One Monticello Life: Donna White
Published by Joe Burgess March 16th, 2008 in Feature: OML.Donna White is a special person. April 1st will be Donna’s 4 year anniversary working at the Drew County Development Disabilities Adult Center.
She began there working in The Other Way, their thrift store, and has since been serving as an instructor there, working with the organization’s clients, “not only in a classroom setting, but also with life-skills such as cooking, general housekeeping, basic money management, and picking out daily clothes,” Donna explained. She continued, “We also spend time teaching them “people skills”, such as shaking hands, and not hugging people when you meet them in public.”
Donna explained, “Our students are normal people, just like everyone else, it’s just that some things take more time. They desire love and attention, just like we do. It really makes me appreciate what I do, when I see someone’s face light up, when they’ve achieved a goal, or accomplished a task that they’ve been working on.”
Mrs. White was born and raised in the Lacey area. She graduated from Drew Central High School.
Her husband of 7 years, Tony White, works in the field of poultry farming. Her son, Antonio Owens, age 22, has attended ITT Tech, and her daughter, TLisa Owens, age 20, has attended UCA at Conway, and is currently in the National Guard, nearing graduation from Basic Training.
Donna is a member of the Holy Devine Spiritual Church, at Lacey, where Rev. Foster is pastor. She is president of the choir, helps with worship programs (like this week’s Easter program), and basically does “whatever needs to be taken care of.”
Donna used to play baseball as member of the T.J. Tigers, where Tommy Daniels, her brother, was also the team’s coach. At Drew Central, she played basketball and ran track.
Donna’s hobbies include singing and making crafts.
Donna’s favorites include:
Restaurant-Popeye’s
TV Show-C.S.I. & Law & Order, all of them
Phrase-”Oh Lord.”
Actor-Eddie Murphy
Movie-Dr. Doolittle
Book-The Little Train That Could
Music-Gospel and Blues
Song or hymn-”Jesus You Held On”
In closing, Donna wanted to compliment her “mentor” at work, Mrs Debra Banks.
Donna was nominated for One Monticello Life, by Donna Francis, our County Extension Agent, e-mailed MonticelloLive, “I do programs monthly at The Other Way for the clients of the Drew County Adult Developmental Disability Council. Donna has worked there for years and does an excellent job. She has a beautiful smile and is so kind and encouraging to the clients she works with. I just thought she would be an excellent choice for the One Monticello Life column. ”
Thanks, Donna White, for all you do, and for sharing your One Monticello Life.
Follow this link to a history of “One Monticello Life“.
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It was with great pleasure that I read of Donna’s inclusion in “One Monticello Life”. I can attest to the fact that Donna is a unique individual. She cares very much about the people in the program, and they care very much for her.
It has been my pleasure to get to know Donna over the last three years. Thank you, Donna, for saying that I have been your mentor. We work well together, as do all the staff at our Adult Development program. I appreciate you all.
Debra Banks
Congratulations, Donna!
I’m so proud to know you as a friend! Thank you for the dedication you have for that job! I can recall when you first started working there and how happy you were! Just knowing the difference that you made in the lives of so many children..God will bless you in abundance! Take care and know that God Loves You..just keep up the great work! You are loved!!! Have a beautiful and blessed day!
Sincerely..
Nan Carter
Great job Aunt Duck!!!!! Me and Talyn love you!! Keep up the good work!!!
How proud we are of our neighbor and good friend, Donna White! She is deserving of such praise. Go, Donna!
I am so proud of you. Go Donna! You deserve a BIG FAT RAISE!