A Message from Our President

I am honored to be sharing this message as President of the Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc. (RJO) as we mark the 16th anniversary of the organization and the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence. As one can imagine, the festivities will be at a fever pitch. However, as we celebrate these milestones, let us not forget the challenges of the past two years as communities across the globe dealt with the impact of COVID-19. Looking ahead, we are focused on accelerating our post-pandemic recovery efforts through collaboration and the resumption of in-person programs and events, beginning with the return of our signature Independence Gala.

I'm proud of our successes over the years and attribute this to the meaningful engagement of our members and sponsors who have enabled us to build on the strength of our brand. The RJO has now become synonymous with our commitment to helping our communities both in Rochester, NY, and Jamaica - from the senior citizens who benefit from our meal delivery program to college-bound scholarship recipients in Rochester to the youth served by the Theodora Project in Jamaica. I am incredibly grateful to be associated with the Rochester Jamaican Organization and excited about this journey as we continue to write the next chapter of our amazing story of giving back to our community.

Joel Frater, Ed.D
President of the Rochester Jamaican Organization
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Rochester Jamaican Organization
Our 2024 scholarship application is now available! Learn more and apply today. Learn More & Apply

2026 Rochester Jamaican Organization Scholarship Opportunities

Supporting Students. Celebrating Excellence.
Rochester Jamaican Organization scholarships help students pursue higher education and leadership goals. Invest in your future and submit your application by April 1, 2026.
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Providing access to resources that will positively impact the social conditions of Jamaicans in Jamaica and in Rochester, NY.
Our 2025 scholarship application is now available!
Learn more and apply today.
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Hear more about our efforts to support those in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa from our president! 

Watch Story on Rochester First (Channel 8)!
our mission
Rochester Jamaican Organization Inc. is committed to improving the lives of Jamaicans living in Rochester and Jamaica through its own capacity building and collaboration with U.S and Jamaica based organizations.

Events and Iniatiaves

Check out our upcoming events below.

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17TH ANNUAL GALA

Friday, July 28, 2023
6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
‍
Hyatt Regency Rochester
125 E Main Street Rochester, NY 14604
(Downtown Rochester)

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15th Annual Golf TournamentSaturday, June 21, 2025
Shotgun Time: 1:30 PM
Morgan's Crossing
760 Scottsville-Chili Road Scottsville, NY 14546
Register to join us today!

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Pay for tickets
Special Instructions
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Special Instructions

Rochester Jamaican Organization Returns To RPLSaturday, February 21, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Kusler-Cox Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Rundell Memorial Building
115 South Avenue, Rochester NY

‍Rochester Public Library celebrates with the Rochester Jamaican Organization the rich history and culture of Jamaican artefacts.Join us for our 2nd Annual Black History Month Celebration. On display will be artefacts, music, and artwork. Come experience the flavors of Free Foods of the island provided by local Caribbean restaurants.

A Message From Our President‍‍‍In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, our hearts are with our brothers and sisters across Jamaica. We stand in solidarity with every family facing loss, every community working to rebuild, and every soul holding onto hope.

Jamaica is resilient — rooted in strength, unity, and spirit. But recovery requires more than courage. It requires support.

We invite you to join us in extending a lifeline. Your monetary contributions will go directly toward relief efforts, helping provide food, shelter, medical care, and the rebuilding of vital infrastructure. Every dollar makes a difference.

Let us come together — as Jamaicans, as friends, as a global community — to uplift those in need. To donate, please visit our website at Rochester Jamaican Organization. Together, we rise.

Sincerely,
Joel Frater

MAKE A DONATIONOther Ways to Support

Become a
Member Today

Join our general meetings on the first Thursday of each month.

6 PM - 8 PM

Meetings are held via Zoom. Please email rochesterjamaicanorg@yahoo.com to get the link for the meeting.

For more information, call
585-234-2119.
Learn More About RJO Membership

Academic Scholarships

Our scholarship opportunities provide financial support for Rochester-area college students. Please see below a list of our scholarships, click the button to apply.

Deloris Asynthia Lewis Memorial Scholarship
‍
Nico Mundy Scholarship Fund
‍
RJO Linford Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
‍
Monroe Community College Scholarship

RJO Constellation Ginna Scholarship

‍Friends of RJO Scholarship

RJO Advisory Committee Scholarship
Learn more & apply!

Charitable Agenda in Jamaica

Each year, the Rochester Jamaican Organization chooses a beneficiary for our annual fundraising gala. Given the Theodora Project's track record for the past ten years, we are pleased to continue with our support of this very deserving organization.

Our impact also includes past support for students attending the Rose Hill and McCooks Pen Primary Schools and the Edna Manley School of Performing Arts.
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2026 Scholarship Applications
Applications are now open!

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.

Our scholarship opportunities provide financial support for Rochester-area college students. Please see below a list of our scholarships, click the button to apply.

  • ‍RJO Linford Hamilton Memorial Scholarship (3 awardees will be selected)‍
  • RJO Constellation Ginna Scholarship (2 awardees will be selected)‍
  • RJO Steel Tech Fabricators, Inc. Scholarship
  • RJO Henry Isaacs Home Remodeling Scholarship
  • RJO Scholarship Application*
    ‍‍

*When you apply for our RJO Scholarship Application you will be considered for all of the following scholarships:

  • ‍‍Deloris Asynthia Lewis Memorial Scholarship
  • Nico Mundy Scholarship Fund
  • Friends of RJO Scholarship
  • RJO Advisory Council Scholarship
  • RJO MCC Foundation Scholarship
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Excellence

Pursuit of the highest quality of programs and service and a persistent commitment to the best outcomes for the organization. 

Empowerment

The idea of giving members the necessary support, authority and opportunity to advance the mission of the organization as well as holding them responsible and accountable for the outcomes of their actions.

Service

The differentiating quality of the organization in meeting and exceeding the needs of members, friends of the organization, its benefactors and beneficiaries. 

Integrity

The principle of demonstrating strong ethical or moral standards in conducting the business of the organization at all levels.
Our values

Stewardship

Responsibly managing current assets and preparing for the future leadership and financial sustainability of the organization.

Diversity

‍Diversity means Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from a wide range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences, interests, and other unique dimensions.

Inclusion

‍Inclusion means that the organization has the policies and procedures to ensure all people feel welcome and that leaders and members demonstrate behaviors that allow different perspectives, opinions and experiences to be heard and recognized.

Equity

‍Equity means that everyone who is eligible has an equal chance at opportunities for programs and services offered by the organization.
OUR IMPACT
Learn More About Our Impact
Join our mission

Scholarship & Nomination Applications

Click to download the nomination or scholarship form.
Deloris Lewis Scholarship
Nico Mundy Scholarship
MCC Foundation Scholarship
Community Leadership and Service Award Nomination

Community Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the Rochester Jamaican Organization and our mission to provide access to networks and resources to Jamaicans in Jamaica and in Rochester.
Support Today!
Support Opportunities

TEstimonials & Stories

"I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Rochester Jamaican Scholarship Organization. This scholarship is a blessing because it is helping me to complete college...receiving the scholarship isn't just about the money, it portrays the image that I'm seen as having potential for the future of our society."

— RJO Scholarship Recipient

"My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like this organization. I want to thank the Rochester Jamaican Organization for enabling this opportunity! And for investing in my future."

- 2015 MCC Foundation Scholarship Recipient 
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Updates and News
Event

18th Annual Independence Gala

Ticket sales are now closed. Thank you to all who have purchased tickets and celebrated with us on Friday, July 26, 2024!

You can still support our mission by donating to the Rochester Jamaican Organization!
Donate to Support
Buy Tickets & Attend the Gala
Latest News

The Theodora Project

The Theodora Project — an outreach program of the United Church of Negril — was established in 2004 in response to the human-trafficking crisis in Western Jamaica.

This initiative provides education and housing to youth, 17-25 years old, who have been or are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking...
Read more

The Green Trees Initiative

Contact Us

P.O. Box 24287
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 234-2119
rochesterjamaicanorg@yahoo.com

Learn More

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Jamaican Organization today!
© 2023 Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc.