Home Is Where Tacquiva Is

On a sunny day at Widow’s Mite home, the shade of a cottage’s front porch enfolds a young woman seated in her wheelchair, but somehow the sunlight still gleams in her eyes.

This young woman is Tacquiva, a giggling helper and guiding light in her community.

Today, Tacquiva lives with the Widow’s Mite family at Jacob’s Ladder in Jamaica, where the bonds she formed in childhood continue to shape everyday life.

Since the early days of her childhood, Tacquiva has called Widow’s Mite her home. Located in a rural, remote part of Jamaica, Widow’s Mite was MSC’s inaugural residential home for children living with disabilities outside of Kingston. It became an extremely close-knit community soon after its opening in 2000. 

In April 2024, the residents and caregivers of Widow’s Mite relocated to Antioch Village at Jacob’s Ladder for greater access to doctors, therapists, and other resources. The Widow’s Mite family embraced the change, carrying their atmosphere of deep connection and care for one another with them. Tacquiva’s spirit of laughter and compassion never wavered in the change.

“Tacquiva helps a lot. She can do things for herself. She’s just a laughing person … a jovial person.”

–Lovetta, caregiver at Widow’s Mite 

On a typical day, Tacquiva might spend the morning sitting comfortably with a baby in her lap, gently comforting him. In the afternoon, a younger girl might sit in front of Tacquiva to do their hair together. By the evening, she will have made the cottage laugh. 

Thursday mornings are particularly joyous with Tacquiva when she attends Thank You Thursday Mass in the chapel at Jacob’s Ladder. Each week, she sits in the front row, engaging with the words of the priest and dancing in her wheelchair as the choir sings. 

Having grown up alongside fellow residents and caregivers, Tacquiva shares the deep connections that have long defined the Widow’s Mite community.

“You have to have faith and love for the residents. We grow with them, and we form a bond with them like they’re our own children,” said Marsha Baker, Widow’s Mite Caregiving Supervisor.

“We saw them when they were small and were with them while they grew up. As they get older, their care becomes more complicated, but we still do our best to keep them going because that family bond never changes.”

Tacquiva’s jovial presence, a constant in the community since she was a child, reflects the steadfast love that shapes life at MSC. As she grows into a bright young woman, Tacquiva is shaping the Widow’s Mite community with her compassion, humor, and care for others.

Our MSC Family is immensely grateful for Tacquiva!