Category: Food for the Poor Jamaica

Food For The Poor Going Places

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In 35 years of operation, the role of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, as well as the scope of its operations, has grown significantly as the charity continues to enable and enrich beneficiaries within and far beyond local shores.

As news of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti spread, following the widespread devastation by Hurricane Matthew last October, Jamaicans turned to FFP as a channel for their good intentions, a situation which Chairman Andrew Mahfood admits caught him off-guard.

“The Haiti relief, that was amazing. We started to get a couple calls right after the hurricane, and I am not sure if it’s because of how close it came to us, but the outpouring of support from Jamaica to us, to give to Haiti, was something we hadn’t seen before. Seventeen containers were shipped and J$12 million raised,” Mahfood told The Gleaner.

From humble beginnings at Emerald Road, Kingston, from which goods brought into the island through the Catholic Relief Service in 1982 were distributed, the phenomenal growth of the local chapter of this charitable non-profit organisation has been consistent with that of its parent company. Food For The Poor is the largest charity organisation in Jamaica, with Food For The Poor Incorporated, located in Florida, United States of America (USA), being the largest international relief and development organisation in the USA, assisting the poor in 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

“We did start as Food For The Poor, giving away food, but now the objectives of the organisation are so vast – housing, medical, social outreach, education, prison ministries, water and sanitation and agriculture,” the chairman explained.

He offered an explanation as to why more donors are looking to share of their bounty through the non-denominational entity. “I think what is happening is that we are connecting more with corporate Jamaica and through the good efforts of the media and the reporting on all the stuff that we do, that connection is growing. They are seeing the wide range of things that we are doing.”

People flock from far and wide to the head office of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica at Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, in St Catherine, as soon as the doors open, from Monday to Friday.

There, some 135 staffers comprising what FFP Chairman Andrew Mahfood describes as “a good team out there” attend to the varied requests for assistance.

Investigators are the first responders, whether it’s a request for immediate help from a fire victim or to build a home for a family.

“Somebody has to actually go and visit the premises and say, ‘Yes, we’ve been to the location and we’ve seen the conditions they live under.’ So we get the picture and all of us see that it’s a genuine case,” Mahfood told The Gleaner.

Individuals seeking help may contact the organisation directly or through a church in their area, a pastor, justice of the peace, or member of parliament. However, FFP is working to help Jamaicans to help themselves, as well as others, Mahfood explained.

“The organisation has always felt that we have to get our recipients self-sufficient and into projects that are sustainable for them to provide an income. We believe that Jamaica provides a great opportunity for recipients to come together – either in a community and do a big agricultural project. Food For The Poor has the ability to fund those projects – put in homes, to put in, say, a community centre, to put in a place where people can go and pray, as well as schools. These are things that it can do in these communities.”

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20170130/food-poor-going-places

Gleaner Honour Awards A Big Deal, Say Recipients

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Being recognised by The Gleaner through its annual Honour Awards carries a lot of weight. Representatives of four category winners – the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for science and technology; the Calabash International Literary Festival for arts and culture; Food For the Poor, recipient for voluntary service; and National Commercial Bank for education – made that clear during yesterday’s second of three category luncheons hosted by the media house at its North Street, central Kingston, head office.

On Monday, February 20, The Gleaner will choose from the awardees the man, woman or company deemed best to have contributed significantly to improving Jamaica’s quality of life, at any time in the preceding 12 months, or is likely to bring about such a change in the immediate future.

For those honoured yesterday, the recognition has been invaluable.

“Clearly, when anybody in the arts is acknowledged for the work they do, it’s a big deal, because there is no monetary reward in the arts. So what you hope and pray for is that your work makes a difference in other ways. So when you get an award such as this one, it allows you to get more recognition, more prominence to be able to do work that you may not have been able to do otherwise. It gives you legitimacy and a stamp of approval that is so important in the arts,” Justine Henzell, co-founder and producer of the Calabash International Literary Festival, shared.

Andrew Mahfood, chairman of Food For the Poor, said it would serve as motivation to do even more for its charges.

“The organisation is humbled by this award from The Gleaner for voluntary service. We have a lot of work to do [because] there are a lot more people who are living in poverty conditions and we hope to be able to help them,” he disclosed.

 

Goes Way Beyond JPS

 

Meanwhile, Gary Barrow, chief technology officer for the JPS, spoke to the far-reaching impact of the award.

“We are really very excited because we think that this goes way beyond JPS. We are fortunate that the introduction of the new technology actually allows us to help Jamaica in terms of growth and prosperity, which is a critical part of our vision statement – that we are the people unleashing Jamaica’s growth and prosperity. So we understand the role energy plays in economic growth and we believe there is a really big opportunity out there to help us to use technology to accelerate that growth.”

Author Marlon James was also recognised with a special award in the arts and culture category.

The final category award luncheon is slated for Wednesday, February 1, when winners in the categories public service and business will be recognised, ahead of the February 20 grand gala event at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

christopher.serju@gleanerjm.com

22 Prisoners Get Early Release – Food For The Poor Pays Fines For More Non-Violent Inmates

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Twenty-two inmates of the island’s prisons are now back with their families, having secured early release through the generosity of donors of the international relief and development organisation, Food For The Poor.

For more than 18 years, Food For The Poor has secured the release of non-violent offenders in Jamaica by paying their fines at Christmas and Easter. This act of kindness is also done for inmates in Guyana, Haiti, and Honduras.

Every year, poor Jamaicans are imprisoned for minor, non-violent offences because of their inability to pay their court fines, even if the amounts they are fined are minimal.

PRAYERS ANSWERED

The prayers of a former inmate in the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre were answered when he was told that he would be freed late last year after being unable to pay his fine. Most of his money had been used to take care of his sick mother.

“It’s always just me and my mother. When I actually realised that I was going to be locked up, I couldn’t believe that this was happening to me but I prayed a lot and asked God to just keep me out of trouble and keep me sane so I could one day see my mother again,” said the non-violent offender.

According to the former inmate, Food For The Poor’s kindness in paying his fine has renewed his belief and hope in God.

“Food For The Poor coming to pay my fine today so that I can go home to my mother proves to me that God is real,” added the inmate.

Another former inmate broke down in tears when her name was announced as one of the persons whose fines had been paid by the charity.

“When I heard my name, I thought I was being asked to do an item on the programme. Little did I know it was much more than that. When the announcement was made the tears just started to flow, and I couldn’t stop crying,” she said.

David Mair, executive director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, said the prison release tradition is one that the organisation intends to continue because of the impact it has on inmates.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170122/22-prisoners-get-early-release-food-poor-pays-fines-more-non-violent-inmates

Food For The Poor assists family, elderly with houses

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A Portland family and an elderly man are the latest beneficiaries of houses from philanthropic organisation Food For The Poor (FFP) after their plight was highlighted by the Jamaica Observer North East in 2015.

The family of four, which includes a wheelchair-bound man, was desperately in need of a house to get out of the crammed space they shared in the back room of a relative’s house in Waybridge, Portland, for years.

Observer North & East reported in 2015 that Jacqueline Thompson, her two daughters and her physically challenged son all shared a single bed in a room which an aunt allowed them to stay in, after they had been living in the garage for some time.

At the time, Thompson stressed that she needed help to get back on her feet.

“I am feeling happy about getting my house. I thank God as I can’t leave him out,” she said.

Thompson also thanked justice of the peace and pastor of the Church of God in Christ at Long Road, Roy Titus, who tried desperately to get assistance for the family. He described their situation as “dire,” then.

She also thanked the Ministry of Housing for the land space, Food For The Poor for the house, the Observer for highlighting her need, and the parish council and the National Insurance Scheme for their assistance.

“I am a happy person now. It was a long and horrible wait; I cried sometimes. The children are very happy, especially my son Okeno,” Thompson shared.

The house, which is located at Darlingford Housing Scheme in Manchioneal in the parish, was handed over last October. Thompson said FFP has also pledged to donate furniture.

A visually impaired elderly man was also the beneficiary of a house from FFP.

Urnal Taylor lived in a dirt-floor, one-bedroom house in Boston in the parish for years, before FFP read of his plight in the

Observer and presented him with the keys for a new house.

“This house is beautiful as much as mi can’t see it. I am comfortable and mi have space. Thanks to all the people who helped me, and the gentleman here, Pastor Titus. The blessings on his shoulders can’t come off. Welcome; welcome,” he said with a broad grin on his face.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/regional/Food-For-The-Poor-assists-family–elderly-with-housesObserver-North-and-East-article-spurs-action——-_87286

Food For The Poor Brings Joy To Golden Agers

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Executive Director of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica David Mair (right), feeds a resident of the Golden Age Home during the Christmas Treat hosted by his charity organisation recently. Sharing in the moment is Mishka Townsend-Brown, assistant general manager, Golden Age Home. Approximately 150 residents were fed and treated with care packages by FFP Jamaica. The treat for the elderly at the Golden Age Home was one of several treats held by FFP Jamaica to commemorate the festive Christmas season last year.

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Residents of the Golden Age Home enjoy their lunch provided by members of Food For The Poor during their annual Christmas Treat.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170112/food-poor-brings-joy-golden-agers

Food for the Poor assists inmates to get early release

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More than 300 former inmates were able to spend Christmas at home with their families, thanks to generous donors of the international relief and development organisation Food For The Poor (FFTP).

For 18 years, the charity has secured the release of non-violent offenders in Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica by paying their accumulated fines at Christmas and at Easter.

Hundreds of the poor, including women, in the Caribbean and Latin America are imprisoned for minor offences because of their inability to pay their court fines, even though the amounts are minimal.

“These prisons can quickly become a black hole of despair, especially for someone locked up with murderers because they do not have the money to pay a fine for a minor offence,” said Robin Mahfood, president/CEO of FFTP.

“Words do not convey the gratitude we have for our loving donors and staff who have not lost faith in a segment of people who are often forgotten or written off as a lost cause,” said Mahfood.

In Jamaica, 21 non-violent prisoners were released from their cells. Four women were freed from the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre, four men from Richmond Park, one man from Tamarind Farm, two men from Tower Street, and 10 men from the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.

Among the released is a 63-year-old bus driver who was placed behind bars on December 1 for not wearing the required bus uniform.

He was faced with two options for the offence: pay a fine of $32,000, or spend 60 days in prison. He opted to be jailed because he could not afford the fine.

“I have a daughter attending university, and college expenses are quite costly, but I want to give her a better life. This is why I didn’t have the funds to pay the fine,” he said.

“It has been hard in prison, especially when you think about not having the freedom you are used to. Being on lockdown is not easy.”

When the man found out that FFTP had paid his outstanding fine for his early release, he said, “I feel good! I didn’t have it to pay, and to know that people who don’t know me would just do this for me, it makes me feel really good inside.”

Immediately upon release from the different prisons, the former inmates were each greeted by FFTP staff who provided them with food, supplies and offered words of encouragement.

http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20161228/food-poor-assists-inmates-get-early-release

A New Day For Arcadia Basic School

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RELIEF has come for parents with children enrolled at the Arcadia Basic School in St Thomas as a new building, donated by Food For the Poor (FFP) Jamaica, has not only provided better learning facilities but also eliminated the payment of tuition fees.

The building has allowed the baic schol to merge with the primary school in the area, becoming the Arcadia Primary School’s Infant Department and bringing the former basic school under the direct control of Government.

The six-unit building, which was handed over to the school’s administration recently, has three spacious classrooms, bathrooms, an office, a sick bay and a fully equipped kitchen.

FFP donors Tricia and Matthew Miclette, who funded the much-needed building, said their donation was a way of honouring their deceased father.

“My father came from an impoverished family and never gave up, and continued to rise and I wish for the community of Arcadia and the school to continue to rise above and share in the blessing that the Lord has provided,” Matthew told the attendees at the handing-over ceremony.

The Miclettes expressed gratitude at being able to effect change in the lives of students of the infant department.

“We want to thank the community of Arcadia for giving us this opportunity and we want to thank Food For The Poor for opening our eyes to the level of poverty that exists for us to help,” said Tricia at the handing-over ceremony.

A “prize” is how Principal Mavern Downie Galloway described the new structure, while speaking at the handing-over ceremony. She sang the praises of donors Matthew and Tricia Miclette for funding the construction of the building.

“The passion you have has enabled us to tear down a barrier that limits education in this community. Your gift to us is a gift of love. Your passion has brought hope, and rest assured, hope will lead to success,” said the principal.

Member of Parliament Fenton Ferguson, who also addressed the gathering, lauded FFP Jamaica and its donors for their contribution to the education system with their construction of schools across Jamaica.

“I want to say a big thank you to Food For The Poor and the Ministry of Education for accommodating this new strategic action that I believe will be of great value to the education system as they (students) will have greater access to education.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/News/A-new-day-for-Arcadia-Basic-School_83005

 

200 Golden Agers Feted By Food For The Poor

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Christmas came early for 200 seniors from Clusters D and G at the Golden Age Home in Vineyard Town, Kingston, yesterday. They were treated at the Yuletide festivities that Food For The Poor (FFP) stages annually for them.

Through a long-standing partnership with the Golden Age Home, FFP officially sponsors both clusters at the home. The golden agers at the treat included persons who are challenged both mentally and physically, and seniors with chronic ailments such as diabetes or hypertension. Their smiles were broad as they partook of the goodies, with Christmas carols as topping.

“They look forward to this day the whole year. When we come here, it’s a joy for them to see us because we aren’t just feeding them, we are spending time and interacting with them,” David Mair, executive director of Food For The Poor, told The Gleaner.

He added: “We are here to facilitate anything we can do to uplift their lives, and that’s what’s really great about this job.

 

FEELING OF FULFILMENT

 

General manager of the Golden Age Home Laurette Adams-Thomas told The Gleaner: “I think it’s wonderful! It’s something that the residents and employees look forward to every day. This type of relationship with FFP is not new as their giving is ongoing. One of the things we really appreciate is that FFP is not just a donor or a sponsor, they are a partner.”

She further stated: “Senior citizens are not really given priority in this day and age. We see where more attention is being given to our youth. So I get a feeling of fulfilment when I see that the seniors are properly cared for.”

The Golden Age Home is primarily government funded. It currently houses approximately 460 persons and has 160 employees across seven clusters. It acts as an infirmary and also cares for persons who have been rendered destitute. It is the largest facility of its kind in Jamaica and the Caribbean offering these types of services.

Both Mair and Thomas appealed for further sponsorship and potential partnership from corporate Jamaica to aid in retrofitting facilities such as the bathroom for disabled persons, a bus for transportation, and overall funding and supplies on a daily basis.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20161209/200-golden-agers-feted-food-poor

MYERS, FLETCHER & GORDON SUPPORTS HAITI RELIEF

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The Myers, Fletcher & Gordon family responded to Food For The Poor’s call for assistance to Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew by handing over a cheque for $300,000 and numerous canned items on November 7 at its downtown Kingston law office.

Peter Goldson, the firm’s managing partner, said emphatically, “Having been spared what could have been a devastating blow to Jamaica, we have to do our part to assist our neighbours in Haiti with their recovery”. “Our Social Outreach Committee is mandated to identify areas where the firm may assist in the empowerment and upliftment of people, particularly the young among us. When the recommendation was made that we should include Haiti, our entire firm was quick to support,” added Goldson.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20161114/myers-fletcher-gordon-supports-haiti-relief

 

PwC donates to Haiti

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David Mair (second left), executive director of Food For The Poor, accepts a $250,000 cheque from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) team members (from left) Leighton McKnight, Peter Williams, Recardo Nathan, Gali Moore, Damion Dodd, Rochelle Samuels, Shantel Biggs, Wendy Patrickson, Samantha Morris and Paul Cobourne. The cheque was donated to the organisation during a handover ceremony yesterday at the PwC head office at the Scotia Centre in downtown Kingston. This was part of the company’s larger corporate social responsibility programme, which aims to assist local charities and communities across Jamaica.

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David Mair (right), executive director of Food For The Poor, thanks the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) team for their $250,000 donation to the organisation at a cheque handover ceremony yesterday at the PwC head office at the ScotiaCentre in downtown Kingston. This was part of the company’s larger Corporate Social Responsibility programme which aims to assist local charities and communities across Jamaica. The company said it will be deepening its Corporate Social Responsibility footprint in coming months. The PwC team (from left) are: Paul Cobourne, tax director; Leighton McKnight, territory leader; Rochelle Samuels, executive assistant; and Peter Williams, partner-assurance.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/PwC-donates-to-Haiti_79072