Mississippi Delta Community Revitalized by the
Devoted Work of Sister Teresa Shields
JACKSON, Miss. – The residents of Jonestown, Mississippi worked hand-in-hand with Sister Teresa Shields and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to bring education and health opportunities to their community. The documentary “Enriching Destiny” recounts how the special partnership between Sister Teresa and Jonestown residents built the Jonestown Family Center for Education and Wellness.
“Enriching Destiny” airs Monday, Dec. 12 at 10 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television. The documentary airs again on MPB TV Dec. 18 at 12 noon and 4:30 p.m. The soundtrack features award-winning Delta Blues musician James “Super Chikan” Johnson.
“I’m honored and humbled that the Jonestown Family Center and the work of the staff and the board are being showcased in ‘Enriching Destiny’,” said Sister Teresa. “The film shows respect for the citizens of Jonestown as they work to improve the lives of their children, families and neighbors.” After three decades of service, Sister Teresa now returns to Seattle, Washington to undertake a new ministry. Her legacy will continue to enrich Jonestown for many years to come.
The Jonestown Family Center for Education and Wellness works to improve the general welfare of the Jonestown residents and surrounding area. Health and fitness club, Montessori pre-school, after-school enrichment and parent education are some of the programs offered at the center.
“With courage, grace, integrity and love, Sister Teresa Shields and the Holy Name Sisters built the Jonestown Family Center for Education and Wellness shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Jonestown and that’s important because the community owns it and takes pride in it.” said Erickson S. Blakney, co-producer of “Enriching Destiny.”
“Enriching Destiny” is the second film MPB TV is airing from the True Delta Project, a series of documentaries produced by Blakney and directed by Lee Quinby. Last year, MPB TV aired From the Crossroads to the White House. Daniel Scarpati is the director of cinematography for "Enriching Destiney" with additional filming done by University of Mississippi journalism and multimedia instructor Ji Joon Heo.
