Earlier this year, at the 25th annual Frisco Family Services (FFS) Gala ONE event, attendees were given the opportunity to hear the story of local Darlene Jenkins, whose life was profoundly impacted through FFS.
Ms. Jenkins is the widow of the late Reverend Dr. Berlin Jenkins and is the proud mother of five children and two grandchildren. “I am currently employed at the Ethan Allen Design Center Flagship Store of Frisco and a member of the Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony. I am a native of Gary, Ind., and have served as First Lady to congregations in Ind., La. and Calif. I am a motivational speaker and former home-stager. My passion is enhancing the lives of others,” she shares.
In February 2012, Ms. Jenkins’ family relocated from southern Calif. to the Frisco area. Ms. Jenkins became acquainted with FFS through a referral by a home health aide when, only six weeks after relocating to Frisco, the Jenkins family found themselves in the middle of the crisis of their lives. Ms. Jenkins remembers, “My husband was diagnosed with stage four inoperable, metastasized colon cancer. I immediately began to seek the best medical care available. It only took a few months to exhaust all of our assets, as his treatment was beyond expensive and his health declined rapidly. We were completely drained, both financially and emotionally. I had sold our car, liquidated all of our savings and solicited assistance from friends and relatives across the country – all of whom were beyond kind! I took the referral to FFS from the young lady and it changed our lives.”
Reverend Dr. Jenkins lost his battle on May 18, 2013. Following his death, Ms. Jenkins says FFS did not abandon her. While her family members were profoundly impacted through the servant hearts and resources of FFS, Ms. Jenkins now seeks to share her story and help others understand the impact the organization has on everyday people in our community.
