OUR
IMPACT
A Mission Greater Than Ourselves
Over the years, the Atlanta Jamaican Association has spearheaded and supported many cultural and social programs in the metro Atlanta area, outreach programs in Jamaica, and humanitarian programs locally and across the Caribbean as needs arise. These efforts impacting youth and adults are made possible with donations from members and the wider community, and from fundraising activities.
CIVIC, SOCIAL & CULTURAL
Over the years, the AJA has organized and hosted many civic, social and cultural functions, targeting not only our members, but the broader Caribbean community in the metro Atlanta area. These include:
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The Association’s Annual Independence Ball & Scholarship Awards each August.
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The Annual Walkathon in the spring, and Family Day Picnic in September.
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Cultural programs and presentations at monthly meetings with a focus on Jamaican history and heritage. These include celebrations of Black History, Reggae and Women’s History Months and National Heroes Day. ​
The AJA regularly collaborates with and supports community-based agencies and other Caribbean organizations on a variety of civic and cultural programs. These include events relating to Caribbean American Heritage Month each June and Jamaican Independence each August. A few other events are highlighted below:
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Since summer 2020, the AJA, Lion’s Club and FOTC have spearheaded participation in the Farmers to Families Food Box program. Along with other volunteers from the communities served and from various community organizations, they distributed more than 9,000 30 lb. food boxes to needy clients in 2020. This program has continued in 2021. Read more here.
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The AJA spearheads an annual Christmas Toy Drive for needy children in local communities
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The AJA offers bereavement support to a number of Jamaican families.
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A team of AJA members participates in the American Cancer Society's annual fundraising Relay for Life - Dekalb County, GA - Click here to view a short video of one year's event.
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The AJA collaborated with The Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta Affiliate, Emory University, and Grady to offer free mammograms and breast health education to underserved women (2015 – 2016). Read more here.
OUTREACH TO JAMAICA
AJA’s outreach efforts to Jamaica over the years have included: donation of medical equipment, hospital supplies and pharmaceuticals; provision of nursing support to hospitals; provision of meals for the poor in infirmaries and prisons; provision of books, supplies and equipment to basic schools; and provision of relief from the ravages of flood and hurricane.
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In 2021, the AJA launched the Rep Yuh Parish initiative with members teaming to select, fund, and engage in an impactful community project in the parish in Jamaica with which they are most closely affiliated. See more information on the Home Page.
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In 2021, the AJA aided by donations from members, friends and the community, contributed over $5,000 through Food for the Poor to assist flood victims in Bull Bay, Jamaica. Read more and see photos of the devastation and support here.
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​In September 2020, in continuation of an initiative that started in 2016, the AJA Jamaica's Medical Supply / Support Initiative donated toiletries, adult disposal diapers and other vital supplies that were packaged into gift bags for needy citizens of Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. As in prior years, this was done in coordination with the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), a unit of Jamaica's Ministry of Health Fitness. Read more here.
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For two consecutive years, the AJA made donations to Teen Challenge Jamaica, a one-year residential institution for the rehabilitation of at-risk teens and adults.
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In 2015, AJA donated $1,000 to The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) to purchase bicycles for Community Based Policing.
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In 2016, AJA assisted with the purchase of a generator for the Open Heart Charitable Mission. This Mission offers two hot meals and a shower to its clients at its facility at Lawrence Lane in downtown Montego Bay every day. It also runs the Refuge of Hope night shelter in Albion, where up to 50 men and 30 women are accommodated and receive 3 hot meals a day.
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Please help us continue making an impact in our local and international communities. To make a donation, select the donate button below and select appropriate fund / projects.
For highlights of 2021 activities, please click here. Please scroll down for more examples.