A letter from Pennie Tomlison in September 2009 addressed to KASSSI member Sadie Walcott Hensell after hearing of KASSSI’s work:
Dear Ms Sadie,
It was a pleasure meeting you earlier at your home and then again during the word-day at the Health Fair.
Let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Pennie Tomlinson, I am a missionary sent from Michigan in the U.S.A. and have lived in Jamaica since July of 2000. My first eight and one-half (8-1/2) years were in the Kingston, Jamaica area having just moved to Whitehouse, Westmoreland last fall. Following my move to Whitehouse, I went to the US for a period, returning this July. I am completely financed by my home church of Faith Christian Center of Holland, Michigan and other supporters from the states.
Prior to moving to Jamaica, I raised (3) three birth-daughters and (2) two adopted children and offered a home to (7) seven foster children as well through the years. These children are all grown up now with children of their own. One of my daughters has adopted a little girl from Jamaica – whose name is Chloe.
I worked for years with the Ottawa County Court System in Michigan as a Child’s Advocate, also as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor for the HELP-line with Community Mental Health and as a Counsellor for Women in Transition – a Crisis Center for women in all sorts of transition, job, abuse, divorce etc.
During my years in Kingston, I started a basic school at the Marigold Place of Safety and Administrated that for seven (7) years working closely with Mrs. Lucille King-Brown and Ms. Janet Davidson. On behalf of Swallowfield Chapel, I hosted an annual Christmas function for all the workers and children, an annual Sport’s Day for the children that of course included all the workers and an annual Mother’s Day Brunch for the workers where they were honoured with a program, gifts and recognition for their years of service.
I also worked with the children’s programs of Swallowfield Chapel as well as years of service with their Outreach Program and did years of service with the Child Evangelism Fellowship Ministry of Kingston.
My passion is working with children and I would be honoured to work with your Social Workers / teachers and the children of Westmoreland. Since I do not find children’s homes in Westmoreland, I have been volunteering at the Whitehouse Cottage with Matron Mullings as overseer, and have gone to the Infirmary to help in any way they may need my services. I am also able to work with computers and all office equipment; however, as I mentioned, my heart’s desire is to work with children
Thank you respectfully for the opportunity to serve the community and the children of Westmoreland
Most Sincerely,
Pennie Tomlinson
Ted
