Their Stories
Mission: Business Startup Sponsorship
MARY (ANNETTE) FRAY - HER STORY (2020)
Mary Fray (Annette) has attended the church in Waterhouse for over 18 years and has four children. She has had multiple jobs, but in 2019 started her own business in jewelry making. Her children (the youngest is still in school) all help her with making, promoting and selling the items made. To improve her product, Annette has attended jewelry making classes sponsored by a local woman.
Since Annette is the bread winner in the home, she sought to increase her income and decided to add printing of clothing to her work. The printing press would ensure that she increase her flow of funds and maintain a steady income – but she could not afford it. A gentleman in Massachusetts heard of our work and gave US$200 towards its purchase. Income from the jewelry making provided the additional funds needed to set it up.
As the New Year begins, Mary anticipates that within the next four to six months she will be able to establish a steady clientele, and by the end of the year, be able to register herself as a small business in Jamaica. She now consistently tithes into her church and as business progresses, will eventually be able employ one of her own children full time.
Two donations – one for classes and one of funds – have changed the trajectory of this family’s life. The child in high school will be graduating successfully this year and will be able to pursue higher education. All the others are working or actively pursuing work, encouraged on by the business they have helped their mother put together.
MADGETA SWABY (AUNT MADGE) – HER STORY (2020)
Madgeta Swaby is a professional upholsterer in Jamaica, who had been without a job for years. About a year and a half ago she decided to start in her profession again but was having a hard time getting together product to begin. Greater Framingham Community Church in Massachusetts gave a gift of US$200 to sponsor a lady in Jamaica wanting to develop her business. After screening applicants, Aunt Madge was chosen. The funding provided her the ability to buy raw material. She was also able to put together the documents needed to submit her application to have her business registered with the Jamaica Small Business Association.
Aunt Madge bought raw material and immediately hired another lady within the community to help her make pillows, cushions and other such products for sale. As funds started coming in, she decided to give back to the community. She started providing a meal monthly for the elderly and homeless in her area – she explains that the equivalent of US$40 (J$5,000.00) provides a complete meal to about 20 such persons, but she can only afford to do so on a monthly basis. She hopes to do more.
One donation – hope for a whole community! Help provided to one woman, brought employment to two families and food to a set of persons who, due to lack of funding, may never have been helped otherwise. As sale of her pillows, sheet sets and other products out of her home increase, Aunt Madge hopes to be able to rent a spot outside of a Shopping Mall to set up a booth and also to establish a soup kitchen for the under privileged. She is still awaiting her approval form the Jamaica SBA.