Medical Mall delivers heartfelt moments during annual CRA event

November 2008

Live soulful music filled the room, tantalizing entrees dotted the tables, grateful smiles adorned faces, and folks from different walks of life engaged in conversations.  This was the scene of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation’s 12^th Annual Community Reinvestment Awards (CRA).  The Foundation honored Ms. Maxine Lindsey, executive director of the Certified Nursing Assistants Training Program (CNA), BankPlus, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Dentistry during the ceremony.  Greenville Mayor Heather Hudson served as Mistress of Ceremony and Jackson Developer David Watkins delivered enthusiastic remarks as the guest speaker. The Galloway Elementary School Choir performed several selections, including “This Little Light of Mine,” which made everyone beam with pride.

CRA recognizes non-profit organizations, private businesses, and individuals who have contributed significantly to the Foundation’s goals for community and economic development in the Jackson Medical Mall District.  Lindsey was given the 2008 CRA Outstanding Individual Award.  She currently serves as executive director of CNA, a workforce training program for aspiring nurses, located in the Medical Mall.  Two graduating nursing assistants gave moving comments about Ms. Lindsey and the CNA program during the award presentation.

 “I was overjoyed and totally surprised when my old students spoke about me at the podium,” says Lindsey.   “I had no idea they would be doing the presentation.  That really showed me that I am making a difference… that CNA and all the work we do is making a difference in the community.  I’m just so happy,” added Lindsey.

BankPlus received the 2008 CRA Outstanding Private Business award while the UMC School of Dentistry was selected as the 2008 CRA Outstanding Non-Profit.

“BankPlus has really been a blessing to me,” says Robin Miller, award presenter and homeownership course student.  “The homeownership process was intimidating to me at first, but BankPlus and the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation walked me through it.  Thanks to them, I can really see my dream becoming a reality.” 

Dr. Neva Eklund, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry at the UMMC School of Dentistry, never would have imagined she would provide dental care for two Galloway students from kindergarten through fifth grade, then see them present the school an award.  “I and my colleague had tears in our eyes.  It was the best introduction ever, especially since it was presented by the children that were seen from ‘Give Kids a Smile Day’ each year.  It will be a moment that both of us will cherish,” says Dr. Eklund.  Give Kids a Smile occurs every February through a partnership with the American Dental Association. Students receive free dental care.

Four area high school students were also honored with the Dr. Aaron Shirley Scholarship Award to help continue their education in a health-related profession.  Those students are Joshua Ware and Brandon Rankin, both from Jim Hill High School, Angela Cooper of Wingfield High School, and Callaway High School’s Ashley Morris. 

            Proceeds from CRA help to fund the Foundation’s health, education, housing, and cultural arts outreach programs.  For more information about the awards ceremony and to donate to the outreach programs, call Robyn Breland at (601) 982-8467.