Photo Caption: Donovan Gayle (left), child and property warder at Sophie’s Place greets a resident at Sophie’s Place during a visit of JN Money to the home on December 18. Looking on is Tamara Kinkead Honeyghan, JN Money HR Business Partner at the JN Group.
A Barber Finds Purpose in Service and Compassion at Sophie’s Place
Donovan Gayle never imagined his life would take a turn from the buzzing clippers of a barbershop to caring for the disabled throughout the halls of Sophie’s Place Orphanage in Gordon Town, St. Andrew.
What began as a temporary job to make ends meet for the professional barber has evolved into nearly eight years of unwavering dedication and him being a father-like figure for the special-needs wards domiciled at the facility.
A Life-Changing Career Shift
“I’m an entrepreneur and I had my own business operating as a barber. However, I lost a contract and during the period of trying to get another location a friend gave me an application for a job at the home, so that I could keep doing something until I got another spot, but after coming here I didn’t bother to look for another spot,” he shared.
Through personal greetings and words of affirmation, Donovan tried to bring hope and a sense of belonging to the residents at Sophie’s Place, as many of them were abandoned and live with profound physical and mental disabilities.
Sophie’s Place has been in operation since 1998 by the Mustard Seed Communities and since being employed as a child and property warder at the home, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by these vulnerable individuals. Sophie’s Place is currently home to 23 residents who range in ages, starting from three to 38.
“The majority of the wards have been here before me, it’s just one or two of them that came here after me. Everybody is not really attentive but the interactions do help them,” he said.
Despite the financial sacrifices that came with stepping away from his entrepreneurial career, Donovan said he finds his role at the home fulfilling.
“Mustard Seed doesn’t pay as much as I could earn on my own, but being with these children means so much to me. It reminds me of how precious life is and that no matter what difficulties I may have, there are persons less fortunate than I am, so my worries become no worries,” he said.
“To be able to come and interact with them, it gives not only a sense of direction, but more value to life,” he added.
A Caregiver’s Perspective
Nurse Shelly Lee Duncombe-Taylor, one of 13 caregivers at the home, agreed that working at Sophie’s Place has been a heartwarming experience. She has been a caregiver at the home for two years.
“My experience here has been lovely and the residents bring some much joy to our lives. When you come to work in the morning and they greet you with those big smiles, it’s overwhelming in the best way to be amongst them,” she shared.
Seven residents currently benefit from a physiotherapy programme offered by the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH). Additionally, two residents are enrolled in learning centres. One of the centres, Little Angels, is located on-site at the home, while the other, Step Centre, is situated near the National Stadium.
“One of the biggest challenges we have is when they’re sick and there aren’t enough staff to help throughout the day,” she noted, while emphasising the ongoing need for additional support.
“You can come in and do community service; you can help out with feeding and little range of motion if you have the experience.”
JN Money Spreads Holiday Cheer
In the spirit of giving, team members from JN Money visited the home on December 18, 2024, as part of their yearly tradition of giving back. The visit included sharing stories, music, and food with the residents. Sasha-Kaye McCalla, marketing specialist at JN Money said the visit reflects the organisation’s commitment to impacting lives and spreading kindness to those in need.
“We are thrilled that we were able to once again bring some joy and support to these residents during the holiday season. When we see their smiles and hear them laugh, it is a reminder of how much of an impact we can have by simply showing up and offering our time. Just knowing that we’ve brightened their day is the greatest gift we could receive,” she shared.
JN Money will also be donating clothes, non-perishable items, and toys to the home, collected through their internal Christmas donation drive as well as a cash donation, to further support the residents.
