Twenty-five-year-old Dominique M. Goodwin-Jenkins has quite a bit of “sage wisdom” for her young years, and much of that may be attributed to some of the company she keeps.

    “I have always enjoyed being around older people; they have so much to offer, especially to the younger generation,” Goodwin-Jenkins said.  

    “They have paved the way for many of us to work and go to school in a more diverse world. And, they have seen and lived through what I have only been taught,” she said.

    Goodwin-Jenkins has recently taken her relationship with the elderly to another level – as the new activities director at Meridian Community Living Center. And while she is providing the residents daily activities to improve the quality of their lives, they are equipping her with life lessons.

    “They have taught me to live and to enjoy life to the fullest,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to absorb their wisdom and knowledge, which they so willingly share with me.”

    Through her job, Goodwin-Jenkins hopes to encourage more volunteers and church groups from the community to spend time with residents at Meridian Community Living Center.

    “Anyone who is interested, can simply call the center and ask for the activities director,” she said.

    The Meridian native received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mississippi State University in 2011. She plans to continue her education and earn her master’s degree in social work.

    In addition to her new position at MCLC, Goodwin-Jenkins works part-time as a sales leader at Bath and Body Works.

    “It’s a fun job. I enjoy talking to people and helping them find the right scent that fits their personality and taste,” she said.

    Goodwin-Jenkins is also pianist at her father’s church, Jerusalem Full Gospel in Desoto. She and her husband, Steven, are members of Agape Storehouse Apostolic Church.

    Goodwin-Jenkins attributes her faith as the guiding force in her life, a foundation deeply rooted  through her parents – Charles and Ella Goodwin – who are both ministers. Family is another sustainer: she has two brothers, Dr. Barnest Patton II of Boston, Mass., and Sherman Goodwin of Germany, and a sister, Angela Bowden of Atlanta, Ga.

    Excited about what lies ahead in her position as activities director at Meridian Community Living Center, Goodwin-Jenkins said the residents are the most rewarding aspect of her work day.

    “I enjoy seeing and talking with them every day … doing different activities and watching them enjoy what they are doing,” she said. “I love what I do.”