[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING DIGNITY & MERCY ADULT DAYCARE SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Dignity & Mercy Adult Daycare Services.
  Tamekia Renix Jackson was born on September 18, 1974 to Albert Black 
III and Fannie Renix Johnson. Tamekia is the oldest of her seven 
siblings. She is a graduate of the North Panola High School Class of 
1992. She currently resides in Como, MS, where she was born and raised. 
She attends the First Baptist Church in Como, where she serves 
faithfully as associate minister, choir president, and youth advisor. 
She serves on the Board of Directors for Aaron E. Henry Community 
Health Center and as President of the Mississippi Association of Adult 
Day Services.
  In 1995 Tamekia graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing Course 
at Northwest Community College in Senatobia, MS. She decided to further 
her education by enrolling in the Registered Nurse Curriculum in 
Senatobia, MS. She graduated in 2005 and passed her NCLEX as a RN.
  Tamekia began working at the age of 15 at Wendy's in Senatobia, MS. 
After passing her LPN NCLEX, she became employed with Golden Living 
Center in Batesville, MS and remained with the company for three years 
learning that she really desired the role of RN. After becoming an RN 
she was gainfully employed with Baptist Desoto Hospital, where she 
remained for 2 years working in critical care. She later moved on to 
the position of travel nurse where she traveled extensively and 
enhanced her skills, gained friends, and encountered remarkable 
experiences. After becoming home sick, she accepted a position as 
Director of Nursing for Monette Hospice until it closed in 2009. She 
was then led to open Dignity & Mercy Adult Day Services, LLC.
  During her first year as an entrepreneur, she also gave birth to her 
first born, Mckenzie Janae Jackson on July 2, 2009. On September 6, 
2010 she gave birth to her 2nd born, Cayden Allen Jackson. They are 
outgoing, intelligent, inquisitive children. She also has a son, Alex 
Shaw, 17 years old, whom she adopted from a prior marriage.
  While working at Monette Hospice, the owner opened an Adult Daycare 
next door. Tamekia found herself drawn to the participants of this 
center. She also realized there was no such program at home for the 
elderly and disabled. She began to research adult daycare and sought 
information in the community regarding funding, transportation, and 
other services needed in Panola and the 8 surrounding counties. In 
August of 2010, Dignity & Mercy Adult Day Services received a provider 
number for Adult Daycare in the state of MS. Later Dignity & Mercy also 
received a provider number for Respite and Homemaker Services. In 
January of 2014 Tamekia felt lead to open a facility in Oxford, MS. On 
July 1, 2014 Dignity & Mercy received a contract for Non Emergency 
Transportation with Division of Medicaid via MTM.
  Dignity & Mercy is located at 569 Hwy 6 West in Batesville, MS. 
Dignity & Mercy recently purchased and renovated a 13,000 sq. ft. 
facility located at 405 Hwy 51 south in Batesville, MS. The date for 
occupancy is set for Oct. 1, 2014. They are excited about the grace of 
God affording them such an opportunity.
  Dignity & Mercy services 50 to 60 clients per day at the Batesville 
location and 10 to 15 clients at the Oxford location. Their 
participants range from 21 years of age to 99 and provide the 
transportation to and from the center along with breakfast, lunch and a 
snack before they leave. The participants attend movies monthly, visit 
schools and nursing homes. The Adult Day Care offers exercise class 
daily and other activities including shooting pool, reading, cooking, 
quilting, gardening, basketball, checkers, bowling, wii sports, ring 
toss, crocheting, coloring, and various arts and crafts.
  Dignity & Mercy has faced numerous challenges but God has delivered 
them from them all. When Tamekia is faced with struggles she takes 
comfort in the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 ``For I know the thoughts 
that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of 
evil, to give you an expected end.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dignity & 
Mercy Adult Daycare Services for their dedication to serving their 
community and this great state and country.

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