Help me Improve the Lives of my Jamaican Community

Growing up in what is considered one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world is a blessing I wouldn’t trade for anything. However, I come from a beautiful Jamaican community where people didn’t have much. Being blessed with parents like mine allowed my siblings and me to rise above our circumstances. Despite the many challenges our community faced, I remember my childhood as one filled with happiness, love, and great memories. Unfortunately, some members of my community were not so lucky.

30 years ago, I migrated to the United States, where I built my life and businesses. It’s been a while since I’ve spent more than three consecutive weeks in Jamaica. However, this year, I spent the past three months in Jamaica (particularly spending more time in my birth community). Not only am I flooded with beautiful memories, but also the great need that still exists in the community I come from. It’s no exaggeration when I say many find it difficult to be able to cover basic everyday needs. It is not in my nature to just empathize with others; I always try to help in whatever way I can. Being here has opened my eyes to 3 particular needs I would like to help resolve.

The Most Immediate are:

• Back to School Supplies for the children

• Subsidized daycare program for single parents

• Aid one forgotten single mother who is currently struggling to pay for her continued education.

1. Children need supplies every year to return to school, such as books, pencils/pens, backpacks, shoes, uniforms, etc., and with the current spike in cost-of-living, parents are finding it even more difficult to cover these items. To me, education is one key to improving the overall quality of life, and each child should be afforded the opportunity to make the most of that.

2. Upon researching, parents have advised me that it’s most difficult to afford trusted services to take care of their children while they work. They have to work to provide for their children, so sometimes it’s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Children should be protected at all costs, and unfortunately, in this world, we often need to pay for credible daycare services that will serve and protect our children. Having a subsidized daycare center where parents can pay what they can afford or be given free daycare services will improve many lives.

3. I come from a place where everybody knows everybody. Recently, I spoke to one such community member, and she shared with me a powerful and somewhat sorrowful story of her life. She lost her mom as a toddler, so her father did his best to raise them on meager means. She is a brilliant young woman and passed her entrance exams to attend one of Jamaica’s most prestigious High Schools. Unfortunately, life’s circumstances led her to become a mom before she was ready. Putting her children first and doing her best to give them a good life meant she had to put her dreams on hold many times. Along the way, she also had to be the caregiver for her sick father, who has since passed away.

Amid all her challenges she still managed to enroll in school and took the classes she could afford. She has been at this for many years as she has often failed classes because of repeated absences due to caring for her children and father. Despite the many obstacles, she is determined to complete her degree and is trying to carve out a better life for herself. She made it through community college on her own and is now looking forward to getting her bachelor’s degree. Financially, it is tough, but she is persistent and has great faith. Hearing her story moved me, and it has been rooted in my heart that something must be done to assist her with attaining her dream.

We say that a lot – something must be done. I know, with your help, these aren’t just words. It’s not just something I am putting out in the universe, hoping things will work out for the best. No, the change starts with you and me. A part of the Jamaican pledge says - I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. This is me playing my part, doing my part, and sharing my blessings to serve my people. Will you help?

Thank you so much for your consideration, donations and doing your part to help those in need. Blessings always!