On the Summit’s Horizon: Helping Hands Home Care Services
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
“Ain’t nothing a woman can’t do with her hands.” The sage advice from her late Maternal Grandmother inspired Shaquetta Woods Williams to launch Helping Hands Home Care Services, LLC in Fort Wayne.
One could say that entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Woods Williams. Her grandparents Charles and the late Bessie Turner were the owners of Maaow’s Smokehouse on King Street. “I grew up in the business. I would say that working the register and learning the day-to-day operations of the restaurant prepared me for entrepreneurship,” said Woods Williams.
Many years after Maaow’s Smokehouse had closed, Woods Williams had the privilege of caring for her Grandmother until she passed away from cancer. “My Grandmother encouraged me to start my own business at that time. I did not step out on faith immediately. However, after 27 years of working for other agencies including ResCare and Oak Street Health, I launched Helping Hands out of a bedroom in my house.” These humble beginnings mirrored that of her Grandparents’ restaurant which started in the backyard of their home and later grew to a stand alone building with enough notoriety to have a commercial that aired on local television.
The process of becoming licensed did not come without struggle. Woods Williams was denied twice before being granted a license. She was granted a license on Thursday, April 6, 2023, which happened to be her late Grandmother’s birthday whose photo adorns Helping Hands Home Care Services, LLC marketing materials. Currently the agency provides the following services: Medication Reminders, Companion and 24-Hour Care and Housekeeping Support.
“Bessie Turner is truly the inspiration behind my being in business and staying the course of this journey filled with its shares of twists and turns. I know she is smiling from the balcony of Heaven as I do what God has called me to do in this season,” said Woods Williams.
I am currently taking care of my 92-year-old grandfather, Charles Turner who made sure I used a pretty picture of his late wife. “I am honored to have him live with me and my husband, Devlyn Williams who has been more than supportive in my endeavor. He is not a medical professional but has encouraged me every step of the way and made sure I didn’t give up when I received the denials.” Williams has taken the lead in providing transportation services to and from medical appointments for our clients.
In addition to her husband, Woods Williams Mother, Felicia Macon takes the lead in advertising for Helping Hands Home Care Services. “My Mom is a huge supporter as I have traveled through this journey. We are blessed to have a daughter that serves as the human resources coordinator and another who supports the corporation in public relations and event planning. “She will help me with an upcoming Disabilities Expo hosted by the AWS Foundation at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on May 11. I am looking forward to this opportunity to promote the business. Although I do not desire to become too big.”
Woods Williams does all the intakes for new clients. “It is essential that new and existing clients feel comfortable with those providing services. Your home is your personal space. I have worked hard to gain the trust of these families. We must maintain an open-door policy where we can be reached at any time.” Those that work for Helping Hands know that they are representing me and my grandmother,” said Woods Williams.
“I know my mother is safe. Mrs. Woods Williams calls my mom and asks how things are going. There is a genuine concern. She is always available. I had a question about my mom’s hours, and she called right back. That is not the same with all companies. I have had experiences with other companies where it was like “pulling teeth” to get a returned call. Not Helping Hands and Mrs. Woods Williams. Her clients are getting the best service possible. I am comfortable with working and leaving my Mom. I would highly recommend Helping Hands Home Care Services, LLC without reservation,” said Raycheen Guy, daughter of a Helping Hands client.
Woods Williams’ son, Malik who was a standout basketball player at R. Nelson Snider High School (power forward/center) and at the University of Louisville has also helped introduce Helping Hands Home Care Services, LLC to the Summit City with a 2023 Book Bag Giveaway in the Eden Green/Chapel Oaks Neighborhood of Fort Wayne. The organization was able to give away more than 500 book bags within two hours. Malik Williams is currently playing for the Toronto Raptors and plans to make the Book Bag Giveaway bigger and better. “My son continues to be a huge push and always asks how he can help. We were blessed to have several sponsors including five area barbers who provided free haircuts.”
When asked what is next for Helping Hands? Woods Williams shared that she would like to eventually open a residential facility for ladies with disabilities who have children. “The current local facilities do not permit these women to stay once they have children unless they relinquish custody. This facility would allow the mother and child to stay together. I would also like to open a home for those women transitioning out of prison. We have facilities for the justice involved men but none for women in the Summit City.” said, Woods Williams.
To learn more about the services provided by Helping Hands Home Care Services, LLC please visit the website: helpinghhcs1.com. Helping Hands can also be reached via email/telephone: HelpingHHCS1@gmail.com (260)255-1165.