Fr. Jim Bok, OFM, surrounded by the St. Anthony ‘Kitchen Kids

Serving the people of Jamaica 

Students served by the Get Kids to School Program

The Franciscans in The Capital of Casual, i.e., Negril, Jamaica, continue to be busy with outreach programs.

The Get Kids to School (GKTS) program is sponsoring 135 children, assisting families in making it possible for their kids to attend school every day.

St. Anthony’s Kitchen serves 100 hot lunches, Monday through Friday.  It also serves 80 children breakfast before going off to school.

40 students were provided transportation to and from school everyday.

We were also able to outfit an additional 115 children with backpacks, school supplies, uniforms  and more.

A monthly food distribution from the parish provides nourishment for 45 elderly and shut-ins.

There are many requests for assistance with medical care, prescriptions, rent, food, repairs, clothing, etc.  We have even helped to bury those who have no other means of paying for it.

Fortunately, the support coming our way continues to grow.  Our work among the poor is totally dependent upon the kindness and generosity of our benefactors. We thank God every day for what we are able to do because of you – and we do a lot!

A student proudly holds a ‘Get Kids To School’ t-shirt

Fr. Jim Bok, OFM, serves guests at an outdoor picnic

Thanks for your support!
~

Fr. Jim talks about his life as a Franciscan friar and as pastor
of Mary, Gate of Heaven church in this interview from 2013.

Mary, Gate of Heaven Church is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.