Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacques Causey
Hi Jacques, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Jacques Nicole Causey. CEO of Affinity Care Group LLC and Licensed Professional Counselor at Causey Counseling Consultation & Coaching. Ten years ago, I documented that I would 1 day have my own company related to Mental Health, I still have the journal in my procession. An Alumni of the University of Memphis, I graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology, minor in English. My mother JoAnn Jones-Causey (deceased 7 months now) pushed me to my limits to continue my educational goals and press forward to obtain a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from Walden University. I worked as an independent Support Coordinator where I coordinated services and advocated for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities to live a quality life. I thrived in helping persons implement action plans empowering them to accomplish their goals, when others counted them out due to their disabilities. Part of my employment responsibilities were to complete home visits and ensure that persons were treated with respect and dignity and getting proper care. This is how I initially was introduced to individuals with disabilities, that made me want to continue my journey with helping.
I thought to myself, I can do this! I can do it better! Was I in for a true awakening? I started off with 2 other Business partners; however, I now only have 1 Business Partner. We both collaborated to create Affinity Care Group LLC, Where We are Impacting Relationships for Better Lives. Making my dream a reality is still a dream. I am in disbelief most days and wake up every morning giving God praise.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nobody said the road would be easy, I tell myself that God is bigger than my mountains, problems, valleys, and pain! The road to business can be a roller coaster, it has its highs and lows. There were times I was discouraged and didn’t know what the next move would be. There were a number of struggles. Partnerships can be a struggle. You want to go into business with the right person. Your business partner has to be someone with the same vision and will give the same efforts. You have to be able to trust that person.
Next, understanding that success does not typically happen overnight, everything is a process. Affinity Care Group LLC opened its doors receiving first person supported March 8, 2020, during the pandemic. A difficult time for businesses to thrive; however, we are surviving here in 2024. Being able to display perseverance during the times of challenges and the importance of knowing, don’t give up when is gets hard. The art of having faith even when you sometimes can’t see the end result is a must.
In the industry of healthcare / mental health it’s difficult to find employees that have the same vision as the business and will do what you hire them to do. The turnover rate is high. These are some challenges in business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Affinity Care Group (ACG) provides a number of services to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a meaningful life. We provide Supportive Living services to individuals supported providing 24/7 supports around the clock ensuring that all needs are met. We strongly believe in the person-centered approach and service delivery is based on “What’s important to you as well as what’s important for you.” Supports may include direct assistance as needed with, participating in, and learning how to complete independently activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, eating, meal preparation (excluding cost of food), household chores , essential to the health and safety of the person supported, budget management (which shall include supporting the individual in managing his/her personal funds, as appropriate), attending appointments, and interpersonal and social skills building to enable the person supported to live in a home in the community.
It’s always a Blessing to be a Blessing! The things that make Affinity Care Group different is that we incorporate a person-centered approach. Each person is different, and we help develop a plan that works with each person. We focus on quality over quantity, this is giving customer services to the people we support, their conservators/ families and our employees. It’s important for everyone to be treated with respect and dignity and that’s zero tolerance. Lastly, we hold everyone accountable for their actions and roles. Accountability is value.
Causey Counseling Consultation & Coaching is newly launched. The practice is designed to fit your area of need. In this business I strive to consult, coach and mentor women entrepreneurs that need assistance with starting a business, or career development. I also act as a personal life experience coach, assisting with building confidence and helping people identify their purpose to live a meaningful life.
The most rewarding experience is witnessing changed lives, hearing testimonials about how happy conservators are, and seeing a smile on the people we support, which gives me strength to keep trying as people are depending on me. That’s my motivation.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
All Glory goes to God. He gave me the strength to endure and conquer. My mother JoAnn Jones- Causey, is the reason for my success, and she was always given her flowers. My mother was my number 1 supporter and coached me daily with Biblical teachings. She lives within me. My father, daughter, and family are always my motivation to continue and never give up. My Church family (St. John Pendleton – Orange Mound) is supportive and has showed unconditional support. Last but not least, I never could have started Affinity Care Group LLC without Business Partner, Daniel Okello, BCBA, he was a blessing sent and I am happy that we crossed paths. I have had some influential women that have mentored me, and I am truly blessed, Latrina Morman, MA and Tameka Gant, LPC MHSP. Growing up Latrina mentored me in Church and instilled in me will power. Tameka allowed me to work under her leadership and she sculpted and pushed me to be better than ever before. I would like to thank my Intern Supervisor Demarcus Davis, LPC MHSP who challenged my clinical skills and encouraged me to find my niche. For my village I am thankful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://affinitycaregrpllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsjacquescausey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacques.causey
- Other: https://www.betterhelp.com/cref/6794151ef3523474099feadab6c4c0b7
Image credit:
Susan Heard Photography
