KINGSTON, Jamaica — JN Foundation has channelled approximately $1.4 million to the Mustard Seed Communities’ (MSC) Blessed Assurance home in St James to assist with critical rebuilding following severe damage by Hurricane Melissa.

According to a release, the funds were allocated from monies raised through the ISupportJamaica Fund, activated by the JN Foundation as Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica. The fund received contributions mainly from Jamaicans overseas and friends of Jamaica.

Blessed Assurance, which houses adults and children with physical and developmental challenges, is still recovering from severe flooding that displaced residents, destroyed or severely damaged infrastructure and assets, including cottages, utilities, and essential equipment.

Reverend Father Garvin Augustine, executive director of Mustard Seed Communities, said the facility was among MSC’s hardest hit, with floodwaters rising to roof level in some areas, forcing staff to evacuate residents, many of whom are children, to upper floors for safety.

“All the cottages were flooded, bedding and furniture were destroyed, and there was no access to the property for days because the road was completely washed away,” he explained. “But through the generosity of our partners and the wider community, we have been able to begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding.”

Thirty per cent of cash donations to the ISupportJamaica Fund have been earmarked to repair severely affected facilities for the vulnerable and/or at risk like Blessed Assurance, while 40 per cent will support early childhood institutions and the remaining 30 per cent will be channelled to first responders and community groups actively involved in the recovery process.

“Mustard Seed Communities makes for a worthy beneficiary, as the organisation is strong on mission credibility, operational competence and institutional trust. Over the years, we have collaborated to help to bring relief to its residents, most of whom are the most vulnerable in our society,” Omar Wright, lead, environment and community development at the JN Foundation, said.

In addition to the financial contribution, the JN Foundation collaborated with St John Ambulance Jamaica to provide much-needed health services to residents and members of staff.

The outreach forms part of a wider series of medical missions funded by Corus International, an ensemble of faith-based organisations. Since the passage of the hurricane, 17 missions have been led to date by the JN Foundation across rural and underserved communities.

Wright said the medical outreach was launched to address persistent gaps in access to care post Melissa.

“The primary objective is to reach vulnerable communities, particularly the elderly and persons living with disabilities, who may not have seen emergency services or relief since the hurricane,” noted Wright. “At Blessed Assurance, the mission was especially impactful because of the complex medical needs of the children and the caregivers.”

He explained that the programme targets underserved and hard‑to‑reach communities, particularly in the western parishes.

He noted that the initiative aims to reach up to 1,200 residents by the end of the programme. The medical team, which included doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and ambulances supplied by St John Ambulance, conducted basic medical screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, and pre-hospital assessments. Prescription refills and limited on-site medication dispensing were also provided.

The members of staff welcomed the medical mission, noting that access to care is often delayed or avoided, even though stress and anxiety levels have remained high in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Alecia Bowyer, administrative assistant at the mission, commended the services offered by the medical mission. “I received excellent service; the medical team was helpful and attentive. They have reminded me of the importance of taking better care of my health and how I can improve my diet,” she said.

Meanwhile, Karen Miller Bogle, a family nurse practitioner with the St John’s Ambulance team, reflected on the experience, noting the importance of gratitude and collective action.

“In everything, give thanks. Sometimes you may feel that your situation is very difficult, but when you participate in these outreaches, you realise that others are facing far greater challenges and are still doing their best to survive. It underscores how important it is for people to come together and work as a team, as this ultimately benefits the entire community,” she said.