During the riveting uncertainties that plagued the entire world due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the non-profit organization of Bless Back Jamdown (BBJD) Missions was launched to be a beacon of hope to the underserved in the island of Jamaica. The manifestation of the organization’s mission was birthed out of the earnest desire that founder, Sherlene Templeman, had to give back to her beloved homeland, Jamaica. At 15 years old, Sherlene migrated to the United States, leaving her family behind in order to find a better path in life. Her intention was to someday help those who were left back ‘a yaad’.
Over the years, as she worked her way through challenges and difficult 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 the less fortunate in various communities across the island. Her motto is, “can’t forget the land of my birth!” In the locations of Kingston, St Catherine and St. Thomas, she has catered to those in need by providing food, clothing and personal items. Her own experience of knowing what it is to be hungry, in need, and living in an underserved community has been one of the main forces behind her desire to serve the Jamaican society in the way she does today. More importantly, her faith in Jesus Christ has been the primary drive behind the organization’s mission to help the less fortunate, as Sherlene and her team follow Jesus’ command of caring for those in need. It is the desire of BBJD Missions, as time progresses, to touch thousands of lives by expanding its outreach to the underserved in all fourteen parishes of Jamaica.
Who would have thought that beauty could come out of ashes, and light out of utter gloom and darkness? Well, it’s not impossible… Bless Back Jamdown Missions has proven this as Sherlene and her team work toward their goal of helping those in need. BBJD Missions hopes to make a difference and inspire change, “one meal at a time.”
