THERE are youth at risk all over Jamaica and Daisy Blackwood, a member of the Discovery Bay community and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Ocho Rios, St Ann, is committed to helping those she can.

Blackwood who believes “caring and sharing” is the first law of life, has been helping others for almost all her life, following a bizarre illness which affected her best friend.

The Sunday school teacher, who is president of several Parent-Teachers’ associations and a chief chamber tender at the University of the West Indies Marine Laboratory in Discovery Bay, is popularly known as Jackie Roots or Sister Jackie. She has, for decades now, opened her home to the neglected and disenfranchised of society.

Blackwood through her “home of love” has for years been offering care to children with disabilities, persons living with HIV and children from no-income households.

Having lost her biological twins in the 70s, the 57-year-old nurse has made herself mother to both adults and children alike.

“I give a helping hand to children who are at risk…children from no-income families, children who have disabilities of many kinds,” Blackwood told the Jamaica Observer North East during an interview recently.

Blackwood has been able to assist children over the years mainly from her own personal resources along with assistance from friends and family, and the occasional donations from various organisations.

Presently there are 14 persons in Blackwood’s care — 12 children and two adults who are unable to care for themselves.

During the holidays, Blackwood said up to 70 children can be found at her home where they not only have fun during the holiday camps but are exposed to Jamaican culture during their stay.

“They learn about their cultural heritage and they also learn how to take care of the environment,” Blackwood explained, adding that “I take them to the beach, take them on trips”.

While Blackwood tries to care for all children, she usually tries to take in children up to 15 years old and those with behavioural problems.

The large number of children is attended to by Blackwood and the volunteers who assist her yearly.

A part of the “home of love” project is distributing clothing to needy children.

Blackwood said she takes in items of clothing both used and new for distribution to children who attend the holiday camps or even persons in the community who are in need of the assistance.

“We take in every kind of clothes and shoes because we know where the needs are and we distribute food, pampers, toiletries,” Blackwood explained.

She added further: “It’s a charity organisation where people are allowed and encouraged to bring what they have to offer; we will get them to the people,” she said.

During times of natural disasters Blackwood said she and her team go out into communities to assist in whatever way possible.

Although by no means a wealthy person, Blackwood said she has no intention of stopping what she is doing as she believes in spreading love to those in need and raising children in Christian principles. More stories from Observer North & East