Mission Statement
Inspired by the healing and caring Ministry of Jesus Christ, we aim through the positive interaction of caring, sharing and training, to uplift the most vulnerable members of society, especially disabled and abandoned children, and marginalized communities. We are committed to the fostering of homes and communities, which will lead us all to loving service and mutual respect and which will bring us joy, hope and dignity.
How We Serve
Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) is an international nonprofit dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable populations throughout the developing world. MSC began in 1978 as a home for a handful of children with disabilities who had been abandoned to the streets of Jamaica. Today, MSC provides loving and lifelong care to over 600 children and adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, and young mothers in crisis across Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. MSC manages sustainable agriculture initiatives and provides education, nutrition, and skills training programs in order to improve the economic, social, and spiritual conditions within marginalized communities.
Where We Serve
Mustard Seed Communities began in 1978 on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica. Initially, it served as a home and school for a handful of children who had been abandoned. Today, MSC provides residential care to over 500 children and adults with disabilities, over 100 children affected by HIV/AIDS, and a single home for young mothers in crisis. MSC also manages a number of community outreach programs to combat poverty and malnutrition, and to provide targeted education to local populations. These Caring, Sharing, and Training programs take place in Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Our vision for each apostolate is to create a loving and Caring environment to aid in the physical, mental, and spiritual development of the residents. At the same time, we strive to uplift and empower the surrounding communities through outreach initiatives inspired by the principles of Sharing and Training. Take a look at how these founding principles of Mustard Seed Communities look in each country we serve.
JAMAICA
MSC provides residential care to over 400 children and adults in 13 homes across Jamaica. The populations we care for comprise the most vulnerable groups in Jamaican society: children and adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, and young mothers in crisis.
MSC Jamaica's pottery shop & apprentice program is one example of how MSC is working to break the cycle of poverty in the communities we serve. Additionally, the Little Angels Learning Centers focus on young Jamaicans - ensuring a quality early childhood education and empowering them to succeed in the future.
Spirituality
Mustard Seed Communities is built upon a spiritual foundation and is sustained by spiritual nourishment – particularly the Holy Eucharist. Central to the charism of this ministry is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recognizing that Jesus Christ is ever-present in our daily life and work, and at the same time expressing gratitude for His invitation, gifts, and blessings. As such, the constant themes which embrace MSC’s Christ-centered life are “He is Here” and “Thank You Lord”.
The spiritual well-being of the residents, staff, and volunteers of MSC permeates every aspect of MSC’s activities and informs the path for development and survival of the organization. Each apostolate, or home, maintains a chapel for community worship and the celebration of the sacred Mass as well as a perpetual adoration room for time in the presence of the Holy Eucharist.
Financials
Mustard Seed Communities is a US-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to financial transparency and accountability to our generous supporters.
Financial Accountability
90% of donations received in 2016 went to programmatic costs and furthering our mission of caring for the most vulnerable members of society in the developing world.
MSC has been given 4 stars by Charity Navigator, their highest rating, based on our financial health as a nonprofit organization and our honest and transparent financial practices.
Our Work
The core mission of Mustard Seed Communities is to care for the most vulnerable populations in society. Our organization focuses on providing for children and adults with disabilities who have been abandoned. In order to create lasting change, we must also address the complex needs of a community. Since 1978, how we serve has evolved with local needs. Below, you will find the pillars of Mustard Seed Communities' progams that guide us in how to serve and uplift entire communities.
CARING:
Residential Programs for Persons with Disabilities
In 1978, our Founder Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon noticed a small group of children surviving on the streets of Kingston, Jamaica. He opened a safe space offering shelter, basic sustenance, and education. Thus began the first Mustard Seed community. In the years to follow, after seeing the widespread nature of abandonment among children with disabilities in the developing world, MSC grew into the organization ...
PROGRAM AREAS:
Caring
- Children with Disabilities
- Children Affected by HIV/ AIDS
Sharing
- Community Development and Outreach
Training
- Christ in the Garbage Ministries
PROGRAM AREAS:
Caring
- Children with Disabilities
- Children Affected by HIV/ AIDS
Sharing
- Community Development and Outreach
Training
- Christ in the Garbage Ministries
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