometown. Find your people and get involved!
Much love, Jackie
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