A hand-painted picture of a sunflower field hangs proudly on the wall of Jodie Smiley’s office.
To an observer, it invokes an instant feeling of warmth and summertime serenity. To Smiley, it’s as much a piece of art as a symbol of the abilities in each resident under her care at Paxton Ministries.
Standing proudly on the corner of Paxton and S. 20th streets, Paxton Ministries has, for 36 years, served as a cornerstone of care for people in need. It’s an oasis of hope for those who may be impoverished, battling mental disability or seeking a second chance at new beginnings.
“Our mission from the beginning has been to care for people in need, whatever that need may be,” said Smiley, the organization’s executive director.
Along with providing a bedroom for those invited into the home, Paxton Ministries conquers the day-to-day challenge of fulfilling needs presented by the residents. That’s no easy feat, considering the immense variety in age range, education levels, mental or physical abilities and financial status.
Here’s what Paxton is not: a shelter. Residents, living communally, are there to help cope with psychological issues, overcome physical disabilities or gain financial independence. They will stay a few years or even a few decades. Smiley refers to the organization as a “safety net” for those with few options or financial resources.
Three meals a day are provided, as well as more than 100 activities each month. These are designed to cement a sense of community while creating lasting, positive memories among both residents and volunteers.
Paxton Ministries doesn’t offer direct medical care, but receives help in the form of nurse and doctor visits from PinnacleHealth and psychiatric and therapy services from Wellspan Philhaven. Additional community support includes food from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the Dauphin County Technical School’s culinary program.
“[Residents] haven’t always been in life situations where they were treated with dignity and respect,” said Smiley. “Integrity is huge in everything we do. To be honest in our relationships with our residents, with each other and with those outside our walls, as well.”
In all, Paxton Ministries consists of four facilities. The Paxton Street Home, home to 85 residents, is a licensed personal care home, while the nearby Hudson Street Apartments offers independent living for people with mental health needs. The organization also runs the Boas Street Lodge and the Scenery Lodge, which employ the “Fairweather Lodge” group living model. Smiley explained the theory behind the model.
“People with a mental health diagnosis live in a peer-supported environment,” she said. “Some of the evidence shows they can speak into each other’s lives sometimes more effectively than others can.”
To maintain its status as a Fairweather Lodge, a model used around the country, the lodges need to offer employment. To that end, Paxton Ministries founded the for-profit Paxton Cleaning Solutions (PCS) and hired Michelle Rife to manage the staff and oversee job sites.
“If people can feel that they are contributing in a positive way, that affects all aspects of their life,” said Smiley.
“It’s a game changer,” added Rife.
PCS employee Jasmine came to Harrisburg for a fresh start and a second chance.
“Where I come from, everything is just really fast-paced, and no one really has time to understand about you and how it’s important to be around positive people,” she said.
Through a connection with Rife, Jasmine was introduced to PCS.
“Being here actually made me feel that I had family away from home, and I enjoy cleaning,” she said. “So, I’m doing something that I love to do.”
For so many, getting and maintaining a job is simply a part of life. For those working for PCS, it means overcoming the curveballs thrown at them by their disabilities or society’s stigma.
“We strive to make a difference for the individuals we serve, the people we employ, the families we touch and our greater community,” Smiley said.
Paxton Ministries is always looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of activities. To learn more, visit www.paxtonmin.org.
