Hendersons start foundation to give back to St Mary

JENNIFER HENDERSON believes in creating a bridge between access and opportunity for underserved families. She has started Jengar Helping Hands Foundation and, alongside her husband Dave and other volunteers, they ensure that residents from the parish of St Mary begin each school year with confidence, good health and the resources that they need to be successful.

Jengar Helping Hands Foundation, she said, is an initiative aimed at building stronger, healthier communities through access to essential resources.

“This initiative is more than an event; it is a catalyst for change and a movement that will spread across various parishes. By removing financial and logistical barriers, we are giving families the tools to thrive. When children start school healthy and equipped, they are more likely to succeed academically and parents will have peace of mind,” Henderson said.

“When adults access health screenings and training resources, this will equip them with the skills to provide financial freedom and help bridge the gap of poverty. We are empowering individuals to take control of their future, one service, one child, one family and one community at a time, she added.

Henderson said one of her mantras is, if she can help someone as she journeys along the road called life, then her living will not be in vain. “I have seen first-hand how lack of access holds families back, not because they do not have potential, but because they do not have the necessary support. Knowing I can be a part of the solution, even in small ways, fuels me daily,” she said.

“It is about planting seeds of hope and watching lives blossom from them. It is my desire and passion to help others succeed and activate their full potential within them. As an organisation, we are committed to educating, empowering and inspiring, one child and one community at a time,” Henderson added.

Giving back, she said, does not have to be big, but small acts of kindness are impactful. Whether it is volunteering for an hour, mentoring a youth, donating supplies, or funds, your actions matter. Whatever little things we do in our communities, it will spread throughout Jamaica and ultimately the world. “Our communities need us. Let us join together and make Jamaica a better place,” Henderson said.

One of the foundation’s proudest moments was providing lunches for approximately 200 needy children at various schools through their School Feeding Programme. “This took the burdens off their parents and allowed the children to focus on their education instead of what they would eat. Hungry children cannot learn,” Henderson said.

The foundation was also successful in assisting 60 children in rural communities with backpacks and back-to-school supplies. “The parents expressed their gratitude, as some children could not attend school due to lack of resources. These stories remind us why this work matters and how each initiative or project creates lasting change for a child and a community,” she said.

This year, the foundation will host a day of transformation, togetherness and giving back, on Saturday, August 2 at the Annotto Bay Primary School, in St Mary. The back-to-school component will see a distribution of backpacks and school supplies. Their medical outreach will entail free medical check-ups for children and adults, including back-to school medicals.

Other civic services will also be available, including support from agencies such as the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Registrar General’s Department, Nurses Association of Jamaica, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, HEART/NSTA Trust, among others.

“Our main objectives are to prepare children for school, promote health and wellness, and connect families with resources that might not be easily accessible,” Henderson said.

Jengar Helping Hands Foundation is a registered entity both in the United States and Jamaica. The objectives, she said, are to expand the project into other parishes across Jamaica and host similar events. Eventually, she said, the vision is to expand into the Caribbean.

You can assist the organisation by volunteering your time on the day of the event, or by donating school supplies, medical items, or funds to assist with purchasing of supplies for the event. You can also visit their website to sign up or support: www.jengarhelpinghands.com

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com