Treasurer, Marjorie Thomas, handing over a check to St Ann’s Bay Hospital Dept of Social Work to support efforts to repair homes for patients.
Bringing immediate dignity and shelter: After a resident in Ginger Hill was left with only wood and a tarpaulin, Rochester Jamaican Organization stepped in to provide a secure camping tent and cot, to ensure a safe place to sleep.
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From devastation to restoration: The Before & After of Ms. Jones’ home, showing the structural transformation made possible through targeted community relief and partnership.
A special thank you to our partner, Denron Engineering, who generously donated critical warehouse storage space, transport trucks, and dedicated workers to execute our community deliveries.
Collaboration in action: After Denise's home was completely destroyed, international teamwork prevailed—generous donors from Canada provided the building materials, while RJO supplied the roofing materials to secure her new home.
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Back home and back to school: Displaced across three different areas post-hurricane, this family of four was reunited after RJO supplied the roofing materials needed to partially restore their home, allowing the children to safely re-enroll in school.
On the move: A flatbed truck loaded with vital roofing materials leaves the Port of Kingston, bound for our central distribution warehouse in Manchester.
Stroke survivor Pinky and her mother—a retired, bedridden nurse—receive RJO care packages and roofing supplies, safely installed with the hands-on support of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers.
Renewing spaces for education: Before & After views of the Theodora Skills Training facility, showcasing the successful remediation of severe mold and roof damage.
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Investing in local resilience: RJO members on the ground at Theodora Skills Training in Negril, officially handing over $3,100 USD to support the institution's recovery and educational mission.
Our dedicated partner, Tiamo Cares, carefully preparing anddistributing vital care packages and supplies to families across Western Jamaican.
View Video Here!
Strengthening the front lines and families: Dr. Earlando Thomas distributes essential care packages to the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station while handing over a donation check to Dr. Nepaul to fund building materials for displaced residents.
Bringing immediate dignity and shelter: After a resident in Ginger Hill was left with only wood and a tarpaulin, Rochester Jamaican Organization stepped in to provide a secure camping tent and cot, to ensure a safe place to sleep.
Hearts and hands in the field: Rochester Jamaican Organization members standing together in Jamaica, directly leading the distribution, assessment, and rebuilding efforts.
From devastation to restoration: The Before & After of Ms. Jones’ home, showing the structural transformation made possible through targeted community relief and partnership.
Collaboration in action: After Denise's home was completely destroyed, international teamwork prevailed—generous donors from Canada provided the building materials, while RJO supplied the roofing materials to secure her new home.
RevTalk and Steve McGregor working actively on the ground on behalf of the Rochester Jamaican Organization (RJO) to coordinate and amplify our community recovery efforts.
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)
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!
Hurricane Melissa Relief EffortsIn October 2025, Hurricane Melissa—a devastating Category 5 storm—made landfall in Jamaica, leaving a trail of extensive destruction. In immediate response, the Rochester Jamaican Organization (RJO) leveraged its digital platform and community presence to launch a comprehensive support campaign. To date, close to $100,000 was raised and strictly designated for relief efforts.
• Key Partners: United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI), Denron Engineering, RevTalk, Tiamo Cares, Operation Save Jamaica, Henry Isaacs Remodeling, Yap Wholesale, and TruSource International.
• Technical Support: *Starlink Devices were strategically deployed in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Trelawny to provide vital mobile and internet connectivity.
• Generators: Several centers received generators, power strips and extension cords to supply electricity and served as vital community hubs.
• Emergency Supplies: Distributed chain saws, cots, solar lamps, tarps, construction bags, gloves, toothbrushes, water and mosquito repellant.
• Sustenance and Community Care: Over 700 care packages and cooked meals were distributed to several communities across the parishes of Trelawny, Clarendon, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth.
• Infrastructure and Housing Recovery: roofing bundles comprised of 14ft zinc sheets, WPP and PPP timber, fillets, zinc screws, hurricane straps, and mixed nails were distributed across 12 communities in St. Elizabeth, St. Ann, Trelawny and St. James supporting close to 40 families. RJO is fully funding the $2,500 reconstruction of a roof at Theodora Skill Training Center and issued a $5,000 grant to secure building materials for Sav La Mar residents and the Orange Baptist Church.
• In-Kind Contributions: RJO received substantial corporate and community support from the following partners.
- Henry Isaacs Remodeling: 14,500 sq. ft. of shingles, accessories, and 300 pieces of OBS/nails
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: 200 BPA-free Nalgene water bottles
- Sewing with Love: Reusable menstrual pads
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)
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!
JAMMIN FOR JAMAICA“Jammin’ for Jamaica” was a community call to action organized by the Rochester Jamaican Organization to raise urgent awareness and funds to support relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 that greatly impacted the residents of Jamaica.
RJO partnered with Tropix Eatery, Rochester West Indian Festival Organization (RWIFO), a dozen local restaurants, local grocery stores, 15 live performers and DJs alongside over 30 volunteers to host the three day event from November 14-16, 2025. The fundraiser was well attended and received very positive feedback with high praise for the attendees, participants and sponsors who all contributed their time, talent and delicious Caribbean cuisine to enrich the event experience.
RJO was commended for the well-organized execution, diverse cultural entertainment, and the variety of Caribbean delicacies offered. The net proceeds amounted to a little over $14,000 with 100% of all funds and goods donated being used and distributed to several communities across Jamaica.
