Journey is the institutional magazine of Carson-Newman University. Journey tells stories of Carson-Newman students, faculty and alumni of the University.
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/50035
"I'm the faculty advisor, but I've had to do very little other than just say, 'Yes, that sounds like a good idea,'" said Ramsey over the sounds of Elvis Presley during the custom-made sock hop. The music was supplied by The Party Boys, a Knoxville DJ operation Jessica said she hired for the dance "to make it real." Ramsey complimented her student for being able to take theory and class- room information "and applying it to the real world while still in college." As every young parent learns fresh, making dreams come true isn't free, or even inexpensive. The organization has received donations from people who heard what was happening and wanted to participate. Club members told stories about what they were do- ing and raised money from family, friends and churches, including Jes- sica's home church, First Presbyterian of Cleveland, Tennessee. Beyond generating funds to cover some $2,000 in expenses, Dream Catchers left more than a thousand dollars for those students who con- tinued the work this fall. "We pay for every event so it is completely free for all nursing home residents since we are here to serve them," noted Jessica resolutely. As director of a nursing facility, Jen- nifer Henderson is accustomed to students who look for opportunities to help. But, most of the time the offer comes with the slight catch of aca- demic credit. Spencer's no cost and no strings attached offer was there- fore "highly unusual." "We really appreciate everything that Dream Catchers has done for our resi- dents," Henderson praised. "They re- ally accomplished great things in such a short amount of time. I think I can 20 JOURNEY fall 2011 speak for all of us in saying how much we appreciate their dedication to this important cause. Our residents and staff have been positively impacted by (such) kind deeds." Henderson's "short amount of time" is spot-on. Having begun the spring semester with little more than a list of some friends willing to help and a name that is connected to her Native American heritage, Jessica ended the term with a degree, two awards, and the prospect of a job. On behalf of Life Care of Jefferson City, Henderson presented Dream Catch- ers with a local Volunteer Group of the Year Award. C-N psy- chology professor Dr. Larry Osborne, who di- rects the major in social entrepreneurship, pre- sented the organization the William Wilberforce Social Entrepreneurship Prize. In September, the organization was awarded the national Group Volunteer Award by Life Care Centers of America, which includes more than 220 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer's centers in 28 states. "These students at Carson-Newman College are truly inspirational," said Life Care President Beecher Hunter. "While still young and seeking ways to fulfill their own dreams, they are mak- ing memorable moments for those who are elderly. Their deeds demon- strate friendship and compassion." It is not lost on Jessica that her home- town of Cleveland happens to be Life Care's headquarters or that she discovered one of the corporation's facilities just one mile from Carson- Newman. There's enough wow factor for Jessica to easily connect the dots of holy serendipity. "Going to a good Christian college – and especially the classes I had – gave me both the knowledge and the drive to start Dream Catchers. And, if it were not for Dream Catchers, I would not have the job I have now," smiled the recently hired activities di- rector for Life Care of Cleveland. She has another dream in the works; well, an extension of the first one, ac- tually. She plans on developing Dream Catchers as a nonprofit organization that facilitates service to seniors on a grand scale. Jody Barker chats with Archie Duggan during a tailgate party he requested recently. Jody was happy to report that Mr. Duggan had two rea- sons to celebrate: his team won and he was leaving for home on the same day. "I used to pray every day to have the chance to work with the elderly and make their dreams come true. I don't believe that it is just coincidence that Dream Catchers happened and that I got one of my dream jobs at Life Care. I can plainly see God is giving me the opportunity. He just keeps opening doors … I can't wait to see what He has planned."