Support Jerome's Journey to Freedom

If you've met him, you know that Jerome is sunshine personified! He has an endless sense of wonder and love for the world, animals, friends, and roller skating. His smile is infectious, and his sharp intelligence is immediately evident.

Jerome had to flee Jamaica after the murder of his father and was in danger of being murdered as well by the same perpetrators. In fleeing for his life, he believed in the promise of the United States and came here. Unfortunately, he has now been shown its dark side. Even though Jerome followed immigration protocols, he has been imprisoned since the start of the year and is currently in Stewart Detention Center awaiting his immigration hearing on April 17th. At the hearing, he will request self-deportation, which only allows for his return to Jamaica, where he is still in danger of being killed.

I am Lori Craven and I met Jerome through the Rollerslay skating community. There are many others involved that know Jerome through his church, his pet sitting and his Synagogue friends. So now a team of loving friends has coalesced, to fight for him, get him legal help, visit him, and to make sure his basic needs are met. "Team Jerome" is a very active group and there is transparency regarding this fundraiser to best utilize these donations for Jerome's welfare. We are determined to see this brilliant young man realize his potential for a wonderful life. It is our hope that we can all raise funds to allow Jerome to immediately fly out of Jamaica within hours of his deportation flight's arrival. I will purchase tickets for him using the funds. Hopefully he can begin a new life using the rest of the funds, which I will wire to him immediately after he sets up a bank account. If that proves challenging, worst case scenario I will fly (using my own money) to hand deliver cash to him where ever he is. We are still helping him (he has no access to his phone or the internet) to best plan for his next steps in a country that accepts the Jamaican passport, is LGBTQIA friendly, and is stable so that he can finally put down roots and build the life of his dreams. Anything you can give to help facilitate his future happiness and stability would be so appreciated. He truly is deserving of all the love.