Coalition For Jamaica
"Serving Our People, Our Family"
A not-for-profit organization formed by Jamaicans living in Philadelphia, dedicated to upholding the positive aspects of our culture, including kindness, volunteerism, and resilience, to uplift Jamaica and its people.
Years of Service
Making a Difference, Together
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Coalition for Jamaica (CFJ) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2003 by Chairman and Founder Mr. Andrew Batchelor, under the distinguished patronage of Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Philadelphia, Dr. Alston Meade. In June 2007, the group expanded to include other concerned Jamaican groups in the United States, with Mrs. Titise Barrett, Mrs. Olive Campbell, Mr. Winston Grossett, and Mrs. Mel Brown joining as co-founders.
Stricken by the social and economic challenges facing Jamaicans both at home and abroad, the need for a place of social refuge and support became clear. Out of pressured circumstances, CFJ was created to meet that need, focusing on six pivotal sectors: Education, Outreach, Fundraising, Medical, Children, and Emergency.
Through volunteerism, CFJ has impacted individuals, youths, families, and communities by hosting numerous events including Toys for Tots, clothing drives, outreach to shelters and nursing homes, servicing orphanages, and supporting the annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Through kindness, CFJ has assisted families with emergency care packages, monetary donations, food provision, scholarship benefits, and words of encouragement.
CFJ has contributed beyond Jamaica's borders, assisting Haiti after its earthquake disaster, partnering with AFRICOM to support African countries in need, and collaborating with the Mountain of Miracles and the Read Across Jamaica Foundation. CFJ is a proud member of the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission of African and Caribbean Affairs, and has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Jamaica Ministry of Health, and the Child Development Agency.
"Our People, Our Family"
Our Six Sectors
Coalition for Jamaica operates across six key sectors, each dedicated to making meaningful impact in the lives of Jamaicans both locally and abroad.
Education
Providing scholarships, books, computers, and educational resources to students and schools in Jamaica and Philadelphia, including our annual Read Across Jamaica bus trip.
Outreach
Serving shelters, nursing homes, orphanages, and community centers through clothing drives, food provision, and volunteer events across Philadelphia and Jamaica.
Fundraising
Organizing community events, campaigns, and partnerships to raise critical funds for our programs and emergency assistance efforts.
Medical
Securing and distributing medical equipment and supplies to clinics and hospitals in Jamaica, in partnership with the Jamaica Ministry of Health and the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
Children
Supporting children's welfare through Toys for Tots, school programs, and collaboration with the Child Development Agency and the Read Across Jamaica Foundation.
Emergency
Delivering rapid response care packages, monetary donations, and food provision to families and individuals facing crisis and economic hardship.
Stories of Change
Through dedication and community support, we continue to make meaningful differences in the lives of Jamaicans everywhere.
Hat for a Cause
Our signature fundraising initiative, bringing the community together to raise critical funds for CFJ's programs and emergency assistance efforts.
Hurricane & Disaster Relief
Providing emergency aid, care packages, and monetary support to communities affected by natural disasters, including Haiti earthquake relief efforts.
Back to School Giveaway
Distributing school supplies, backpacks, and educational resources to children and families preparing for the new school year.
Penn Relays Support
Supporting Caribbean athletes with food, lodging, and essentials during the annual Penn Relays competition in Philadelphia.
Toys for Tots
Collecting and distributing toys to children in need during the holiday season, bringing joy and hope to families across our communities.
Read Across Jamaica Bus Trip
Our annual bus trip to Jamaica in May, in partnership with the Read Across Jamaica Foundation, providing books and reading to children in local schools.
As Jamaican descendants, it is our utmost responsibility to uphold the positive aspects of our culture: kindness, volunteerism, and resilience.
Join Our Mission
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about our work, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can make a bigger impact.
Our Location
539 N. Simpson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Follow Us
@CFJ.JamaicaSend Us a Message
Donate via Zelle
267-970-4330
Your support makes a difference