Bringing awareness to people with Down syndrome

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Tuesday marked World Down Syndrome Day, a chance for everyone, including many in Northeast Arkansas, to bring awareness and make changes.

Sharnice Wilson, the director at Focus Inc., said helping those with Down syndrome is something she has always wanted to do.

“I like being a positive impact on people’s lives, and it is great to have an impact, and it is appreciated,” she said of her clients. “They make me feel very appreciated for everything I do, and I just love it. I wake up every day doing what I love.”

Doing what Wilson loves is made easy by the people in the program. She explained the men and women are so respectful and, most importantly, thankful for the help.

“Like I said, they are appreciative of everything, and for it to be Down Syndrome Day, a day only for them is really great,” Wilson said.

One of those women who has Down syndrome, Marsena Louis Jones, is thankful for everything Wilson and Focus Inc. do.

“I like to come here and focus on work and learn to live with ourselves and others,” Jones said.

Wilson said she wished World Down Syndrome Day was not just one day of the year, adding it should be every day because of how amazing they really are.

“I want people to know they are human just like us, I treat them how I would want to be treated, just like family,” Wilson said.