Jamaica
Children with Disabilities
Perched on the sunny hills of Mandeville, Jamaica is Gift of Hope, a Mustard Seed Communities apostolate for children and adults with disabilities.
Here, dozens of individuals are nurtured, cared for, and loved by caregivers who go above and beyond to make the space more than a shelter – it’s a home.
Each caregiver is a walking revelation of empathy and selflessness. These individuals offer professional expertise enhanced by compassion and dignity. One Gift of Hope caregiver, Melia Thompson, brings her dedication and skill as a nurse to these individuals who need it most, leaving a warmhearted impact in her wake.
Over the past two years, Melia discovered her calling at Gift of Hope after a friend recommended she apply for a job. With a background as a trained psychiatric nurse, Melia’s expertise lies in communication and cooperation, skills that are indispensable in her work with the residents of MSC, particularly those with Autism.
From the moment she enters the gates of Gift of Hope for each shift, Melia gravitates to residents who may struggle to communicate. For many, expressing even basic needs like hunger or discomfort is a challenge, but Melia is able to understand them. Because of the strong relationships she has developed with the residents, she can grasp what they need, even when they can’t voice it. “I feel immense empathy and joy in connecting,” she says, reflecting on the deep bond she forms with those in her care.
Melia’s passion for caregiving is rooted in her profound sense of empathy. She feels a strong pull toward these vulnerable residents – residents who are entirely dependent on their caregivers for their daily needs. To Melia, these individuals aren’t patients to be held at a distance; they are people who need and deserve love, care, and attention in a close, warm embrace.
Don’t watch their disability, watch their ability.”
Melia Thompson, Gift of Hope caregiver
“Don’t watch their disability, watch their ability,” she remarks, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond the surface to recognize the potential within each person.
Melia’s relationship with one resident, Kimoya, exemplifies this approach to caregiving. Kimoya, who has lived at Gift of Hope since she was two years old, is wise-eyed and opinionated. When she arrived in 2016, she faced difficulty walking, was hearing-impaired, and was nonverbal. She persevered through physical therapy to walk on her own, and now uses hearing aids and sign language to communicate.
Melia never overlooked Kimoya. Instead, she embraces every difference and helps Kimoya unveil her sparkling potential both at home and at school. Over time, Melia has become nearly fluent in sign language to communicate with Kimoya!
It’s clear how much Kimoya trusts Melia—she rarely leaves Melia’s side. Kimoya has picked up a skill for taking care of her fellow residents, helping with feeding and washing. Melia describes Kimoya as a “mini nurse.” The connection between them is palpable – the trust and mutual respect they’ve built over time is unlike anything else.
Working at MSC has been a transformative experience for Melia. “At Mustard Seed, I see children who are empowered. I feel joy knowing that I had some part in that,” she says with pride. Her work is not just a job; it’s a calling that she approaches with her whole heart. She compares the residents to her own three sons, seeing in all of them the same potential for growth and happiness.
Melia’s career path took her from a school setting to a hospital to Mustard Seed Communities, where she continues to hone her skills and deepen her understanding of care. Her aspirations reach even further—she dreams of attending midwifery school, a goal that stems from her passion for nurturing life and supporting those in vulnerable situations.
As Melia continues her journey at Gift of Hope, her dedication and compassion shine through in every interaction, whether it happens verbally or through sign language. Her bond with residents like Kimoya exemplifies the powerful impact that a caregiver can have, not just by tending to physical needs, but by nurturing the soul. At Mustard Seed Communities, Melia’s work transcends the boundaries of caregiving; it’s clear that caregiving is her true vocation, one that transforms lives and creates a home filled with love, dignity, and hope.
This level of care achieved by caregivers at Mustard Seed Communities is extraordinary. We need your support to continue providing this round-the-clock care to the most vulnerable populations around the world.