Letter – Leary/Gonyer (Jones) to President and Mrs. Carter; “… Enclosed is a book by Jeanette Jones written about you and for you …”; Color picture of Jeanette Jones; 16 pg

Jones, Je Folder Citation: Collection: Whit Central Files; Series: Name Files; Folder: Jones, Je; Container: 1683 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON RSC: This girl, who is mentally retarded, wrote a story about you and the President. I thought you might want to personally acknowledge her efforts. Kathy + THE WHITE HOUSE December 19, 1977 Miss Jeanette Jones c/o Ms. Cindy Leary Amelia Island Care Center 2700 Atlantic Avenue Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 Dear Jeanette: Thank you so much for writing a book about Jimmy and me. I enjoyed reading it and was very impressed by all the hard work that went into it. Both Jimmy and I are grateful for your support. Sincerely, Rosalgn Carter RECEIVED DEC 22 SOCIAL FILES 2 NOV 28 1977 AMELIA ISLAND CARE CENTER 2700 Atlantic Avenue Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 Telephone 904/261-5518 WHITE HOUSE PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WASHINGTON D.C. November 18, 1977 Dear President and Mrs. Carter, Enclosed is a book by Jeanette Jones written about you and for you. She is twenty years old and lives at Amelia Island Care Center; a training center and home for the mentally retarded. 1 would like to give you more information about her physical limitations and retardation so you would understand how much time and effort went into this book. But, fortunately, we cannot give out confidential information. To give you an example of her determination to complete the book, it took over four months to finish the first draft. We did not edit the book at all so what you read is what Jeanette dictated and spelled letter-for-letter! We all thank Mrs. Carter for her efforts concerning the mentally retarded. These people need all the help they can get, but unfor- tunately, the funds generated by the government are not enough to cover the cost for excellent nursing care and training in indepen- dent daily living skills. At this point, though, I must say I feel Amelia island Care Center provides the best training and care in the state of Florida! We are an ICF/MR unit (Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded) which is a program that follows federal, state and district guidelines. 1 am also enclosing two pages of information about AICC that we send to families who wish to learn more about our program. Perhaps this will give you a better idea as to how our system operates and what we offer. Jeanette is patiently awaiting a response from you about her book. If you have the time, please convey your feelings to her as this will encourage her to keep writing and improve her abilities. We would be pleased to have you visit Amelia Island Care Center any- time you are in the Jacksonville area. Thank you for your time and consideration. Incidentally, 1 am from Waycross, Georgia and 1 love peanuts! Respectfully, Condy Leang Brade Real Cindy Leary Bradley K. Gonyer Qualified Mental Retardation Professional Administrator THE AMERICAN Jones by Jeanette Jones Once upon a time there lived a boy named Jimmy Carter. He WRS born in Plains, Georgia on October 1. His mother WAS a nurse. She used to take care of him and all the sick who needed help. Jimmy Carter does meant work D S the President. He WAS governor of Georgia for four years. His brother, Billy Carter, is 9 peanut srower. He CROWS peanuts and rais as crops. He also smokes four Dacks of cigarettes a CAV. Jimmy Carter's wife is first lady. She and Jimmy want to London to see the other Presidents. He has a little grandson. His name is Jason. Jimmy Carter has blue aves, brown hair and a pretty Hmile. I really think Jimmy Carter will make A rood President for the next four years. Even though some people don't like him very much, Jimmy Carter is the kind of man, I feel can hardle the Presidency. Me has his own WAY of doing things, they All to sometimes. I ACREA with Jimmv Carter, that people should he able to met back to work. I don't know about the other people who don't like Jimmv Carter, but I like him and my teacher does too. I know that Perry's daughter like President Certer a little bit, but I like him oven more. Jammy Carter went to California one day and he was back the next day. He is & great man and I still think I will make it. All the other Presidents didn't do so well, but this President is going to do better than the other Presidents, because he works hard at it. I SGW Jimmy Carter on the news today and he was talking about other people who needed help. He is not going to give up. Jimmy Carter has a lot of courage and he is talking like be enjoys the Presidency. When He first become President the other President had to step down, he didn't like that. He was hoerse, President Ford could hardly say goodbye. But they have him a goodbye salute with Runs, on that sine day in January Jimmy Carter became President. Things are not so good, but I believe that Jimmy Certer is moing to make a pood President for this country, I missed the news conference today, but I could hear him talking on this television, Fe was saving something about taxes, I believe that the best President is Jimmy Carter. Though some people don't like the way he does things. I really feel he will make R good President in the next Cour years. My teacher really likes President Carter. All the people around the world need help and Carter is trying - page two - to do whatever he can. One reason I think he knows what he is doing is be cause he was poor when he ran for governor of Georgis, CHAPTER II The girl scouts of America love you so much that we had to write a book about you because we thought that you were pretty great. Jackie and Rob got me a picture of you in my pocket, Manoy Eilkoms likes you too and Billyn. I carry your pigture in my pocket book every where I 20. The boy scouts of America think your pretty great too. CHAPTER III President Carter's wifes name is Rosalind Carter. She's on a. trip to South America. She started out in Jamice. She is traveling with the Secretary of State's wife. Jimmy Carter is now back in :ashington with his daughter Amy Carter. Calvin, my brother, my dad, and I like Carter ton. 7 cuess that is why I wrote this book. Because my whole family likes Carter and his family. The people of Amelia Island Care Center like Carter too. Most of all I think be is 0 creat man. And I'm always glad to meet him too. Fost of all I like to meet someone who likes Carter as much as I do. - pare three - CHAPTER IV Ann is a Carter fan. I am a Carter fan. The Fisherman is a group of singers who sing on a tape and I play it all the time. Laretta Sandress and her Russell likes it too, and my brother likes it too. CHAPTER V I 88% President Carter on the m.V. yesterday. He had a news conference, he talked about some of the things he is moing to do while he is still in office. This ambassador to the UN, Andrew Young made a mistake, he corrected by saying that he misused the word racism, I think we will write about Soing the news conference. It was kinda interesting to see him and his dayghter there. He had to PO ahead with the news conference. He was pretty strong about telling the people of the United States about the new plan that he has. The first lady is back from her trip and she said she was going to consult with Jimmy on everything that she learned on her trip. I think that Mrs. Carter loves Jimmy SQ much that she has a right to consult earth and tell him all about the trip and everywhere she went. This book has meant a lot to me. I hope I can really finish it someday. I will, write in it each day. CHAPTER VI I like Jimmy Carter and Amelia Island Care Center. - name four - I would like to see you sometime if I could. Carol likes Carter. Janelle like Certer too. Amelia Island is where people live. It's pretty nice, all the kids get to eat what they want, well sometimes snyway. May 31 way my brothers birthday and I hope he has 9 handy birthday. My birthday is June 24. The people here and nice and they have day off, five days off. Mixon wesint TR rood President, because he messed up the war and be committed waterrate. I like President Certer and also my sister thinks he's very nice. President Nixon and the other hoys and President Ford stares like a President. President Carter has got a great plan to help our nation. He is one of the best persons I know and I care alot about President Carter and his family. CHAPTER VIP My mother came or Father's Day and she like President Carter. I really think my nother would understand why I'm writing a book about 8 man I like. I not other plans after I finish my book, but I don't know exactly what they are right now. President Carter and Roselind are still happy and President Carter is back in the Whitebouse. - pare five - CHAPTER VIII I had a PROO trin home and T BAW President Carter on T.V. He was talking about bombs. Marlyin, that's my friend, she likes Carter too. She and all the other families need jobs. I feel Carter will get it for her. I just had a talk with Jacky last night. She said if I finish the book I'll have to send it to you, and try to set it published. CHARTER IN Cindy Leary loves Carter and all the people on night shift like him. But Cindy is one person who under- stands I love him. Carolyn Elaine like Carter too, but she does not know I'm writing a book. I tried to figure out how long It would take me to write this book, 60 I could pet it sublished. And that would he my first book, I really think I am doine great. There is going to be a news conference today at 2:30 And there're going to talk about energy savings. A friend of mine mave ae a birthday bracelet. I love President Carter and always will. If he ever stops being President I will still love nin. Mv mother used to overflow when Evelyn said something about President Carter. - page six - CHAPTER X I think Jimmy Carter looks like President Kennedy, who was president in 1965. Me was 3 creat man, but I never got to see him on V. Other Presidents didn't do S.O mood with watermate and everything. Nixon was in the Maternate Scannal. Then they had e trial and e couple with Nixon massed up the White House. Carter is not going to do that. I seen it on P.V. He would try to stop the bomb. I liked all the Presidents but one, that's Nixon, he 616 not 60 3 wood job. Energy crisis, money problems, and waterrate problems. He is to telk 1t over with his wife. The ambessadors wife went down on a trip with Rosaland Carter. When I met finished with this book it is going to be A hit to some people, but not to other people. President Carter's birthday is today, October 1. I went to the Lutheran Church next door Friday and I met one of the nicest preschers ever. The Lutheran Prince of Peace like Jimmy Carter, and they like President Carter 80 much that they want me to hurry up end finish this book. Heather Michel and Elizabikh and she might understand President Carter. Heather Michel is so beautiful like her mother if President Carter seen her he would fall in love with her. This might be a surprise for President Carter. I'm Jeanette Jones, I'm 20 years old and I'm in a wheel chair at the Amelia Island Care Center. 06 FA seven Other Presidents like President Carter. Also Marjorie brought ber little baby Sdward Thomas Allen Rodrers, he is really cute. The people here are really nice. Shirley is going to type this for me. President Carter is one of the nicest men I know. Fe is the 39th President of the United States. Nebody knows how much this means to me. I think that President Carteris really mest. Frankie B is going to play Jimmy Carter. I'm woing to he playing Roseland Carter, *itch is playing Billy Carter. Cote is woing to play Andrew Young and Wileen is moinm to play Jimmy Carter's Mother and Vicki M. will be Amy. Mildred A. Williamson, one of the micest persons I ever knew. Jan met my mother on Father's day and she thought she was pretty nice. I wich that she would come back so I could see her. Ralph L Junior Jones is MV brother and he and my mother are going to play in 6 play together. If they can vet it set up, they are moing to be in Amelia Island Care Center and its about this President. Jeanette Jones, Jdanette' A sister was born March 7, 1974. Carolyn Casey - no can walk and talk and is bright, Slaine Jones. June 24, 1957 is Jeanette's Birthday, This is going to be a book. Cathy says Jimmy Carter is o.k. The teacher is out and will be back tomorrow hopefully. - page eight - Sammy is a friend of Jeanettes. Steve Jones is my brother, he is in the Army and I don't know if be is coming home to read my book, Steve is a good brother, when he wants to be. On October 30 at the Lutheran Church a little girl was baptised. That was me! ! Credits This is a book that willyne encouraged me and helped me to write idea. when I told her of my start PC And to Mike, whom I always will adore! we a nette And to Pan who is like my sister! town AMELIA ISLAND CARE CENTER 2700 Atlantic Avenue Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 Telephone 904/261-5518 Presently AICC has 60 beds; 28 for the mentally retarded residents and 32 beds for the geriatric patients. In January '78 we will have 30 geriatric beds and 90 M.R. beds. The geriatric unit will be completely separate from the M.R. unit with their own dining room, game rooms and lounges. The physical plant is of Spanish architect with the traditional arches and red shingled roof. The entire facility is on ground level. We are located on Atlantic Ave, 2 blocks from the main beach and ocean. The FORT CLINCH State Park is directly across the street with camping, fishing and recreational activities that enable families and friends to enjoy a camping experience while visiting AICC. There is a motel across the street and another one 46 blocks away in which friends or relatives of the Care Center residents can get a discount rate. There is a downtown shopping area approximately 13 mile from the Center on Atlantic Ave. and a shopping center approximately 31 miles away. Another shopping center should be completed by summer of '78. The city Recreation Center is à block from the Center on Atlantic Ave. The residents use the Recreation Center pool daily in the summer or warm months and they also use the Ceramic Shop weekly year round. There is a Lutheran Church next door and a bus from a Baptist Church comes every Sunday to get residents who wish to attend their church. Other arrangements will be made for various religions on request. Church is held 2 times a day every Sunday in the facility. Bible Study is held once a week for residents who wish to attend. Other recreational interests include movies at least once a week. There are three Art & Craft Groups in which residents participate once a week. The Ceramic Shop is open to all capable residents once a week although the residents also have ceramic activities at the Center and send the greenware to the shop to be fired. Each Resident may leave the facility at least once a week for field trips to. various places on the island and trips to Jacksonville are made frequently. The Center also provides Story Hour once a week for interested residents and Bingo every week with prizes for winners. There is scheduled entertainment at least 2 times a month including plays, rock and roll bands and birthday parties. Home visits are encouraged for any day of the week for any length of time to maintain healthy family relationships. In the area of programming we offer Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy with a prescribed program to be followed and monitored daily by assigned qualified personnell for those residents in need of such training. Presently we have five instructors responsible for academic training under the direct supervision of a certified Special Education teacher. Academic training takes place four days a week and includes classes in Math, Time and Money Management, Reading, Science, Adult Stimulation, Environmental Awaremess, Conceptual & Attending Skills and any other area will be offered for residents who need training in areas not mentioned. Banking Activities are held once a week with commelling as needed for withdrawing money. At present, Workshop Activites include Table setting and clearing, simple meal preparation, sanding, hammering, simple building techniques and bead stringing. The Care Center also provides training in self-care development. Any self-help skills the resident needs and is capable of learning are offered. We presently have training in feeding, drinking, toileting, bathing, hair brushing and combing, toothbrushing, bedmaking, shaving, transferring, straw sucking, behavior manage- ment, dressing and general appearance. Many more will follow as our new residents come. we have on staff nurses, resident living aides, instructors, a Social Worker, Master Social Worker, Retardation Professional, Pirector of Nurses, Dietician and Pietary Supervisor. Our consultant staff consists of a Hehavior Specialist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Academic Consult, Psychologist and an on-call PhD (medical). Our staff ratio is 2 to 1 over a 24 hour period. We follow state and federal quidelines and regulations that must be met and on-going in order to receive certification for continuing operation. We are inspected P. times a year by State Surveyors and in the two years we've been operating we have been considered outstanding for the efforts and progress we have made. And we do not intend to stop now! If you have any further questions or additional information about ICF/MR placement, please contact me at your convenience. Evendy Leauy Cindy Leary, QMRP Qualified Mental Retardation Professional