During the uncertainties that plagued the entire world due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the non profit organization of Bless Back Jamdown Missions was launched, to be a beacon of hope to those who are in need and underserved populations on the island of Jamaica.
The organization’s mission was birthed out of the desire that founder Sherlene Templeman of East Hartford had to give back to her beloved homeland. At the tender age of 15, Sherlene migrated to the United States, leaving her family behind in order to find a better path in life all while working with the intention of helping those who were left back ‘a yaawd’ – back home. Templeman’s motto is, “We can’t forget the land of our birth.”
Over the years as she worked her way through challenges and circumstances, she never forgot where she came from. It has been a long time coming, but today Templeman’s dream of giving back to Jamaica is slowly coming to pass as her vision has grown to help underserved communities across the island.
In the locations of Kingston, St Catherine and St. Thomas, she has managed to cater to those in need by providing food, clothing and personal items. Her personal experiences of knowing what it is like to be in need and hungry as she was a part of the underserved community has been one of the driving forces behind her desire to serve Jamaican society in this way.
Since 2020, Templeman and her team have managed to distribute thousands of barrels of clothes, food and personal items in the various locations that she serves. Through generous donations and fundraisers, Sherlene will continue to serve the Jamaican community in love.
Templeman’s faith in Christ has also been a primary drive behind the organization’s mission to help those in need, as she and her team seek to follow the example of Jesus’ command in caring for those in need. In the future, it is the desire of BBJD Missions to touch thousands of lives in Jamaica as they seek to expand their outreach by providing for underserved populations in all 14 parishes as time progresses.
Who would have thought that beauty could come out of ashes; light could come out of utter gloom and darkness? Well, it’s not impossible… Bless Back Jamdown Missions has proven so as Sherlene and her team work towards their goal of helping those in need. The driving force behind all of this is the desire to make a difference and inspire change, one meal at a time.
On Saturday, June 29, 2024, Templeman and her team will host a carwash at 464 Tolland St, East Hartford from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. All donations will go toward the BBJD mission in Jamaica.
Rene Lambert of Bloomfield is a student at Manchester Community College and a member of Bless Back Jamdown Missions.