A Message from Our President

I am honored to be sharing this message as President of the Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc. (RJO) as we mark the 16th anniversary of the organization and the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence. As one can imagine, the festivities will be at a fever pitch. However, as we celebrate these milestones, let us not forget the challenges of the past two years as communities across the globe dealt with the impact of COVID-19. Looking ahead, we are focused on accelerating our post-pandemic recovery efforts through collaboration and the resumption of in-person programs and events, beginning with the return of our signature Independence Gala.

I'm proud of our successes over the years and attribute this to the meaningful engagement of our members and sponsors who have enabled us to build on the strength of our brand. The RJO has now become synonymous with our commitment to helping our communities both in Rochester, NY, and Jamaica - from the senior citizens who benefit from our meal delivery program to college-bound scholarship recipients in Rochester to the youth served by the Theodora Project in Jamaica. I am incredibly grateful to be associated with the Rochester Jamaican Organization and excited about this journey as we continue to write the next chapter of our amazing story of giving back to our community.

Joel Frater, Ed.D
President of the Rochester Jamaican Organization
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Celebrating
20 Years!

Honoring our Roots.
Inspiring our Future.

Learn More
our mission
Rochester Jamaican Organization Inc. is committed to improving the lives of Jamaicans living in Rochester and Jamaica through its own capacity building and collaboration with U.S. and Jamaica based organizations.

Become a
Member Today

Join our general meetings on the first Thursday of each month.

6 PM - 8 PM

Meetings are held via Zoom. Please email rochesterjamaicanorg@yahoo.com to get the link for the meeting.

For more information, call
585-234-2119.
Learn More About RJO Membership

Academic Scholarships

Our scholarship opportunities provide financial support for Rochester-area college students. Please see below a list of our scholarships, click the button to apply.

Deloris Asynthia Lewis Memorial Scholarship
‍
Nico Mundy Scholarship Fund
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RJO Linford Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
‍
Monroe Community College Scholarship

RJO Constellation Ginna Scholarship

‍Friends of RJO Scholarship

RJO Advisory Committee Scholarship
Learn more & apply!

Charitable Agenda in Jamaica

Each year, the Rochester Jamaican Organization chooses a beneficiary for our annual fundraising gala. Given the Theodora Project's track record for the past ten years, we are pleased to continue with our support of this very deserving organization.

Our impact also includes past support for students attending the Rose Hill and McCooks Pen Primary Schools and the Edna Manley School of Performing Arts.
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20th Anniversary Guest Speaker
CHERINE E. ANDERSON
Broadway Tony Nominated Producer
Marketing and Media Relations Director
Cherine E. Anderson, a native from Jamaica, West Indies has been involved with the television, film, theater and entertainment industry for over twenty five years with a background in consumer and promotion marketing, partnership development, as well as production management. Having held key positions with such
companies as MTV Networks/Nickelodeon, DC Comics, Apel Inc. /Spero Media and Push Creative, Ms. Anderson has extensive experience in building brand awareness, creating and implementing consumer promotions to drive revenue and strong partnership cultivation skills.

In 2021 Ms. Anderson was in the inaugural class of Theatre Producers of Color (TPOC) where she was one of 25 participants and became a co-producer on A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical, through TPOC.
Read Ms. Anderson's full Bio HereLEARN MORE ABOUT THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY
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Excellence

We are in pursuit of the highest quality of programs and service and are committed to the best outcomes.

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Empowerment

We are providing members with the necessary support, authority, and opportunity to advance our mission .

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Service

Meeting and exceeding the needs of members, friends of the organization, and its benefactors and beneficiaries.

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Integrity

Demonstrating strong ethical or moral standards in conducting the business of the organization at all levels.

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Stewardship

Responsibly managing current assets and preparing for the future leadership and financial sustainability of the organization.

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Diversity

Collaborating with Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from a wide range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural backgrounds, and experiences.

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Equity

Ensuring that everyone who is eligible has an equal chance at opportunities for programs and services offers by the organization.

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Inclusion

Applying policies to ensure all people feel welcome and that leaders and members demonstrate behaviors that allow different perspectives, opinions, and experiences to be heard and recognized.

Excellence

Pursuit of the highest quality of programs and service and a persistent commitment to the best outcomes for the organization. 

Empowerment

The idea of giving members the necessary support, authority and opportunity to advance the mission of the organization as well as holding them responsible and accountable for the outcomes of their actions.

Service

The differentiating quality of the organization in meeting and exceeding the needs of members, friends of the organization, its benefactors and beneficiaries. 

Integrity

The principle of demonstrating strong ethical or moral standards in conducting the business of the organization at all levels.
Our values

Stewardship

Responsibly managing current assets and preparing for the future leadership and financial sustainability of the organization.

Diversity

‍Diversity means Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from a wide range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences, interests, and other unique dimensions.

Inclusion

‍Inclusion means that the organization has the policies and procedures to ensure all people feel welcome and that leaders and members demonstrate behaviors that allow different perspectives, opinions and experiences to be heard and recognized.

Equity

‍Equity means that everyone who is eligible has an equal chance at opportunities for programs and services offered by the organization.
Rochester Jamaican Organization
Our 2024 scholarship application is now available! Learn more and apply today. Learn More & Apply

Join our 16th Annual RJO and Henry Isaacs Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 27, 2026
Morgan's Crossing
760 Scottsville-Chili Road
Scottsville, NY 14546
Register to participate as a team or an individual.
All proceeds will benefit our RJO Scholarship Fund.
Pay for your registration using the button below.
Download Registration Form herePay for Registration
Providing access to resources that will positively impact the social conditions of Jamaicans in Jamaica and in Rochester, NY.
Our 2025 scholarship application is now available!
Learn more and apply today.
Learn MoreDownload Scholarship Flyer

Hear more about our efforts to support those in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa from our president! 

Watch Story on Rochester First (Channel 8)!

The Green Trees Initiative

Contact Us

P.O. Box 24287
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 234-2119
rochesterjamaicanorg@yahoo.com

Learn More

Click Here to Donate & Support Our Mission
Support the Rochester
Jamaican Organization today!
© 2023 Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc.