“CARING IS simple, when you simply care.”
That statement has been the driving force behind Paulette Williams-Thompson’s continued support for the elderly locally and internationally.
Founder of Hearts and Hands United, she is of the view that too often the elderly tend to be forgotten and treated less than, unfortunately, even by their own family.
Hearts and Hands United has its roots in her love for the elderly and passion for giving back and through its work, she has been able to bridge that gap.
“We want to step in where the family has stepped out either by choice or by circumstances beyond their control. Some family members may be living in another country, state or city. Whatever the reason we want to make a difference in the lives of the elderly,” she told The Gleaner.
Williams-Thompson, who has been living in Florida for almost 20 years, explained that the charity began under the name Loving Hands Caring Hearts and then she migrated to Canada for a few years.
On her return, the passion was still there and so she started Hearts and Hands United, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation in Central Florida.
She provides assistive devices, recognises their birthdays and other special days, as well as offers spiritual and emotional support sessions to the elderly.
She explained that the need is not as great in Florida, which means there is more to give to the elderly in Jamaica.
“I have been giving back to Jamaica through the Montamil Home for Senior Citizens which is affiliated with the Pentecostal Gospel Temple on Windward Road. I’ve given them a washing machine, a stove, toiletries and other items that they need.”
She shared that coming to Jamaica was not on the radar for this year but God has commissioned her to go.
“Because of what I do in terms of the caregiving service, I do have clients who sometimes have surplus diapers and other items. Most of the stuff I’m taking down were donated to me. I started with one barrel and now I have three and I am hoping everything will fit,” she said.
Williams-Thompson said she has begun to gather support on the ground to assist with distribution in Jamaica.
Next month, she will visit Jamaica for a health fair at Pentecostal Gospel Temple where the donations will be handed over to the nursing home.
“This is going to be one of the biggest projects we’ve done so far. Apart from the nursing home and the fair, I’m also going to be heading to Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas to donate leg bags, catheter packs and a number of other items because I was born there and my father died there,” she detailed.
She told The Gleaner that her two sons sit on the board of the non-profit organisation and are very supportive of the work she has been doing over the years.
With a career spanning more than two decades as a caregiver, supporting the elderly is an integral part of her life.
“When I can put a smile on someone’s face and make a difference in their lives it’s a big deal. It’s so rewarding when an old person says to me ‘God bless you’ or ‘Thank you’, so I look forward to those opportunities to give back,” she remarked.
judana.murphy@gleanerjm.com