Honoring our Roots. Inspiring our Future.
Read a message from our president
We are in pursuit of the highest quality of programs and service and are committed to the best outcomes.
We are providing members with the necessary support, authority, and opportunity to advance our mission .
Meeting and exceeding the needs of members, friends of the organization, and its benefactors and beneficiaries.
Demonstrating strong ethical or moral standards in conducting the business of the organization at all levels.
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Responsibly managing current assets and preparing for the future leadership and financial sustainability of the organization.
Collaborating with Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from a wide range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural backgrounds, and experiences.
Ensuring that everyone who is eligible has an equal chance at opportunities for programs and services offers by the organization.
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.
For 20 years, the Rochester Jamaican Organization has created impact in and throughout our community. Visit our impact page to learn more about our awards, scholarships, projects, initiatives, and more.
Learn more about our impact
RJO has uplifted Jamaican culture and strengthened communities across Rochester and in Jamaica for 20 years. Our impact is measured in lives changed and opportunities provided to individuals since our founding in 2006.
support 20 for 20For 20 years, RJO has uplifted Jamaican culture and strengthened communities across greater Rochester and in Jamaica. Our impact is measured in lives changed and opportunities provided to individuals since our founding in 2006.We celebrate the richness of Jamaican culture and recognize the contributions of Jamaicans across the diaspora in multiple fields and disciplines. The next 20 years begin now with a renewed commitment to educate, enlighten, and empower. Join us and contribute to honoring our roots, inspiring our future.
Join us for our annual gala and church service!
Zanah Francis received the RJO scholarship in 2012. She graduated from Cornell University in 2016, then enrolled at the University of Rochester where she completed her Masters in 2018 and PhD in 2022. Following her doctoral studies, she served as a Health Policy & Research Fellow at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services where she supported the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB).
Rev. Dr. Peter Grinion received the 2013 Community Service award. He currently serves as pastor at the West Henrietta Baptist Church.
Founding members (left to right): Elaine Bell, Michelle Thompson-Taylor, Merlin Dobney, Lorraine Miller, Darnell Minot, and Velta Rouchon. These ladies are all retired (except Michelle) and have relocated from Rochester to North & South Carolina.
