Our Objective
CHEW Foundation aims to provide sustained support for children in Jamaica’s state care system by addressing the interconnected areas that shape long-term wellbeing and future success.
Our programs focus on:
- Health and emotional wellness
- Education and academic support
- Financial literacy and life skills
- Long-term economic empowerment
- Transition support for care-leavers
We believe lasting change happens when children are supported holistically — emotionally, educationally, socially and economically.
Current & Developing Initiatives
CHEW Foundation’s programs are designed around a long-term, portfolio-driven model that funds and sustains impact for children in Jamaica’s state care system. Each initiative is connected by a single purpose: creating stable pathways toward health, education, emotional wellbeing, and financial independence that continue into adulthood.
Building Futures
Building Futures — Portfolio Initiative for 1,000 Children
At the core of CHEW’s work is a long-term investment portfolio model designed to sustainably fund support for an initial 1,000 children in state care. This approach is structured to reduce reliance on short-term fundraising cycles and instead generate ongoing resources that can support children consistently over time.
- Establishing long-term financial support structures
- Creating opportunities for economic security
- Supporting future wealth generation and stability
Supporting Children in Care
Partnership Pilot: SOS Children’s Homes
CHEW is proud to partner with SOS Children’s Homes to pilot programmes supporting children in care — particularly those who have experienced displacement and disruption.
This pilot focuses on creating safe, supportive spaces where children can heal, learn, and grow through:
These programmes recognise that supporting children in care means addressing both emotional wellbeing and educational stability, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive despite challenging circumstances.
HomeWork Helpers Programme
In response to the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, CHEW launched the Homework Helpers Programme to maintain academic continuity for children in state care during a period of instability and displacement.
The programme provided structured after-school academic support and additional learning assistance, with a focus on reinforcing literacy, supporting homework completion, and rebuilding educational confidence. By creating a more stable learning environment during crisis, the initiative helped reduce educational setbacks and ensured children remained engaged with their studies.
Play Therapy & Art Therapy Support
CHEW works in partnership with organisations including SOS Children’s Village Jamaica and Mustard Seed Communities to provide therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, displacement, and emotional distress.
These programmes focus on guided play therapy, creative expression through art, and safe emotional processing spaces that allow children to begin healing in a supportive environment. CHEW recognizes that emotional wellbeing is a foundational part of long-term development and stability, not a secondary concern.
Financial Literacy & Wealth-Building Education
Alongside the portfolio model, CHEW is developing financial literacy and wealth-building education for children and young adults in care. These programmes are designed to prepare young people for real-world financial independence by introducing practical skills such as budgeting, saving, understanding credit, setting goals, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
This work sits directly alongside the portfolio initiative, ensuring that as financial support systems grow, young people are also equipped with the knowledge to sustain and manage opportunity in their own lives.
Hurricane Melissa Relief & Recovery
As part of this initiative, CHEW has fundraised over USD $20,000 towards rebuilding materials and infrastructure support to help strengthen affected communities. The focus of this work was not only recovery, but resilience — ensuring communities can rebuild in ways that are stronger, safer, and more sustainable over time.
Looking Ahead
Future Programmes
CHEW is committed to expanding its impact through initiatives that prepare children and young people for life beyond care.
Future programmes include:
- Financial Literacy Programmes — equipping young people with practical skills to manage money, plan for the future, and build financial confidence.
- Life Skills Development — supporting independence, decision-making, and personal growth.
- Expanded Health and Wellness Support — strengthening access to holistic care and wellbeing resources.
- Education and Career Pathways — connecting young people with mentorship, training, and opportunities for long-term success.
Contact us to learn more
