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34 | MACON MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015 ADVERTISING | Women IN BUSINESS JIMESE LIGHTFOOT HELPING OUT PEOPLE ENVIRONMENTS, LLC "Building H.O.P.E. Throughout the Community" 750 Baconsfield Drive, Suite 113 478.238.6269 | peopleenvironments.org Tell us about your business and career path. I am the co-owner and founder of Helping Out People Environments, LLC. My company is a Georgia Medicaid provider for adults with developmental disabilities. Helping Out People Environments officially opened August 15, 2009 and now has 10 residential group homes. My agency also provides support for families in their homes. My newest facility is more than 13,000 square feet and is located in the Baconsfield Business Center in east Macon. Helping Out People Environments is fully accredited through e Council on Quality and Leadership. I was born in Macon and attended Northeast Magnet High School. I graduated from Albany State University Cum Lade with a degree in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Business Management. I received my Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Fort Valley State University in 2006. I began my career at River Edge Behavioral Health Center as the Day Program Coordinator for adults with Developmental Disabilities. I worked there for three years and became Clinical Coordinator for the Advocacy Resources Center. At the Advocacy Resources Center, I had many roles. I was able to attend training that enhanced my knowledge about working with and helping adults with developmental disabilities. In 2008 I worked with e Macon Housing Authority as the Elderly and Disabled Coordinator. I met some great seniors who really changed my life. I initiated many programs and worked with the Social Security Administration, Meals on Wheels and Medicaid and Medicare programs. ese experiences prepared me to realize my dream. Finally, after hard work and many prayers, in 2009, my business partner and I officially opened our agency. What is most challenging about what you do? Trying to create public acceptance for people with developmental disabilities. You and I do not have to ask permission to live in neighborhoods because we are considered "normal." What is most gratifying? I am overwhelmed when I am out in the community, and I see individuals we work with who are now able to go to restaurants, church or on vacations. is is where I get my greatest satisfaction and gratification. Looking in their eyes and seeing that they are having the opportunities to live meaningful lives makes my job worthwhile. Where do you see yourself and your business 5 years from now? Our dream is to have a state-of-art facility that includes a cafeteria, gymnasium, training facility, adequate classroom spaces for the day program, and office locations for our administration. Hopefully in the next five years, we will be providing services throughout the state for adults and children. I believe in our ability, and I know that Helping Out People Environments is the best because our agency exemplifies empathy and compassion.