The James Place is Family
The James Place. This place full of laughter, growth, and love, has become a second home for me. You can always find toddlers running around, a baby crying, staff in deep conversations, and preschoolers showing off their amazing English. I love the mission of HEAL - empowering abandoned women and children so that they can stay together and be sustainable as a family. Family preservation is such an important mission here in Uganda because this country has one of the highest rates of abandoned women and widows.
The James Place provides a job for 74 Ugandans as well as trainings and classes for many more individuals from the community. It provides hope for families who are struggling to make ends meet, and provides sustainable skills to many women who have left this compound and started their own businesses in their communities.
The staff here keeps this place running. They are strong, funny, passionate, and kind. The James Place would not be the same without Norah’s strong spirit, Juliana’s motherly love, Paul’s wisdom, Jackie’s gentleness, Doreen’s radiant smile, Noah’s humor, Grace’s quiet strength, and Alice’s servanthood. These people are gems. As you can imagine, with 74 staff, the majority of whom being women, there can be drama and jealousy. But at the end of the day, this group of beautiful people is family, and they will always be there to support one another.
I am thankful to be a part of this place. I am thankful for the impact the James Place has had on my life. I am thankful that these staff members allow me to be part of their lives. I am better because of it.
