A dream come true

Adult day care center opens in Laurel; hosts Thanksgiving event

By Eloria Newell James, community@laurelleadercall.com

Several senior citizens got a day out to enjoy some singing, fellowship and good food as a part of a Jones County native’s effort to establish an adult day care in the area.

Amanda Campbell Jenkins hosted her first Thanksgiving Dinner for senior citizens as a way to introduce them to the concept of an adult day care.

Jenkins said she is working to live her dreams while bringing joy to the elderly.

Jenkins said serving people through her business has been a lifelong dream.

Jenkins, who has been operating Unlimited Dreams I After-School Center for about two and a half years, has expanded her dreams to involve the elderly.

Jenkins, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, received her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

The hometown businesswoman, who is now working on her doctorate degree, has now opened Unlimited Dreams II Adult Day Care Health Center.

The Thanksgiving event was just one of many activities Jenkins plans to offer at the facilities located at 216 Hoy Road.

Many of those attending the dinner praised Jenkins and her staff for the event.

“It’s been just wonderful,” said 90-year-old Etta Watts of Louin.” Everything was just so nice.”

Alice Jones, Murlene Gaines, Annie Mae Porter and Addie Riley, all of Heidelberg, said they enjoyed the fellowship.

“I just really enjoyed it,” Jones said. “It’s been some good singing here today.”

Bonnie McMillan agreed.

“This was just wonderful,” she said. “I have really enjoyed myself and we had a good time.”

Jenkins said the adult day care offers the elderly a secure and comfortable environment, structured program of stimulating and therapeutic activities, assistance with oral medications, incontinence management, nutritious hot lunches and two nutritious snacks daily, excellent staff-to-participant ratio, referral to additional community resources and family education and support.

Jenkins said the adult day care will be open Wednesday through Friday.

She said the motto of the agency is “Meeting the Needs of Others.”

She said the mission of the center is “to promote quality of life in the elderly and disabled.”

Jenkins said the center is designed to service any disabled individuals 21 years of age or older or individuals aged 60 or older who require supervision and/or assistance in managing the activities of daily living.

Jenkins said her family inspired her to become involved in this business.

“My mother has been teaching school for more than 30 years, so working with children just comes naturally,” Jenkins said. “Then, my grandmother and father inspired me to do the adult day care.

“My grandmother was 70 when I was born and I spent a lot of time with her,” Jenkins explained. “Then, my father became ill and I saw how it affected him. So, I wanted to do something to help the elderly and disabled.”

Bertha Campbell, Jenkins’ mother, said the senior dinner brought her joy.

“This just made my holidays. It made me want to cry some happy tears because people don’t do this any more,” Campbell said referring to the program highlighting things people are thankful for. “We are just able to talk about what we are thankful for. That’s great.”

Several soloists delighted the crowd with their musical renditions. Among those singing on the program were Janice Newell of Salem, Virginia, 90-year-old Etta Watts of Louin, Genora Newell of Heidelberg, and Jenkins.

Jenkins said Unlimited Dreams I and II allow her to fulfill her dreams.

“It’s a dream come true,” she said. “The adult day care is for those who would benefit from structured, stimulating activities, opportunities for socialization and lots of loving attention.”

Some of the services offered at the new center is nursing services, social services, health programs, transportation, nutritional meals, activities and person care and security.

Jenkins said Medicaid waiver slots are also available.

For more information about the center, contact Jenkins at (601) 425-4888 or (601) 606-0103 or e-mail her at unlimiteddreams2@ymail.com

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