About Us
The Joseph and Vera Douglas Family Foundation, Inc. (JVDFF) is a 501c3 organization that serves at risk communities in Jamaica by providing literacy materials and resources; health & wellbeing workshops, advocacy and resources; and entrepreneurship training and support for women. Our goal is to empower and equip women so they can SHIFT their mindsets allowing them to improve their quality of life and become self-sufficient.
Educational Support
Without the proper school & classroom supplies, students and teachers cannot maximize the classroom experience. Making a tax deductible financial or in kind donation to assist students and teachers in Jamaica will ensure that both have the tools they need to be successful.
Most classrooms in Jamaica do not have libraries. We are working to change this through the Ramel J. Douglas Lending Library. Over the last three years, we have distributed over 300 books to children and teachers in the Petersfield, Kingston & Big Bridge communities of Jamaica. With your help, we can distribute 300 more books! Our long term goal is to build and place lending libraries at various churches and community organizations in Jamaica. This will ensure that families have access to books any day of the week.
Women Entrepreneurship Training Program
Many of Jamaica’s homes are led by single women struggling to make ends meet. With your tax deductible financial donation, we can support women in becoming entrepreneurs so they can provide for their families. Next Fall, in partnership with Lasco Chin Foundation, we will launch an entrepreneurship program for women in Petersfield.
STOP Violence Against Women Programs
In partnership with Lasco Chin Foundation, Dress for Success Jamaica, EVE, Jamaica Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other community organizations to address violence against women and girls in Jamaica through a safety program- S.A.F.E (Safety Alternatives For Empowering) Women Workshop. S.A.F.E Women Workshops are 2 hours safety workshops that provides women and girls with safety awareness and self defense skills, gender based violence education and wellness resources. Attendees receive a care package at the conclusion of each workshop.
In addition, we are working with our partners to identify additional ways we can support women and girls who have been victims of violence. In the meantime, we provide much needed care packages of food and personal care items to seniors, impoverished women and girls living in group homes.
Health & Wellbeing
Jamaica’s staggering health disparities are influenced by it’s struggle to provide accessible and affordable health care services to its citizens. We are working with a Jamaica based organization to determine how we can support Petersfield residents in getting the medical resources and health education workshops they may need to improve their quality of life. In the meantime, we are committed to donating medical supplies and equipment to the Petersfield Clinic and offering virtual workshops, as requested.
2022 Mission in Action Project
On November 19, 2022, the JVDFF Mission in Action Team went to Petersfield, Jamaica to build a playground at Petersfield Primary & Infant School (PPIS). Along with volunteers from the school and community, the playground was completed! The new playground will provide a safe place for children, parents, grandparents & community members to play and socialize. The playground includes a full play set & swings. In the coming months, benches, tables and game tables will be added to the space.
In addition to the playground, the team also started a garden for students and staff to grow produce for the school canteen.
We are grateful for all the generous donors whose kindness made this project a success.
Help Us Fund FREE Safety Classes for Women in Jamaica
Your tax deductible donation of $40 will pay for one woman to attend the safety workshop.
Our Partners
Upcoming Events
Meet Our Board Members
Rachel Dolcine
President
Jacqueline Bowie
Interim Secretary
Pierre Dolcine
Member
Rukie Wilson
Member
We are recruiting for our Board
Application closes on May 15, 2023
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This past Christmas, JVDFF partnered with Lasco Chin Foundation, Dress for Success Jamaica, Petersfield Primary & Infant School PTA, DOVE, Empowered Women in Business International and Trauma Advocacy Group to gift 100+ survivors of domestic violence in Maryland & Jamaica with holiday boxes filled with personal care & beauty items.
Donate to JVDFF
The Joseph & Vera Douglas Family Foundation, Inc. (a 501c3 organization) annually submits a copy of its financial statements to the State of Maryland. A copy is available from the Office of the Secretary of the State for the cost of copying and postage by contacting them at the State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 or 410.974.5521. In addition, a copy can be requested directly from us by emailing jvdfoundation@gmail.com.
Other Ways
You Can Help
To volunteer, travel with us on a Mission in Action trip or find out how you can help, click the Contact Us button below.
Shop Our Store
Purchase products, register for meetups, support our programs, so we may continue to provide services and support to vulnerable women and girs in Jamaica.
Contact Us
Send Us A Note
We thank you for visiting our website … and so look forward to hearing from you!