FOOD FOR THE POOR RELEASES 18 PRISONERS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON - Loop Jamaica - December 31, 2015

BE GOOD FOR 2016 & BEYOND! A non-violent inmate (right) from the Tower Stree Adult Correctional Centre whose fine was paid by Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, is being warned by a superintendent at the facility before being released. Sharing in the moment is Sandra Ramey (left), Prison Ministry Administrator, FFP Jamaica.

Eighteen non-violent offenders of Jamaica’s prisons have been released to ring in the New Year with their families, thanks to Food for the Poor (FFP) Jamaica who paid their fines recently.

These prisoners, with whom 11 were from St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre; four were from Fort Augusta; one from Tower Street; one from Constant Spring Police Station; one from Tamarind Farm; one from Mandeville Police Station and one from May Pen Police Station, were released during the festive season.

In other countries, Food for the Poor also released 102 other non-violent inmates, which consisted of seven in Guyana, 19 in Honduras and 76 in Haiti.

Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of FFP, said it is the charity organisation’s tradition to release non-violent inmates twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas seasons.

“The Prison Ministry Programme is based on the scripture, ‘When was it that we saw You sick or in prison and visited You… Matthew 25:31-46.’ We do this because we’re following Jesus’ example in the Gospels. It is the right thing to do,” Mahfood said following the series of prison releases.

“The vast majority of the prisoners in Latin American and the Caribbean are notoriously overcrowded for a wide variety of reasons. They are far worse than the prisoners in the United States, where disease and violence are rampant. There are also health and hygiene concerns,” Mahfood added.

A 43-year-old inmate from the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, who was charged $50,000 or three months in prison for an offense referred to as Distringes & Capias – which is usually issued to a person owing money based on a court judgment, or who fails to appear for a civil hearing, or for violation of bail bonds, said he is eternally grateful to FFP for getting him released.

In re-calling the scenario leading to his arrest, the inmate explained that, “A close friend had a traffic related offense in court and he asked me to bail him, which I did. As part of the bail, it was my duty to ensure that he attended all the court airings. However, for the last airing, he did not show up and so I was charged. It was the worst day of my life. I felt like a fish out of water because I had a family that was relying on me, four children and a wife. I couldn’t pay the fine because I had used it to bail the person I thought was a friend.”

After spending one month and three weeks in prison, he soon realised that the only thing he could do was pray for a miracle.

“I prayed day and night to God just asking him to work something out so I could leave this place because I couldn’t belive that at this stage of my life, this is where I ended up, in prison,” he said.

When he was told that God answered his prayers and FFP Jamaica was paying his ourstanding fines, the inmate said, “Oh, God! I felt like a bird flying from a cage. I don’t even know how to explain it. I am so overwhelmed.”

Since the charity organisation started its prison ministry programme in 1998, it has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing non-violent prisoners back in their communities as productive citizens.

http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/food-poor-releases-18-prisoners-festive-season

'FOOD FOR THE POOR SECURES PRISONERS' RELEASE FOR NEW YEAR' - Jamaica Observer - December 31, 2015

FOOD FOR THE POOR RELEASES 18 INMATES FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON: Sandra Ramsey (centre), Prison Ministry Administrator, Food For The Poor Jamaica, delivering the good news to an inmate at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre during the festive. Also sharing in the moment was a superintendent at the facility.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The non-profit organisation, Food for the Poor (FFP) has secured the release of non-violent prisoners in Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana and Honduras in time for the New Year celebrations.

In Jamaica FFP paid fines to release 18 prisoners , seven were released in Guyana, 19 in Honduras and 76 in Haiti.

Robin Mahfood, President and Chief Executive Officer of FFP, said it is the charity organisation’s tradition to release non-violent inmates twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas seasons.

“The Prison Ministry Programme is based on the scripture, ‘When was it that we saw You sick or in prison and visited You… Matthew 25:31-46.’ We do this because we’re following Jesus’ example in the Gospels. It is the right thing to do,” Mahfood said.

“The vast majority of the prisoners in Latin American and the Caribbean are notoriously overcrowded for a wide variety of reasons. They are far worse than the prisoners in the United States, where disease and violence are rampant. There are also health and hygiene concerns,” Mahfood added.

Since the charity organisation started its prison ministry programme in 1998, it has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing non-violent prisoners back in their communities as productive citizens.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Food-for-the-Poor-releases-prisoners-for-the-New-Year

FOOD FOR THE POOR ORGANIZES 17TH ANNUAL PRISONER RELEASES NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS FREED IN GUYANA, HAITI, HONDURAS AND JAMAICA

BE GOOD FOR 2016 & BEYOND! A non-violent inmate (right) from the Tower Stree Adult Correctional Centre whose fine was paid by Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, is being warned by a superintendent at the facility before being released. Sharing in the moment is Sandra Ramey (left), Prison Ministry Administrator, FFP Jamaica.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 21, 2015) – “I am so thankful for this opportunity that you have given me, to be once again with my loved ones,” said Nancy, a former Honduran inmate. She was one of 120 freed from prisons in time for Christmas in four countries by the international relief and development organization Food For The Poor. “Above all, thank you for believing in me enough to return me to society.”

The 26-year-old mother of two spent nearly a year in the female section of a prison in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, not just any prison, but one of Honduras’ toughest. Nancy would have been freed a lot sooner, but because she did not have the money to pay the required fine for her offense that she admits was wrong, she was locked up with hardened female prisoners.

Thanks to Food For The Poor, 120 nonviolent offenders, many who had been incarcerated for several years because of their inability to pay their country’s required fines, were freed from their prisons – seven in Guyana, 76 in Haiti, 19 in Honduras and 18 in Jamaica.

The one woman and six men who were freed from Guyana’s prisons expressed deep gratitude that they were not forgotten this Christmas, especially Maria whose despondent thoughts were quickly becoming too much for her to handle.

“Thank you so much for what you’ve done for me. I was starting to feel frustrated and was thinking about committing suicide,” said Maria. “I feel so blessed, thank you and I thank God.”

Many of the men were not ashamed to admit that the conditions in Guyana’s prisons aren’t easy.

“Prison is very hard! You have to have patience in order to make it in there. After two months, I was starting to crack,” said Maniram. “I want to thank you for what you’ve done for me too. I’ll never go back in that place.”

Since the inception of Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Program in 1998, the charity has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing nonviolent prisoners back into their communities as productive citizens.

“The vast majority of the prisons in Latin American and the Caribbean are notoriously overcrowded for a wide variety of reasons, they are far worse than the prisons are here in the United States, where disease and violence are rampant. There also are health and hygiene concerns,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “Let me be clear, we are not condoning bad behavior, but many of these people are sent away to prison for stealing to buy food to feed themselves and their families. Putting these people who have committed nonviolent crimes in the same cells with rapists, murderers and hard-core criminals isn’t the answer.”

For the first time in Food For The Poor’s 17-year history of its Prison Ministry Program, Haiti has allowed nonviolent offenders locked up in the Prison Civile de Port-au-Prince to have their fines paid by the charity. Twelve men have been given a second chance after being liberated from the country’s national prison that has a hellish reputation, one that was made known to the world after hundreds of prisoners escaped their cells after the 2010 earthquake.

With overwhelming emotion, one newly released inmate who did not want to give his name, had this to say, “I would like to thank the Lord for all his blessings. This gesture truly showed me that we are all children of the Lord.”

Immediately upon release from the Port-au-Prince prison, the former inmates were taken to Food For The Poor-Haiti’s headquarters where they met with Executive Director Bishop Oge Beauvoir for spiritual encouragement, a hot meal and medical care. They also met with social workers who will help them to settle back into society.

Food For The Poor also paid the fines of nonviolent inmates in the northern part of the Caribbean country. Forty men were freed in Cap-Haitien, and another 24 in Fort-Liberté. The Food For The Poor staff there provided the men with food, supplies and words of wisdom, advising them to choose better paths for their future, and to keep the Lord at the center of their daily lives.

The island nation of Jamaica released 18 of its nonviolent prisoners from several correctional sites, the majority of whom were freed from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town. Each newly released person was escorted from their cell to a room, and later to the chapel where they were each greeted by Food For The Poor staff. They also received words of advice, a hot meal and personal care supplies.
“It is a Food For The Poor tradition to release nonviolent inmates twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas season. The Prison Ministry Program is based on the scripture, “When was it that we saw You sick or in prison and visited You…” (Matthew 25: 31-46). We do this because we’re following Jesus’ example in the Gospels – it is the right thing to do,” said Mahfood.

Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Program is changing lives, which was summed up beautifully by Nancy, who says former inmates like her are being blessed by the kindness of strangers.
“Your work is admirable, it is bringing help to people who don’t have funds and is giving them an opportunity to have a life outside of these walls,” said Nancy. “Thank you for helping me Food For The Poor. My goal in life is to keep moving ahead by working hard at my job to provide for my children. I hope that Christmas and New Year’s bring your organization prosperity, and that all of your projects are successful. Once again I am so grateful.”
To support Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Program, checks payable to Food For The Poor can be mailed to 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Fla. 33073. Please include reference number “SC# 74122” to ensure your donation is correctly routed.

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

THANK YOU, FOOD FOR THE POOR: David Mair (left), Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica’s Executive Director and Sandra Ramsey, Prison Ministry Administrator, presenting one of the 11 inmates who was released from St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre with a gift package recently.

FOOD FOR THE POOR RELEASES 18 INMATES FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON: Sandra Ramsey (centre), Prison Ministry Administrator, Food For The Poor Jamaica, delivering the good news to an inmate at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre during the festive. Also sharing in the moment was a superintendent at the facility.

YOU’RE FREE TO GO! Sandra Ramsey (right), Prison Ministry Administrator at Food For The Poor Jamaica, celebrates with an non-violent inmate from St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre after his fine during the festive season. Sharing in the moment was a superintendent from the Correctional Centre.

'LOCAL CHARITIES - LONG ON GOODWILL, SHORT ON SUPPLIES' - The Gleaner - December 30, 2015

There's one thing that we can say about our local charity organisations: They are never short on goodwill.

We cannot say the same about their supplies. For although they feed thousands of Jamaicans daily, a number of them are faced with a shortage of supplies to reach the poor and needy.

"Although they said that we are managing our debts and all, it's not being felt in the streets. People are in terrible condition," said Father Richard Ho Lung, head of Missionaries of the Poor.

The Salvation Army and the Missionaries of the Poor are two charities that have revealed that a shortage in supplies is preventing them from doing more for the less fortunate.

Missionaries of the Poor reaches more than 5,000 persons per day in its programme. It operates a soup kitchen in Kingston and expands its reach across the island. However, Ho Lung shared that his organisation was not receiving as many supplies as it would like from donors, and when the supplies arrive, there are a lot of Customs issues to deal with.

"We have always had difficulties with getting clearance of the supplies when we do get them. However, the truth is that there is much more poverty at this time than we have ever seen before," said Ho Lung.

'A STRUGGLE'
"It's a struggle, and although I think we have been just about managing our supplies, people have been calling us for food and so on, but we have to be very careful because we are, in fact, short," he added.

He said there is a greater demand for food among the poor in Jamaica than can be met by charities.

The Salvation Army, which also provides aid for the poor and the needy, shared similar concerns.

Major Chris Matthias, secretary of the eastern arm of the Salvation Army, said: "I can agree that Food For The Poor has not been getting enough supplies as before, because I remember years ago when going there over in Spanish Town, there would be a stronger level of supplies there. But I perceive that they are now receiving less donations and are not able to do as much as they would want to."

He added: "We do get stuff from Food For The Poor and [we get] other donations, but [we face] challenges meeting the needs of the people, just like many other NGOs."

Research done by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization revealed that 200,000 Jamaicans are undernourished.

Major Matthias said he was not sure how they had gone about that research, and while he acknowledged that there was a shortage, the methodology of the research would be of interest to him.

andrew.harris@gleanerjm.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20151230/local-charities-long-goodwill-short-supplies

'PARTY WITH A PURPOSE' - Changing Lives, Helping Families - The Gleaner - December 27, 2015

Inspired by international charity group Food For The Poor's (FFP) 'Changing Lives, Restoring Families' campaign, seven residents of Montego Bay, St James, staged a 'Party with a Purpose' that helped them to secure 16 new houses for some of Jamaica's most needy.

The seven women - Shelagh Jardim, Ceri Moe, Jan Pollack, Anne Chang, Yoly Mahtani, Audrey Liauw and Bethany Young - revealed heart-rending stories that caused some party-goers to pledge 12 houses after they had raised enough money to construct four.

"When the partygoers heard how difficult it was for the many disadvantaged Jamaican families, they were inspired by the work being done by the FFP, and 12 individual partygoers committed to donating a house," Jardim told The Sunday Gleaner.

STILL USING PIT LATRINES

The beneficiaries are mainly persons who are still using pit latrines, some in one-bedroom houses with one bed sleeping several people, many without a place to lay their heads.

The Changing Lives, Restoring Families campaign initiative encourages local corporate sponsors as well as individual donors to contribute and participate in building houses across the island, with a particular focus on rural communities.

A contribution of US$3,200 for each house is matched by FFP's head office in Florida, USA. The Montego Bay women raised US$51,000 (J$6.1 million).

The total contribution of US$6,400 allows for the construction of a two-bedroom unit, complete with sanitation, solar lights and a water tank.

"There are no words to describe how some people are living in Jamaica without homes," Marsha Burrell, FFP's development and marketing manager, told The Sunday Gleaner. According to Burrell, she gets emotional each time she is part of the team that builds a house.

Burrell said to date the Party with a Purpose donation is the largest single contribution FFP has received, since it started this new housing campaign in August.

"It is a life-changing experience to see the expressions and the tears on the faces when a house is built for someone who had nothing before," said Burrell.

It was just as emotional for Jardim, who led the Montego Bay-based fundraising team, and who opened up her house to the 350 people who attended.

"It is the first time we are doing something like this for Halloween. We dressed up, had fun and changed lives," said Jardim.

She said they were hoping to have the majority of the house built in western Jamaica, but at least one will be built in Manchester, based on a special request from a donor.

Jardim first learnt about the housing campaign through her husband Brian Jardim's company, Rainforest Seafoods, which has bought into FFP's thrust to provide housing for those less fortunate.

Homelessness affects all types of people - individuals and families, men and women, the young and old, and FFP is adamant that everyone deserves a place to rest their heads and protect their families from the elements and other hazards of homelessness.

"Unfortunately, many Jamaicans are not privileged to own a home. This discourages productivity and encourages the dissolution of the family," argues FFP.

Since its inception, FFP Jamaica has been tackling this problem by building low-income houses for the poorest islandwide.

"More than 40,000 Jamaicans now have a secure and comfortable place to call home, thanks to these efforts," said Burrell.

YOU CAN PROVIDE SAFE SHELTER FOR THE POOR

For just US$3,200 (J$384,000), you can build a solid house for a family living in unsafe conditions. For families who have only known the fear and suffering that comes with living in a makeshift hovel, or perhaps just a tent and FFP is convinced that these houses are absolutely life-changing gifts.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A HOUSE

A letter of recommendation is required from each applicant, which should briefly explain the current situation that you are in. This recommendation should be written by a pastor or a Justice of the Peace. Along with the letter of recommendation, the following documents should be attached:

LAND OWNER

- copies of the land title and tax receipt

LEASED LAND

- Copies of the leased agreement, signed by a JP

- Lease must be for a minimum of 10 years

- Land title or tax receipt

- Land you have received permission to build on

Copies of the permission letter from landowner (signed by a JP), land title or tax receipt.

Original documents should not be submitted.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20151227/party-purpose-changing-lives-helping-families

FFP IN APICULTURE. HI-PRO EMPOWER WOMEN - Jamaica Observer - December 28, 2015

GRADUATES FROM SEW: Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica and Hi-Pro recently joined forces to empower 40 women from St. Elizabeth Women (SEW) Limited with training and agricultural projects. Through this initiative, FFP donated 4,000 baby chicks, poultry feed, waterers, feeders and multi-vitamins, a 3,000 square feet greenhouse with sweet pepper seedlings and material to construct 16 chicken coops, along with Hi-Pro Feeds who facilitated a six-week lifestyle, business and broiler course for the women. Here, the graduates and representatives of FFP and Hi-Pro sharing a moment following the graduation ceremony on November 25.

FORTY women from St Elizabeth Women (SEW) Limited are now proud business owners, thanks to an initiative sponsored by Food For the Poor (FFP) Jamaica and Hi-Pro Feeds.

The women were recently provided with 4,000 baby chicks, poultry feed, waterers, feeders and multivitamins; a 3,000 square foot greenhouse with sweet pepper seedlings, and material to construct 16 chicken coops.

Additionally, they underwent a six-week lifestyle, business and broiler course, which was facilitated by Hi-Pro Feeds. At the end of the course they received their certificates at a graduation ceremony held on November 25.

According to Dr Glenda Simms, president of SEW, this initiative has improved the standard of living of the women and fosters financial independence, which was the objective outlined in the theme of the training course, “Taking Families from Subsistence to Success”.

“This is an important moment and day for us. One of the issues that we need to look at is making sure that we eradicate poverty for our women. I want to thank Food For the Poor and Hi-Pro who put together a dynamic programme to serve poor women of St Elizabeth,” said Dr Simms.
She further emphasised that the partnership between FFP & Hi-Pro has equipped the 40 women with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to sustain the project for many years to come, as the students will soon become the teachers.

Rebecca Harper, agriculture and fishing manager at FFP Jamaica, said the training ensures that all recipients not only get something to eat, but can keep eating every day of their lives.“You now know how to manage your money and you can now help others,” she said.

And Dayne Patterson, Hi-Pro’s business development manager, said his organisation was pleased to partner with FFP Jamaica in offering the training and material.

“This training course is just taking that one step further as it educates, supports, motivates and strengthens the community through the training provided. We are happy to work with Food For The Poor,” Patterson said.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, beneficiary Cynthia Green said Christmas had come early. “Little baby chickens came uniquely wrapped in their own special boxes and were presented to us.

Today, four weeks later, they are striving in excellent condition and are almost ready for marketing. It is with grateful hearts that we say a proud ‘thank you’ to Food For the Poor and Hi-Pro for helping us to start and manage our own businesses.”

FFP will also, in the near future, distribute eight (F1) gilt/pigs and 50 beehives with the relevant tools for the women to engage in apiculture.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/FFP---in-apiculture--Hi-Pro-empower-women

MY LITTLE CHICKEN BUSINESS: One proud member of St Elizabeth Women Limited standing in front of the chickens and chicken coop she received from Food For The Poor Jamaica through the charity organisation’s agriculture programme. She, along with 39 other women, participated in a six-week lifestyle, business and broiler course facilitated by Hi-Pro Feeds held in partnership with FFP, and were awarded certificates at a graduation ceremony held in November.

THANK YOU, FOOD FOR THE POOR: The group of 40 women from St Elizabeth Women Limited are all smiles as they pose in front of the 3000 square feet greenhouse with sweet pepper seedlings, which were donated and constructed by Food For The Poor Jamaica with the objective of empowering the women in the community. The women also received training, a six-week lifestyle, business and broiler course which was facilitated by Hi-Pro Feeds.

CERTIFICATE OF DISTINCTION: Dr Glenda Simms, OD (second right), Founder & President of St. Elizabeth Women Limited, proudly accepting her certificate of distinction from Hi-Pro’s Business Development Manager, Dayne Patterson (left), during the graduation ceremony for 40 women from the parish who received training and agricultural projects from Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica and Hi-Pro. Sharing in the moment on Wednesday, November 25 were Rebecca Harper, FFP’s Fishing and Agriculture Manager and Alice Mulaa from the Family Equipping Network.

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE: Juliette Brooks (right), one of the 40 graduates, was filled with pride and joy as she accepts her certificate from Dayne Patterson, Business Development Manager at Hi-Pro, for her successful completion of a six-week lifestyle, business and broiler course which was facilitated by Hi-Pro Feeds. Also sharing in the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, November 25 were (from second left) Rebecca Harper, Food For The Poor’s Agriculture and Fishing Manager and Alice and Joseph Mulaa from Family Life Equipping Network.

HAPPY GRADUATE: One of the 40 graduates gladly accepting her certificate from Dayne Patterson (left), Business Development Manager at Hi-Pro, after successfully completing the six-week lifestyle, business and broiler course which was facilitated by Hi-Pro Feeds in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica. Also sharing in the moment on Wednesday, November 25 were (from left) Rebecca Harper, Food For The Poor Jamaica’s Agriculture and Fishing Manager, Alice and Joseph Mulaa from Family Life Equipping Network.

'GREEN ISLAND PRIMARY GETS FOOD FOR THE POOR UPGRADE' - The Gleaner - December 15, 2015

A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM: These students of Green Island Primary School in Hanover were fascinated with the token that donor, Mary Yaggie, received during the handing over of an expansion and renovation project at the school on December 1.

Claudia Gardner
Gleaner Writer

Green Island Primary School in Hanover, officially unveiled its two newly constructed blocks of classrooms and refurbished facilities, undertaken by Food For The Poor (FFP), at a cost of $50 million.

The building was the largest investment made at a primary institution by FFP in Jamaica, bolstered by a US$250,000 (J$25 million) donation from American philanthropists, Mary and Mike Yaggie, and members of their extended family and friends.

The work undertaken included the construction of two blocks of buildings, each comprising 10 classrooms, renovation and re-roofing of the original structure, expansion of the library, tuck shop, and storage area, a garden gazebo, and a 10,000-gallon water-storage tank.

During the official opening ceremony last week, Principal Vaccianna Mosley said that, in the recent past, students of the institution were often at the mercy of the elements, as the vastly overcrowded building had fallen into disrepair.

"This year marks 95 years of Green Island Primary School's existence. After all these years, natural progression would dictate (that) a school with old, dilapidated infrastructure, nature should have taken its toll, but thanks to our friends, it is not so," Mosley said in his address.

"Our school was a 'bruck-dung' school. We had classrooms that we called chicken coops, and the children called it chicken coops because it was made of mesh. Funnily, the chickens of the neighbours thought so, because, at times, we found eggs in them," said Mosley. "We had a serious termite infestation. Our classes were overcrowded because of the limited classroom space. When rain fell, it poured, not only outside but inside."

"Excessive noise was not a nuisance, it was a culture," continued Mosley. "The first time I attempted to teach a class, I had to stop and leave because I could not hear my own voice. Most of the time, the classes were divided by chalkboards. It was total chaos."

The principal said the school's transformation began when Couples Negril adopted the school, undertook painting jobs and presented the institution with a state-of-the-art playground. He said Sandals and RIU resorts came on board, as well as councillor of the Green Island Division, Shernet Haughton.

"The miracle came when we sought assistance from Food For The Poor. They came to our school and, indeed, they saw our plight and they felt our pain. They promised to help," he said.

"We are humbled by this generosity. This is living testimony of human kindness. You cannot imagine the magnitude of the impact of this gift, not only on the immediate school community, but on all who interact with us. You had choices, and you chose to help us. You have invested in our nation's children, and for this our country is indebted to you. Your contribution will assist many generations of children to come."

Donor Mike Yaggie, who partnered with FFP, told Western Focus that he and his wife were looking for a project to sponsor. They were saddened when they visited the school on a rainy day and saw the conditions under which the staff and students were housed.

"We were moved by Mr Mosley, the kids and the teachers," said Yaggie. "We have been so blessed in our financial side and we get more blessed the more and more we give."

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/western-focus/20151215/green-island-primary-gets-food-poor-upgrade

$50 MILLION BOOST FOR GREEN ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL: One of the new two-storey building which was constructed by the Yaggie Family in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica for Green Island Primary School in Hanover.

10 NEW CLASSROOMS FOR GREEN ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL: Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, with funds from the Yaggie Family, has completed its first major primary school renovation project at Green Island Primary School in Hanover. The project includes the: installation of a new roof and dry wall partitioning, repainting of school, renovation of library, construction of 10 additional classrooms to replace a dilapidated stand-alone structure which housed three classrooms, provision of fans and school furniture and the construction of a new kitchen for the school. Here, participating in the ribbon cutting of one of the new buildings were students from the institution and (from left) The Honourable Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education; Ian Hayles, Member of Parliament; David Mair, Executive Director of Food For The Poor; Don Yaggie, Donor; Vacianna Moseley, Principal and Father Nunito Bersola.

ESCORTING MINISTER THWAITES: These students from Green Island Primary School in Hanover were pleased to lead The Honourable Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education after their newly renovated and expanded school was officially handed over on December 1.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FROM GREEN ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL: Students from Green Island Primary School delivered a captivating performance during the official handing over ceremony of 10 additional classrooms and renovation project at the Hanover institution on December 1. To the left, donor representatives, the Yaggie family and friends are capturing the performance with their smart devices.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF GREEN ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL’S NEW CLASSROOM BLOCK: It was a happy day for the students and teachers of Green Island Primary School in Hanover as they participated in the handing over of new classroom facilities at the institution on Tuesday, December 1. With funds from the Yaggie Family, Food For The Poor installed a new roof and dry wall partitioning, repainted of school, renovated the library, constructed 10 additional classrooms to replace a dilapidated stand-alone structure which housed three classrooms, and provided fans and school furniture. Proudly sharing in the ribbon cutting exercise were students from the institution as well as Mary Yaggie, donor and Vacianna Moseley, principal.

THANK YOU FOR RENOVATING & EXPANDING OUR SCHOOL: Mary Yaggie, donor from the United States of America is all smiles as she accepts a gift from a student of Green Island Primary School in Hanover during the handing over ceremony of additional classrooms on Tuesday, December 1. She and her husband Mike Yaggie donated approximately $50 million towards the renovation and expansion of the school.

THANK YOU, MINISTER THWAITES: The Honourable Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education, accepts a gift from a student of Green Island Primary School in Hanover for being the keynote speaker at the official handover of their new school building on December 1.

GIVING THANKS FOR GREEN ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL: Father Nunito Bersola (left) offering blessing on the newly-expanded facility at Green Island Primary School located in Hanover during the handing over ceremony on December 1. Witnessing the occasion were (from second left) The Honourable Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education; Ian Hayles, Member of Parliament; Mary Yaggie, Donor; Vacianna Moseley, principal and other donor representatives from the United States.

NEW BASIC SCHOOL FOR FREEHILL - Jamaica Observer - December 7, 2015

CHILDREN of Free Hill in St Ann, and their teachers, are now benefiting from a new basic school, which was constructed by Food for the Poor.

The facility was built as part of the philanthropic organisation's Jamaica 50 Campaign, which targeted the construction or upgrading of 50 early childhood institutions islandwide, in commemoration of Jamaica's Independence Golden Jubilee, in 2012.

The Free Hill Basic School was formally opened by

Minister of Education Minister Ronald Thwaites who officially opened the facility and said he was "particularly happy" to be opening another educational institution in deep-rural Jamaica, where, he noted, children are able to get a high standard of education, equal to what is delivered to their counterparts residing in urban areas.

"So often in Jamaica's past, you had to go to St Ann's Bay, (or) you had to go to Kingston, or Montego Bay to get a good education. You can (now) get a good education right here in Free Hill, up to Grade Six," he stated.
Thwaites encouraged the residents to cherish the Free Hill Basic School, while also urging the parents of the children enrolled to safeguard the youngsters' development.

"What will go on in this little compound (entails) the most important period of education in any child's life. This is the period, from birth to age eight, when their brains are developing, when their personalities are being formed, and when their future is being determined. Therefore, the quality of education at the early childhood level is of extreme importance," he underscored.

The minister also praised the gesture of the United States-based Tagligh family, who donated the funds to construct the school.

Thwaites said their decision to invest in Jamaica's early-childhood education sector represented a "big gift" for the nation.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/search/New-basic-school-for-Freehill_19240748

FOOD FOR THE POOR ASSISTS MOUNT OLIVER HOME - Jamaica Observer - December 6, 2015

By Shelly-Ann Irving

Food for the Poor (FFP) has donated provisions to assist Mount Olivet Boys' Home's self help project.

Included are 1,000 chickens, feed and relevant supplies from the Agriculture and Fisheries Unit of the FFP.

Agriculture and Fishing Manager at FFP, Rebecca Harper, said that the main goal of the unit is to take people out of poverty through agriculture and fishing.

"Mount Olivet applied to us to help them replenish their chicken stock in order to become self sufficient. This falls within our mandate," she said.

The home has been provided with all that is required to grow the first batch of chickens, training and "they have sufficient experience to manage and maintain the programme," she added.
The FFP has also helped other children's homes and care centres certified by the Ministry of Health and Child Development Agency, to become self-sufficient.

Mount Olivet Boys' Home is also a beneficiary of their Angels of Hope programme, which provides an opportunity for persons to form a lasting bond with a special child to help them develop into healthy adults.

Acting Director of Mount Olivet Boys' Home, Rudolph Brown, said that the institution was happy for the project boost.

"This project will be ongoing, thanks to Food for the Poor and it will add to our income stream," Brown said.

"Our chickens are doing very well. The home will be the first customer for the chickens, supporting our own and selling the remainder to the community," he stated.

The Acting Director noted that the boys were enthused about the project as they too assist with the chickens.

He highlighted that one of the boys is solely assigned to assist the caretaker with the chickens, due to his level of interest and his natural skills when he performs his duties.

"His performance is outstanding, he is very responsible," Brown said.

The Acting Director pointed out that the home currently produces vegetables that supplies the kitchen and that there are plans to expand the home's involvement in agriculture in the medium to long term future.

The Fishing Division of Food for the Poor has assisted 14 fishing villages, with 72 fishermen being monitored. The Agriculture Division was born out of a project funded by USAID for red kidney beans. The division has helped over 90,000 farmers in different aspects of agriculture -- green houses, irrigation, pig and poultry rearing.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Food-for-the-Poor-assists-Mt-Olivet-Home_19242136

BRINGING CHRISTMAS CHEER TO THE POOR - The Gleaner - December 4, 2015

David Mair, esecutive director, Food For The Poor, greeting some of the indigent persons at the annual Christmas treat which the organisation hosted for them in pertnership with the Salvation Army. It was held at Emmet Park in Kingston yesterday.

Cedrick Wint has been an amputee for the past 15 years. However, he said that he will not allow his circumstances to prevent him from enjoying the festive season.

He was among hundreds of indigents who gathered at the Emmet Park in downtown Kingston, for the annual Christmas Treat, hosted by Food For The Poor, in partnership with Salvation Army.

The 73-year-old told The Gleaner that he was a shrimp vendor for most of his life, however, since a shooting incident in 2000, in which his leg was shattered, he has been unemployed.

"I was doing my usual hustle and a shoot-out started with the police and some young men. It just happened that I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. There was blood all over. By the time I got to the hospital the foot was already gone," he recalled.

The man who hails from the Hannah Town community in downtown Kingston, however, said he would not be daunted and was hoping for the best during the Christmas season and beyond.

"I have to keep fighting, I am looking forward to the Christmas because I have given everything to God. God has provided people from Salvation Army and Food for The Poor to assist us and I am grateful," Wint said.

"It's hackling but mi haffi gwan live. The father seh you must leave all judgement to him so I won't harbour any unforgiveness. I am giving God thanks for what he provided today," he said.

Similarly, for Eulalee McDonald, though life has been a struggle for her, noted that she was determined to push through.

"Since my husband died it has been me alone so it's a rough time. About 10 years ago someone ran over my foot with a bicycle but I didn't take it seriously and, over time, it get worse and it is bothering me now," she said.

"I have to go to clinic three times a week but di medication is the hardest part. Can't afford it all the time but mi a pull through. I am really thankful for the Christmas treat," he said.

David Mair, Executive Director at Food For the Poor, said giving back was never a ritual.

He explained that the indigents were treated with fish, chicken, rice and peas along with gifts to take home.

"The team was here from yesterday evening (Wednesday) cooking and didn't leave till 2 o'clock this morning (Thursday) but it's not a bother because the need is great," he declared.

"This is one of the days that we look forward to the most. We are feeding thousands of elderly underprivileged persons and afterwards, we give them gifts. I am actually not feeling well but I had to be here," Mair told The Gleaner.

Territorial Leader at the Salvation Army, Eva Marseille, also explained that giving back was a command given from God and as such, the team was propelled to go beyond the call of duty.

"This is part of who we are. There's no better place to be than assisting the poor and this is what Jesus is all about," she declared.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20151204/bringing-christmas-cheer-poor

Cedric Wint who will not allow his circumstances prevent him from enjoying the Christmas season.

Eulalee McDonald, an indigent, enjoying her meal which was given to her by Food For The Poor during the recent Christmas treat.

Students who volunteered to feed needy persons gathered at Emmet Park on December 3.

Members of the band who provided entertainment for needy individuals gathered at Emmet Park on December 3.

FFP COMPLETES 'JAMAICA 50 CAMPAIGN' PROJECT - The Star - November 23, 2015

Executive Director of Food for the Poor, David Mair, says the agency has successfully completed its project to construct or upgrade 50 schools islandwide, as part of activities marking Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence in 2012.

Mair points out that the organisation's 'Jamaica 50 Campaign' was executed within 32 of the designated 50 months timeline.

Speaking at the official opening of one of the institutions built under the initiative, the Free Hill Basic School in North West St Ann last Thursday, Mair said FFP was 'passionate' about creating a legacy of easy access to education for the nation's children.

http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20151123/news-briefs-business-people-rescue-foundation

A GIFT OF A SCHOOL - Jamaica Observer - November 22, 2015

RAISE YOUR HANDS! Lin Crispinelli (right), mother of the late Stephanie Crispinelli, after whom the project ‘Crispinelli Mission’ is named, entertains the students of Gimme-me-Bit Infant Department moments before the dedication of two additional classrooms and bathrooms which her family funded. Sharing in the moment is a volunteer who travelled with the family.

SINCE the start of November, Food For The Poor (FFP) has completed work on four early childhood institutions in the island, replacing old buildings with brand news ones in two, and expanding two others.

March Town Early Childhood Institution in Hanover and Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution in Trelawny were the recipients of new school buildings, while Gimme-Me-Bit Infant School and Race Course Seventh-day Adventist Early Childhood Institution, both in Clarendon, were renovated and expanded, now boasting two new classrooms and a new bathroom facility.

The construction of the March Town facility was funded by Laura and Peter McCain along with their family members and relatives from the US; and Spicy Hill was funded by Sunwing Foundation.

The renovations and expansions were made possible by the Crispinelli Mission -- a charity group from the United States formed in honour of Stephanie Crispinelli, a 19-year-old who perished in Haiti's devastating earthquake in January 2010 while on a mission trip. The mission had also financed construction of the two faciliites, some years ago.

Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites was present at the handing over of the Spicy Hill school, which cost Sunwing Foundation approximately US$85,000 to construct and is the largest early childhood investment through FFP Jamaica since the start of their Jamaica 50 campaign.
He said, "FFP said they would build 50 schools for Jamaica 50 and they have gone and built 65, so we must show our gratitude. We are happy to share with Food For The Poor. They could have invested their resources elsewhere, so God bless them. We couldn't have done it for ourselves without their generosity."

Executive director of FFP Jamaica, David Mair thanked the donors for contributing to the development of Jamaica's education sector and the environment of children, who he said are our nation's future.

-- Ainsworth Morris

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-gift-of-a-school_19239777

THE GIFT OF A SCHOOL: Minister Thwaites and his wife (centre) were happy to join volunteers of Sunwing Foundation in a group photo with Kerry-Ann Quallo Casserly, Director of Sales and Marketing for Jamaica for Sunwing Foundation, who receives a warm kiss from a student of Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution. Proudly sharing in the moment also is Angella Williams (right), principal of the institution.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF MARCH PEN EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTION: Principal of March Town Early Childhood Institution,
Sherry-Ann Murray (left) and Aleigh McCain, daughter of the Canadian donors, cutting the ribbon to signal the official opening of the new school building on November 12.

A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING FOR SPICY HILL: Sunwing Foundation of Canada in partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and FFP Canada recently pooled their resources to fund and construct a new school building for the Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution, which was officially opened on November 13. Sharing in the ribbon cutting exercise with students and teachers were (from right) Angella Williams, principal; Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education; Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, FFP Canada; Kerry-Ann Quallo Casserly, representing Sunwing Foundation; Sylvain Fabi, Canadian High Commissioner and Donavan White, Councillor.

LET’S OPEN THESE CLASSROOMS: Sharing in the ribbon cutting exercise at Race Course SDA Early Childhood Institution on November 6 were (from left) members of the Crispinelli family; Jennifer Bennett, Principal and David Mair, Executive Director of Food For The Poor.

FOOD FOR THE POOR DONATES AMBULANCE - Jamaica Observer - November 19, 2015

Charity organisation St John Ambulance yesterday received a major boost to its emergency response system, thanks to Food For the Poor (FFP), which donated an ambulance to the facility located on South Camp Road in Kingston.

Senior member of St John Ambulance Clemetson (left) is all smiles as she receives a hug from executive director of Food For the Poor Angel A Loma (centre) while FFP member Susan Moore (right) joins in the moment.

Clemetson said the donation is a major boost to the medical emergency system at the organisation.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Food-for-the-Poor-donates-ambulance_19239362

SUNWING OPENS EARLY-CHILDHOOD SCHOOL - The Gleaner - November 18, 2015

THE OPENING OF SPICY HILL EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTE’S NEW BUILDING: Sunwing Foundation of Canada in partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and FFP Canada recently pooled their resources to fund and construct a new school building for the Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution, which was officially opened on November 13. Sharing in the ribbon cutting exercise with students and teachers were (from right) Angella Williams, principal; Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education; Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, FFP Canada; Kerry-Ann Quallo Casserly, representing Sunwing Foundation; Sylvain Fabi, Canadian High Commissioner; Donavan White, Councillor and M. Parry Shirley, Chief Development Officer with the Ministry of Education.

Janet Silvera
Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator

LESS than two years after opening its first Jamaican hotel, the Sunwing Travel Group, through its Sunwing Foundation, has funded the construction of an early-childhood institution in Trelawny.

The school, Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution, was officially opened by Minister of Education, Reverend Ronald Thwaites; Canadian High Commission, Sylvain Fabi and Food For The Poor's Samantha Mahfood recently.

Some 85 students are enrolled at the facility, which was built in collaboration with Food For The Poor.

"Our plan is to support youth, education and training initiatives, which is the key, if we are to effect positive change in these communities," Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, Director of Sales at Royalton White Sands in Trelawny told the gathering.

The Sunwing Travel Group has a strong affiliation with Royalton White Sands and is the hotel's exclusive partner in Canada. Quallo-Casserly pointed out that by making youth development central to the mission of the charitable initiative, the Sunwing Foundation hopes not only to improve the quality of the children of today, but also to empower them to succeed, providing them with positive aspirations for tomorrow, therefore, also strengthening their communities for many years to come.

The early childhood education institution also caters to the children of many Royalton White Sands staff.

According to the hotel executive, none of this would have been made possible without the hard work of the entire team at Food For The Poor, both in Jamaica and in Canada.

"Thanks to Samantha Mahfood and all her colleagues and partners, including Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. Food For The Poor has been pivotal in the construction of 23 schools across the island in just three years, and have made a significant contribution to the Jamaica 50 Campaign launched in 2012 to construct 50 new schools to coincide with the island's 50th anniversary. So we feel honoured to have collaborated with such a key partner in improving Jamaicans education."

QUICK CONSTRUCTION

Construction on the school commenced in April this year, with the classrooms ready to be occupied by September.

"When the Foundation learnt of the need for a school right here in Trelawny, they jumped at the chance to be involved," Quallo-Casserly revealed, stating that the cherry on the cake was to learn that involvement in this project would mean an enrichment of the quality of education for Jamaican children, which is so close to the Foundation's goals.

The children were also recipients of books from Books Give Us Wings, a Toronto-based charity run by Jamaica-born teacher, Myrna Gabbidon.

"Books Give UIs Wings seeks to promote early literacy by ensuring that young children have their own reading books to take home and enjoy with their family," Quallo-Casserly stated.

GRATEFUL CHILDREN: Students from Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution entertain (from right) Kerry-Ann Quallo Casserly, representative of Sunwing Foundation; Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Canada; The Honourable Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education and Sylvain Fabi, Canadian High Commissioner during the handing over ceremony of their new school building on November 13.

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING FOR SPICY HILL EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTION: Sunwing Foundation of Canada in partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and FFP Canada recently pooled their resources to fund the construction a new school building for the Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution. The new building was officially handed over on November 13. Here, students, teachers, community members and representatives of Sunwing Foundation pose for a group photo moments after the new building was handed over. Students also received bag packs with reading books from Sunwing during the ceremony.

FOOD FOR THE POOR DONATES 361 BREAST PROSTHESES - October 23, 2015

The handover of the prostheses was done at Food For The Poor head office in St Catherine on October 14 in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here, David Mair (right), Executive Director of FFPJ, presents a sample of the breast prostheses to Carolind Graham, Chairman of Jamaica Reach to Recovery. Sharing in the moment is Yulit Gordon, Executive Director of the Jamaica Cancer Society. (PHOTO: PETRI-ANN HENRY)

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) donated 361 breast prostheses, valued at approximately J$2.6 million, to the Jamaica Cancer Society and its social outreach arm, Jamaica Reach to Recovery, recently.

These breast prostheses were handed over at FFPJ's head office located in Ellerslie Pen, St Catherine, on October 14. The breast prostheses were sourced by Food For The Poor Inc in the United States and are for women who have lost their breasts to cancer.

The team from the Jamaica Cancer Society was elated to receive the donation.

Offering gratitude on behalf of the Society, the executive director, Yulit Gordon, said, "As the country recognises Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease, the timing of this donation is perfect."

"We will ensure that the beneficiaries are those who need it most. To be able to equip these women to enhance their lives and provide them with some amount of comfort is a blessing and we are truly grateful."

Gordon further stated that the Cancer Society has seen a significant increase in the number of women accessing their available mammography screening services since the start of the month.

Carolind Graham, chairman of Reach to Recovery was just as grateful for the donation, as "there are so many cancer survivors who have done surgery, but have no opportunity to restore their original profile, because when a woman loses a breast, it doesn't define who she is, but it does affect how she now sees herself."

She also noted that many women are unable to afford the prosthesis so this donation from the FFPJ will make a major difference in their lives.

Speaking on behalf of FFPJ during the handover, Susan Moore, Director of Recipient Services, said the organisation was happy to donate the 361 breast prostheses.

"Food For The Poor Jamaica recognised that there was a great need in Jamaica for breast prostheses, so when our head office, FFP Inc, contacted us, we immediately thought of contacting the Jamaica Cancer Society to receive this donation," she said.

"We also recognised that a prosthesis could be quite costly to cancer survivors, and Jamaica Reach To Recovery would have direct contact with most of these needy individuals.

"Hence, contact was made, and today Food For The Poor is happy to donate these well-needed prostheses to these two entities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a significant demonstration of our interest in the most vulnerable groups in society."

http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20151023/food-poor-donates-361-breast-prostheses