Ever since my first visit to the Mustard Seed Communities as a sophomore in 2023, I've taken an interest in Jamaican society. There is something about the island that draws me in; maybe it's the sound of voices and music late into the night, or the optimism people display in the face of stark poverty.
If one were to observe Jamaica from a bird's eye view, the Mustard Seed Communities would seem out of place. The formal attire under the beating sun, and the lack of dance and blaring music differentiate it from the general vibe in Jamaica. Yet the magic of Jamaica lives on in the Mustard Seed Communities. The bonds between the residents and the caretakers are unbreakable, and the general selflessness of the whole operation stands in contrast to our capitalist ideas.
When I returned from my first trip, I looked for any possible way to help Mustard Seed run their operation. Government funding was sparse, and any initiative designed to help the children had to come out of the pockets of donors. However, past my allowance of $10 per week, I had no meaningful contribution to provide.
Four months ago, in March 2024, I came across an NBC article detailing how Mustard Seed had evacuated 59 abandoned disabled Hatians during their Civil War, an taken them to their sanctuary in Jacob's Ladder. How could Mustard Seed provide for these children if they were struggling to keep themselves afloat? At that moment, I realized that I had to get involved, and on a much larger scale than I previously imagined.
For the next four months, I hung up posters, and told anyone I came across about the project. Money started to trickle in, but my big break came in at my local barbershop. I immediately started to explain my project to the man sitting next to me, and while he told me he couldn't donate at the moment, he could help me become a listed non profit for his company, Google. Over the following months, I contacted individuals who worked at Google, explaining how if they donated, Google would double their donation. Combined with smaller donation from friends and family and larger donations from Google, I hit my goal of $10,350 in early June.
I am honored to be a part of the disabled children from Haiti's journey, and am proud that my work at Neurostronger made a tangible difference in their lives. I hope to raise $20,000 dollars next year to provide them with a new physical therapy center.
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