Jamaica
Children with Disabilities
Community Development & Outreach
When Mrs. Mercalee Campbell arrived at the sunny, expansive property of Jerusalem for her first day of work, she imagined she would stay on the job for a month.
She figured this nursing role would support her and her family temporarily, and soon Mustard Seed Communities would be just a distant memory.
More than a decade later, Mrs. Campbell sits in the shade at Jerusalem wearing her blue printed scrubs. While she feeds a resident, she reflects on her years of work as a nurse at Mustard Seed Communities.
Because, as it turns out, Mrs. Campbell experienced abounding love at Jerusalem on that first day of work and she never left.
Mrs. Campbell is sure to point out that the work is not easy — as a caregiver who is responsible for the care and safety of dozens of adults and children with disabilities, her days can be busy and long. In the span of one day, she might clean living spaces, spoon-feed residents their meals, bring a resident to activities and appointments, sing at circle time, or learn a new nursing technique. Still, she is motivated and proud to serve the Jerusalem family.
The story of one resident in particular lights up Mrs. Campbell’s face.
Three years ago, an eleven-year-old boy with cognitive disabilities named Jovin arrived at Jerusalem Children’s Village. He was aggressive and anxious, and would fight against any caregiver who tried to assist him. It was Mrs. Campbell who got through to him.
“With someone to bond with, someone to show you that she cares, life is better,” Mrs. Campbell said. Her expression of compassion and care for Jovin changed his life — now, he is a friend to many at Jerusalem and is a successful attendee of Little Angels Learning Center. He even returned home from school last year with a card for Mrs. Campbell on Mother’s Day!
“The change I see in the residents is inspiring,” Mrs. Campbell shares. “They just need a little love… it’s right here,” she says, gesturing towards the surrounding village of Jerusalem and to her own heart.
The impact Mrs. Campbell has made on Jerusalem over her 13 years of work as a nurse is priceless. Through both work of the mind and expression of the heart, she makes a difference in the lives of residents every time she comes to work.
Mrs. Campbell and all of MSC’s caregivers are the hardworking hands and feet of Mustard Seed Communities; our mission of “caring for the most vulnerable” is made possible because of their everyday dedication.