On the fourth Friday of every month, the Havana Community Development Corporation hosts its Senior’s 55 plus Day Out program.
In July, Gadsden County Commissioner Ronterious T. Green gave a warm introduction of the guest speaker, Dr. Judy Mandrell, who is also his Godmother.
Green, reading some parts of Mandrell’s lengthy bio while reminiscing about taking trips with his godparents Gerald and Judy Mandrell including his first trip to Disney World as a young boy and being treated as family.
“The invaluable life lessons, spiritual guidance and discipline, from my godparents has had a lasting impact on my life,” said Green, the owner of The Greenery Floral and Tuxedo Shop in Quincy.
Gathering from all walks of life, on July 26, the crowd of more than 50 people came together for a program focusing on “Exploring Strategies and Protecting our Youth and Society.”
The presentation by special guest Judy Mandrell, known for her compassionate work with young women and children, held the audience’s attention with humor and straight forward strategies to strengthen the relationship between seniors and the youth in the community.
“It’s an honor to be old,” Mandrell began. “I’ve always loved the older people, and their wisdom.”
Speaking mostly in a soft tone wearing colorful large glasses with a matching blazer, adding a vibrant pop to her look, giving a fun vibe the audience seem to enjoy. Sharing tips about the importance of strengthening the relationships with one’s family, emphasizing that seniors possess a lifetime of work ethic and wisdom. Suggesting all of which can help the younger generations.
“Young kids are angry,” Mandrell pointed out. “We have to help our young kids today, sit them down and talk to them.”
Mandrell, the wife of Superintendent Gerald Mandrell for nearly 43 years, worked as a social worker for 20 years in Gadsden County. The voice of her own radio show, Real Talk with Judy, is one that has become a popular choice amongst many people of all ages and backgrounds, sharing her personal stories and experiences while encouraging her listeners to do the same.
“Don’t hide your mistakes,” Mandrell advised. “Tell your stories, we have lost the power of the black family,” she added.
During an interview, Mandrell stated that seniors can advocate change and support by contacting their elected officials to express their concerns and propose solutions.
Following Mandrell, was a testimony by Quentin Farmer, a local restaurant general manager, who shared how he overcame addiction.
Standing front and center in a room of silence glancing towards the window, Farmer, the father to a 13-year- old son, took a moment to reflect on his life. Once facing the audience, glaring in the eyes of his supportive family members, his mother, grandmother and aunt were sitting near the front of the room. Overcome with emotion and struggling to hold back tears, Farmer began to share his testimony.
“I look like everything I’ve been through,” Farmer began.
Overlooking the audience, through an explanation, Farmer, the eldest of three siblings, told the crowd he never thought he would go down the wrong path. At the peak age of mid 30s, he began dabbling in a variety of street drugs. Starting with powdered crack cocaine, and eventually using ice, meth and molly all while drinking on a regular basis.
“I would get great jobs,” Farmer said. “I’ve worked at Publix, Target and other great places in leadership roles,” added the Monticello native.
Farmer said drugs change your attitude. Admitting, going without a license for a decade, putting drugs over priorities, losing jobs, families and friends. The relationship between him and his young son grew distant, mostly due to Farmer’s behavior. After several years of using drugs he became tired, and mentally exhausted.
“One day I woke up,” said the local business owner of Buy Black Tally.
After running out of places to turn to, Farmer decided to make the call that would change his life forever. First reaching out to a friend named Michael (unsure of last name) he met through social media, who once mentioned information about a rehabilitation center. That friend purchased him a one way ticket to Jacksonville, Florida.
Farmer recalls arriving in Jacksonville on Christmas Eve in 2019, The Christian Rehab Center was an At-Will site, meaning one could leave at any moment.
“I completed the program and graduated,”Farmer said. “Becoming a mentor to incoming clients and teaching the same class where my recovery journey began,” he added.
Today, Farmer is five years clean, boasting a strong bond with his family and teenage son. He has become a local leader, dedicating his life to helping others find hope through his story.
He gives credit to his ex-wife for motivating him during recovery and taking great care of his son until he was able to return home.
“I try to tell my story to encourage the youth,” Farmer said, “It took self-discipline to get to this point.”
Kiwanis White – Gadsden County News Service
