Did you know that Mission Center Adult Day Service is a non-profit organization? Many people do not know that, says Executive Director Tracy West, BSN, RN.
 "We depend on grants and donations to provide the services we do," he explains, adding that the new bus was made possible by an anonymous grant and private donations. The current fleet of three buses has 200,000, 150,000 and 93,000 miles on them respectively. These buses pick up clients from around Midland and Odessa, giving them a safe place to stay during the day while caregivers work, clean house or do errands.
 "Our services benefit both clients and caregivers," Tracy says. They benefit clients by providing a safe and less costly alternative to a nursing home - complete with medication and some types of therapy. Most clients are Alzheimer's patients or people who have a brain injury or some other reason that they cannot be left alone.
 Mission Center benefits caregivers by allowing them to go to work or do other tasks that would not be possible while caring for a family member. While most families use Mission Center daily, Tracy points out that their services are available on an as-needed basis.
 "One lady brings her husband in two days a week while she gets her hair and nails done and runs other errands," he says. Anything less than four hours is considered a half day, and more than four hours is considered a full day, billing-wise.
 Being a nonprofit organization and relying on grants and gifts allows Mission Center to keep costs down on the very needed services they provide. Medicaid does pay for services in many cases, but private pay is also an option.
In addition to receiving tax-deductible monetary gifts, Mission Center can receive gifts of certain items. Clients will soon begin enjoying the use of a Wii that was recently donated to the facility.
 "Our services are unique," says Tracy. "The nearest facility like this is in Amarillo. We can provide such health services as administering medication, insulin injections, glucose monitoring, wound treatment and more."
 All this care comes packaged in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment. A typical day starts with a bus ride to the facility - the optional bus service runs in both Midland and Odessa. Or you may drop off and pick up your loved one yourself. Around 9:30 a tasty snack such as toast, fruit, waffles and fruit juice is served. Other fun activities, including lunch, are scheduled throughout the day.
 There is no need to feel guilty for needing to have a life. Mission Center allows your loved one to enjoy life while you work or get the other things done that are necessary.

Mission Center Adult Day Service is located at 4500 West Illinois, Suite 112, at the corner of Illinois and Ric. The phone number is (432) 522-1221. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The web address is www.missioncenteronline.org and the email address is adultcar@nts-online.net.