I’m Sheryl Witter, founder and managing director of Serendipity Holistic Resort & Spa in Irish Town, Blue Mountains, St. Andrew, Jamaica. Serendipity has always been more than a boutique resort, it’s a community hub and a source of livelihood for ten local families who work with me every day. Hurricane Melissa changed everything in a matter of hours: our river deck was destroyed, the main building’s roof was severely damaged, and several of our staff lost their homes entirely. Two team members, both single parents, are now living on the property with their children because their houses are uninhabitable. Despite their losses, our staff have shown incredible resilience, working alongside me to clean up and start the long process of rebuilding.

I’m raising funds to repair Serendipity and help our staff families recover safely and with dignity. Every contribution will be spent locally and directly on urgent needs: roofing materials, decking lumber, concrete, fasteners, waterproofing, and electrical and plumbing repairs to make the resort operational again; critical repairs to staff homes, replacing roofs, securing doors and windows, and restoring basic utilities, so families can return to safe spaces; fair wages for Jamaican carpenters, masons, electricians, and cleanup crews, keeping work in our community; and essential household items for displaced staff such as beds, small stoves, compact fridges, school supplies, and hygiene kits. We’ll also cover basic tools and mountain transport of materials so work doesn’t stall. Your support will help us restore the resort that sustains our community, rebuild the homes of the people who give Serendipity its heart, and ensure this remains a place of healing and hope for everyone who calls it home.