By Janeal Downs
After waiting and praying for 28 years, online Sharon Fields’ dream is becoming a reality with the opening of Faith Sharon Home Adult Daycare in Ashland, salve Va. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., patient the center plans to serve about 100 people who are disabled, mentally challenged, veterans, or senior citizens. The guests will be given two free meals a day; participate in inside and outside activities; and have access to game rooms, an arcade room, exercise room, prayer room, and bedrooms for naps. “This is a place where (people) can bring their loved ones and truly don’t have to worry because they know that they’re taken care of,” Sharon said.
Sharon, a licensed nurse for 40 years, moved to Virginia from New York in 1986 where she kept people in her home for 24 hour care. She said she has worked for nursing homes, hospitals, and private homes for most of her life. She desired to expand and start her own business where she could continue to serve others. “That’s what I do, I care for others,” she said. The motto she goes by and tells her staff is to “give lots of love. It’s all about love, care and safety.”
Sharon said opening the adult daycare was one of many achieved heart’s desires. Another achievement was receiving her GED six year ago. In the future, Sharon intends to pursue many other ventures including publishing her autobiography to inspire single mothers; opening a barbershop; and beginning a special ministry for both people who are behind on child support and need assistance finding jobs and staying out of jail. She said when God blesses her she wants to be a blessing to someone else. “Everything that I’m doing, everything that God is doing for me, and going to continue to do is not about the money because I never really had money– being married, divorced twice, and raising (my kids) by myself. Everything is truly coming from my heart,” she said.
Sharon said if it was not for her colleague Kelva Edmunds- Waller, she would not have been able to do everything. Kelva, the director of the facility, has been a registered nurse for 31 years and heard of Sharon’s efforts from her sister who attends the same church as Sharon. “Once I met Sharon and I saw where my strengths were in the administrative parts, which she really needed to have in order to get her approval from the department of social services, I really couldn’t say no,” Kelva said. “She’s really a delightful person, very energetic, and she believes in me too.” Kelva assisted with ensuring the center met regulations put forth by the Department of Social Services and helped write many policies.
Kelva said she had not heard of centers similar to Faith Sharon Home and hopes individuals from Richmond and Henrico County will use the center for their loved ones. “It will be a fun, safe and high quality adult Daycare center,” Kelva said. “When they drop them off, they’ll know that they’re getting the best care.”
Faith Sharon Home Adult Daycare is located at 325 S Hill Carter Parkway in Ashland, Virginia. For more information go to the organization’s Facebook page, email Sharon at faithsharonhome@gmail.com , or call her on her business number at (804)496-6966.
