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Carrying on a Tradition of Compassion: Nursing Home Visits with Mays Mission

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, one of our most cherished traditions is visiting residents at Veterans Homes and nursing facilities—a mission that began many years ago with our founder, Ewing Mays.

Ewing Mays, a double amputee and World War II veteran, lost both legs during a mortar explosion in Sicily. But he never lost his spirit. Throughout his life, Ewing remained committed to uplifting others, especially wounded soldiers and disabled veterans. He believed deeply in the power of human connection, compassion, and hope. His visits to veterans hospitals and nursing homes were more than just acts of kindness—they were powerful reminders that no one is forgotten.

Today, we are proud to continue that tradition.

This year, Mays Mission has sent out countless ‘Gift Paks’—hand-assembled by our employees with disabilities—to volunteers across the country to distribute to nursing home and veterans home residents. Each Gift Pak includes thoughtful items like stationery and writing supplies, created with care by individuals in our on-the-job training program. These small tokens of kindness often spark big smiles and meaningful conversations.

Closer to home, our team members, Vince and David, have made it a regular practice to visit veterans at a local nursing home every few weeks. These visits are filled with laughter, shared stories, and a genuine bond formed over topics like fishing and baseball. For David, who is also part of our job training program, these visits are especially fulfilling. “It just makes me feel good,” he says. “You can tell they appreciate it, and I always leave feeling better myself.”

We believe that everyone has the power to brighten someone’s day. Even a short visit or a friendly conversation can make a lasting difference to someone who may be feeling lonely or forgotten.

We encourage you—yes, you—to consider reaching out in your own community. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering, we’d be happy to send you a free copy of our brochure, The Spirit of Giving. And if you’d like to join us in distributing ‘Gift Paks’ to residents in your area, we’d love to hear from you.

You can reach us at info@maysmission.org or give us a call. Together, we can continue this beautiful tradition of compassion, connection, and care—just as Ewing Mays intended.

Thank you for your support, and for helping us share hope, one visit at a time.

Mays Mission volunteers visiting a disabled veteran in a veterans home

Visiting nursing homes will bring smiles to the faces of some lonely people. 

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Programs

February is “Heart Awareness Month”

February is “Heart Awareness Month” and Valentine’s Day brings to mind a time to show our love to those we care about. In addition, February has become associated with the Random Acts of Kindness program. Random acts of kindness are especially appreciated by caregivers, the elderly and those in hospitals and nursing homes.

Here are some suggestions to make this a special time of year. Most can be adapted to individuals as well as the various care facilities in your community:

              Volunteer to read out loud to individuals or care                             facility groups.

              Drop in for a chat and bring a treat such as a                                   ready-to-heat casserole.

              Arrange for a two-hour housecleaning session.

              Volunteer to take an elderly neighbor out to run                              errands.

              Send scenic postcards to patients in a local care                              facility that don’t have any relatives.

              If you have musical talents, volunteer to lead a                               sing-along session at a local care facility.

              Enjoy baking? Drop off a plate of cookies or some                          cupcakes.

              Enjoy gardening? Help a neighbor plant or weed                             their garden.

For more great ideas on volunteering call us or email us at info@maysmission.org for free copies of our brochures ‘Faith In Action Care Givers Alliance’ or ‘The Spirit of Volunteerism’ today. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission for the Handicapped.

a photo of a camper from our summer camp program and photos of smiling Mays Mission employees from our job training program
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Programs

“Who Were Those Wise Men?”

Here at Mays Mission, we love to receive Christmas cards from our friends. We tape them up on the walls for decoration so everyone can enjoy them. Many of the Christmas cards will have the manger scene which almost always includes the star above the manger. Some will have the three wise men, or Magi, or kings, bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. But just who are those three guys? We did a little research just so we can tell you what we learned about them.


The Bible tells about these “Magi” in Matthew. Here’s what we know for certain:

They were astrologers.


They came from the east.

They recognized the new star as fulfillment of ancient prophecy proclaiming that the long-awaited Messiah had finally come to earth.
They traveled thousands of miles to bring gifts to the new-born Messiah and to worship him.


That’s about it! Tradition and history can add some possibilities of great interest concerning these Magi. The Magi were a religious caste and one of the six tribes of Media (an ancient kingdom located in what is now northern Iran). Our modern day word magician comes from the magi because they were known for practicing magic. They also interpreted omens and dreams and offered astrological sacrifices. Before Jesus, they worshiped only the elements, fire, air, earth and water, especially fire.


We don’t really know how many of them there were. Scholars based the “three” on their three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh they brought with them to give to baby Jesus. These men were truly wise men because they went looking for God. They didn’t expect God to come looking for them. They recognized baby Jesus as the Messiah for the entire world—not just for the Jews. They took gifts to the Messiah—they didn’t expect God to give them gifts.


Those who are wise still seek and worship Jesus today, not for what they can get—but for who He is.


The family of Mays Mission wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas. If you would like to help us advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities in your area call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and we can send you free brochures to pass out in your community. These brochures were produced by individuals with disabilities here at Mays Mission.

Mays Mission Employees with disabilities working in our bindery department

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Programs

Serving

It may seem like a trite statement to say that “we have so much to be thankful for,” as we hear it every year around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Yet, for the vast majority of US citizens, this statement holds undeniably true. We live in a land birthed in freedom from tyranny that continues on to this day.

Some friends of mine have a tradition of going to a “food kitchen” on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving the homeless and those who just can’t afford a hot meal. They tell me of how humbling it is to see these folks wander in off the streets for a hot meal. It makes them feel so blessed to have a roof over their head and food on the table. In doing the kind deed of helping others, just as Christ told us to do, they come away from the food kitchen feeling abundantly blessed for being obedient to the call of serving.

In hearing this, let’s consider doing likewise. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a food kitchen. There are a myriad of ways to serve your fellow man in this day or any other day to give thanks for the bounty with which God has blessed you. Invite someone over for a meal. Offer to take them shopping or to get to an appointment. Run some errands for them. Invite them to church. Often just a smile or a handshake will brighten someone’s day!

There are countless ways to “love your neighbor.” Think about what you could do, then put those thoughts into action.

If you would like information on disabilities, please call 888-503-7955, write, or email info@maysmission.org. We have a variety of brochures that we offer at no charge.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Various photos including Mays Mission founder Ewing W. Mays saluting, Mays employees with disabilities, a photo of a camper in our summer camp program and a Mays Mission scholarship recipient
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Programs

Volunteerism

We can’t say enough about the importance of volunteerism. Ask any hospital, nonprofit organization or civic related agency and they will attest to the fact that volunteerism is their backbone, strength and support.

 Volunteers do everything from answering the phone to driving busses and anything in between. Even professionals such as doctors, dentists and counselors often provide their services to clinics that offer care to low income families and individuals. Lawyers and paralegals often devote a certain amount of their time to those who could not afford their services on a walk-in basis. Volunteers often get out and do the leg-work that administrators just don’t have the time to do.

There are a vast variety of volunteer opportunities in every community. One of the advantages of giving your time is the array of work to do. Whatever your talents are, more than likely an organization in your community would be willing to put you to work using your skills.

So, what do you need to do to find out if you can assist an organization in your community? It’s as simple as calling and asking. Better yet, go to the agency and ask them personally if there is something you can do.

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Call your state office of volunteerism. They should be able to give you a variety of places that are always looking for people to assist. You can also turn to the Internet. Just type in the state or city you live in along with the word “volunteerism.”

Helping others is always rewarding. Become a volunteer today. You will see new faces, make new friends and feel better about yourself for what you’ve done for others from your heart!

If you would like more information call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for a free copy of our brochure “The Spirit Of Volunteerism” today and please feel free to share in the comments section. Thanks!

beautiful picture of a man in a wheelchair facing the sunrise with a Walt Whitman quote: 'Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.'
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Programs

Become an advocate for people with disabilities today!

What can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?

The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.

Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.

Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and direct mail, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.

Through our On-The-Job Training Program we have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling. This On-The-Job Training Program is only possible because of the kind hearts of our donors.

If you would like more information on becoming an advocate for people with disabilities we have free brochures like “The Spirit Of Volunteerism” or “On-The-Job Training” that were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Just call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and we will send some out to you. Thank you for your support!

A photo from a Mays Mission sponsored summer camp program with campers and a volunteer engaging in fun activities
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Programs

Seeking But Not Finding

What is the first thought that comes to mind when someone utters the word “disabled?”  (Try it. It’s interesting.)  Is it homebound, a wheelchair, someone who is blind or maybe uses a cane or crutch?  Fact is, we all have our own interpretation. And, when it comes to disabilities, no two are alike.

 Although no two disabled individuals are alike, two-thirds of the 54 million disabled individuals in the United States desire employment. I have stated this before but I feel that it deserves repeating; what would happen to our welfare, Medicare, unemployment, and the national debt if these people desiring employment were put to work?  Let’s say less than half of these people started working.  In two years’ time they could be let off welfare, hopefully off Medicare, and contributing to the system instead of depleting. A unique concept? Possibly, but I don’t think so.  People, especially employers and our representatives in Washington, D.C. need to think along these lines and find avenues of training and employment for these people.             We do our best to do our part at Mays Mission for the Handicapped.  In providing on-the-job training and scholarships, we put people with disabilities to work and provide them an opportunity to further their education. You can do your part by encouraging an employer to hire people with disabilities.  Also, call or write your congressman or congresswoman and ask them what they are doing to increase awareness of the fact that people with disabilities want, need, and deserve quality employment.

If you would like to help us advocate on behalf of people with disabilities we have brochures to help and we can provide these to you for free, just message us, call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and we would love to help. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Thank you for your support and God bless your kind heart!

Mays Mission employees from our job training program for individuals with disabilities
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Programs

Mission Gift Paks

  Mays Mission likes to call our employees with disabilities “handicapable” employees.

  One exciting and rewarding project for the employees of Mays Mission for the Handicapped is the Gift Pak program. This program helps our employees with disabilities help themselves.

  The Gift Paks are put together from items produced at the Mission. Each Gift Pak contains a pen, postcards, personal notepads, bookmarks, and our New Hope Newsletter. They are designed, printed, and assembled by the Handicapable employees of Mays Mission.

  Each year our representatives make tours across the United States visiting some of our handicapped friends and stopping at nursing care facilities to distribute these Gift Paks. We also ship our Gift Paks out to interested nursing homes.

  When we began this program we had no idea it would receive such a favorable response. We received many letters from nursing home directors expressing how much each resident enjoyed the Gift Pak. We are certainly proud of them!

  It is through the generosity of our donors that we are able to help others. For more information, or for gift paks that you can help distribute, please call us at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today and please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.

Photos of Mays Mission volunteers visiting with disabled veterans during a Veterans Home Tour
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Programs

Become an advocate for people with disabilities today!

What can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?

The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.

Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.

Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and direct mail, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.

Through our On-The-Job Training Program we have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling. This On-The-Job Training Program is only possible because of the kind hearts of our donors.

For over fifty years now here at Mays Mission we have had one goal: to aid and assist people with disabilities. Won’t you please join us?  Call us at 1-888-503-7955, email us at info@maysmission.org or message us on Facebook or Instagram to learn more about our programs and see how you can be an advocate for people with disabilities. We have brochures produced by individuals with disabilities we can send you free of charge to share in your community. And we accept donations through Paypal, just click the donate button here on our website. Thank you so much for your help in our mission of over 50 years of serving the disabled!

photos from our job training program for individuals with disabilities and a photo of a camp volunteer and camper from a summer camp sponsored by Mays Mission.
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Programs

Disability is Ok!

I once wrote about my pastor’s son going to St. Louis for some specified surgery to relieve spasticity related to cerebral palsy (CP).  He is doing very well and the doctors are extremely pleased with the outcome. Pastor said something about it in one of his sermons which sincerely hit home with me. In preparing to make the trip from Searcy, Arkansas to St. Louis, my pastor asked his son if he was still feeling good about the pending surgery. The response was positive and then further explained: “You know daddy, I’m really not that disappointed with the life I have now.” Dad was dumbfounded!

Those not having to deal with disability in the first-person (they themselves afflicted), often try to push or force “cures,” “healing processes,” or the latest technologies on to those they care for.  For certain, this desire to see a son, daughter, brother or sister cured of their disability stems from a deep, sincere love.

Sometimes though, as stated above, people with disabilities are satisfied to live the life that has been dealt them.  It’s not that bad.  Our desires to see improvements in the quality of life of others are good, commendable and probably natural, especially in the eyes of loving parents.  And, even though parents often know what’s best, it is a good idea (most of the time) to include “everyone” in the decision-making process.

Discuss disabilities with loved ones.  If they are comfortable with life the way life is, it may be best to simply love them like you always have and leave well enough alone.  Just some food for thought!

Thank you for your support. Feel free to call us or email us for copies of brochures like “The Spirit of Volunteerism” or “Faith In Action Caregivers Alliance” that were produced by employees with disabilities right here at Mays Mission.