Meet Melissa

If you glance to your right when you enter the gates of Jacob’s Ladder, Mustard Seed Communities’ home for adults with disabilities in Jamaica, a circle of pink and blue cottages welcomes you inside its warm grass field.

Residents wave from their porches and toss around their soccer ball, and the sound of singing at circle time calls to you. It is a beautiful day at Bethany Village – the place a few dozen adults claim their home for life.

Melissa, a 37-year-old resident with a shining soul, makes Bethany Village a one-of-a-kind place. Her fellow residents and caregivers resoundingly agree on her friendliness. When volunteers visit, Melissa is sure to greet each visitor with a smile, a curious “How are you?,” and a sweet hug. Independent and filled with laughter, Melissa exemplifies how openness and compassion can transform communities.

---

---

Ten years ago, Melissa transitioned to Jacob’s Ladder from another care facility in Jamaica. At Jacob’s Ladder, she gained the opportunity to participate in lively community activities and make new friends with adults who share her experience. Caregivers recall that Melissa was quite reserved when she first arrived; over time, she grew into herself with confidence.

Employed in Jacob’s Ladder’s Work and Token apprenticeship program, Melissa takes pride in assisting with housekeeping and laundry throughout the week. In this program, residents of Jacob’s Ladder elect to work throughout the week and earn payment they can exchange for snacks, clothes, and other items. The senior supervisor for Bethany Village describes her well: “Melissa is an independent young lady. She is very helpful and loves to laugh.”

---

---

Melissa’s best friends are Patricia and Trudy-Kay, two women who also call the pink cottages of Bethany Village their home. Together, the women dance and sing at circle time, work on crafts, and share the stories of their days – the universal connections of women!

This Women’s Month, Melissa’s example reminds us that women thrive in communities of love, compassion, intelligence, strength, and unity. With the opportunity to learn and uplift herself, Melissa grew into a version of herself who lights up our Jacob’s Ladder home.

You can be a change-maker in Melissa’s life at Mustard Seed Communities.

We depend on your help to provide medical care, food, education, and a loving home to children and adults affected by disabilities.

give now