171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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Counselor inspires children, co-workers
MUSC Catalyst
By: Cindy Abole, MUSC Public Relations
August, 30 2002
Settling into a Monday morning routine may be challenging for most people, but clinical counselor Donna Jenkins welcomes each day with joy and a new sense of adventure teaching and working with special children.
Donna can’t wait to see the smiles and share loving hugs with her 3-and 4-year-old children as they bound through the doors at MUSC’s Innovative Models for Parent and Child Treatment’s (IMPACT) day treatment program in West Ashley. It’s a project sponsored by the Institute of Psychiatry. Working with these at-risk preschoolers, who are diagnosed with severe emotional and behavioral problems, instills a lot of pride and satisfaction in what she provides every day.
Donna’s interaction with the children starts early and continues until the late afternoon. She’s often seen riding in the office van that transports the children to and from home. Most attend the program for three months and graduate to a regular preschool, daycare or return home. Around the office, Donna is also a model among her co-workers, helping out with office work and being a team player in many projects.
“She’s so good with the children,” said Cindy Williams, Project Impact human services specialist, who has worked with Donna for more than eight years. “Donna’s attitude in her job is energetic, patient and upbeat. To many of these boys and girls, she’s their ‘mom’ away from home.”
“Donna has helped hundreds of children in the 10-plus years Project IMPACT has been around,” said Owen Shoemaker, Ph.D., program director. “Her ability to combine firmness with a nurturing presence is amazingly effective with these special kids and their parents. It’s a wonderful balance that’s rare among people. We’re very proud to have her on our team.”
Last October, Donna was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the most devastating news of her life. At first, she didn’t share her experience with anyone. Later she returned to work and went about her business focusing solely on the children. Emotionally, she leaned heavily on her own family and close church friends for support until she was ready to share her story with colleagues and move forward in life.
“Donna is a very nurturing and enthusiastic person,” said Brenda Lewis, IMPACT family services coordinator. “Several parents have asked to have her cloned so they could take her home with them. She's that special.”
Donna's sister, Marilyn Jenkins, a patient representative at Rutledge Tower, helped guide her through her cancer experience.
“I want to commend Donna for being so strong during her illness,” Jenkins said. “She's an incredible human being. It was through her faith in God, the support of family, co-workers and dear friends that helped her through those tough moments.”
Learn more:
Departments and Programs > IMPACT program
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