Six Months of Impact: Thank You for Making a Difference
- JACNEWHAVEN
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
At the Jamaican American Connection (JAC), every event, scholarship, volunteer hour, and donation tells the story of a community coming together to make a difference.
As we reflect on the first six months of the year, we're proud of what we've accomplished together—and even more excited about what's ahead. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.
Here's a look at the impact you've helped create:
Responding When Jamaica Needed Us Most
When Hurricane Melissa devastated communities across Jamaica, JAC quickly mobilized as a relief hub for Greater New Haven.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we collected emergency supplies and raised funds to assist families affected by the storm. Earlier this year, JAC President Karaine Holness and JAC member Wendy Clarke traveled to Montego Bay to personally deliver a 40-foot container of donated supplies to our partners at the Kiwanis Club of Providence Montego Bay.
Today, those donations are reaching families, healthcare facilities, and communities throughout Jamaica. Every donation, volunteer, and supporter played a role in making this mission possible.
Our upcoming Trailblazer & Scholarship Gala, themed "A Night of Impact & Gratitude," will celebrate that same spirit of generosity.
Investing in Our Students
Education continues to be one of JAC's greatest priorities. This year we proudly awarded $13,000 in scholarships, helping students continue their educational journeys.
Thank you to Scholarship Committee Chair Denise Morris and the entire committee for their tireless efforts to bring our 2026 Scholarships to our students.
Scholarship Highlights
$8,000 awarded to six JAC Scholarship recipients
Two $1,500 LifeSpan Collaborative Service Scholarships awarded to graduate students pursuing Master's degrees in Mental Health
Introduction of the JAC Parent Scholarship, a new $2,000 award recognizing students whose parents are active JAC members
We also hosted our 4th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, bringing together golfers, sponsors, and supporters to raise funds for future scholarship opportunities. Thank you to everyone who participated and to our sponsors, including Access Health CT, for helping us invest in tomorrow's leaders.
Serving Our Community
Making an impact isn't only about fundraising—it's about building relationships and being present. This year JAC proudly participated in several community events, including:
Dr. Martin Luther King Day of service where we donated 1,146 cans of protein to Women of the Village food pantry.
An evening of bingo, fellowship, and refreshments with residents at Victory Garden Senior Housing
New Haven's Juneteenth Celebration at the Q House
The New Haven Caribbean Festival, celebrating Caribbean culture with family, food, and community
We're also thrilled to welcome 12 new members to the JAC family this year. Your passion and commitment help us expand our reach and deepen our impact.
A Tribute to Bob Marley That Brought the Community Together
One of this year's most memorable moments was our partnership with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for A Tribute to Bob Marley.
The evening featured an incredible orchestral celebration of Bob Marley's music, the vibrant One Love Marketplace, and an unforgettable atmosphere that brought together music lovers from across our community.
Many attendees experienced Bob Marley's music performed by a full symphony orchestra for the very first time, making the evening both unique and inspiring.
To commemorate the event, the City of New Haven officially proclaimed June 6 as Bob Marley Day, honoring Bob Marley's legacy and the cultural impact of the celebration. Thank you to DJ Fire for creating an after show vibe that we won't soon forget!
Honoring Our 2026 Trailblazers
Each year, JAC recognizes outstanding individuals from the Caribbean whose leadership and service inspire others.
This year's Trailblazers are:
James Michel
President and CEO of Access Health CT, James Michel has dedicated his career to expanding access to healthcare while serving numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Connecticut and beyond.
Odian "Kevin" Reid (@coconutcup_nyc1)
Founder of The Coconut Cup NYC, Kevin Reid has
transformed authentic Jamaican cuisine into a globally
recognized culinary brand, sharing Caribbean culture with audiences around the world.
We look forward to celebrating both honorees during our Trailblazer & Scholarship Gala on September 19th, 2026
Coming Soon
The second half of the year is shaping up to be just as exciting.
Annual Trailblazer & Scholarship Gala September 19, 2026 Omni New Haven Hotel
Join us as we celebrate scholarship recipients, honor our 2026 Trailblazers, and recognize the impact we've made together. Purchase your tickets here today!
Plié for the Arts: Amalgamation
October 18, 2026
Shubert Theatre
We're excited to welcome Plié for the Arts, traveling directly from Jamaica to New Haven for one spectacular performance at the historic Shubert Theatre. Joining them will be the internationally acclaimed Ashe Company, creating an unforgettable evening that celebrates the richness, creativity, and excellence of Caribbean dance and music. Don't miss this extraordinary cultural event. Purchase your tickets here today!
Community Events
Join us as we prepare to participate in the:
September 27th, 2026
Sign up to join the JAC Team here: Walk to End Alzheimer's
Lighthouse Park, New Haven
October 16th, 2026 Sign up to join the JAC Team here:
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
Save the Date
5th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
June 11, 2027
Orange Hills Country Club
389 Racebrook Road
Orange, CT 06477
Shotgun Tee Off: 9:00 a.m.
By the Numbers
$13,000 in scholarships awarded
6 JAC Scholarship recipients
2 LifeSpan Collaborative Services Graduate Scholarship recipients
1 new JAC Parent Scholarship
40-foot hurricane relief container delivered to Jamaica
1,146 cans of protein donated to local food pantry
12 new JAC members welcomed
June 6 officially proclaimed Bob Marley Day in New Haven!
Thank You
Everything we accomplish is possible because of our members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us strengthen our community through education, culture, service, and opportunity.
Together, we're making a lasting impact—both here in Greater New Haven and throughout the Caribbean.
We can't wait to see you at our upcoming events!
Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @JACNewHaven
Visit us: www.jacnewhaven.org
Email: info@jacnewhaven.org
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