Optimum Jamaica partners with Yutes4Change

Optimum Jamaica is strengthening its impact in underserved communities by investing in the next generation--this time through a heartfelt donation to the Yutes4Change Foundation, a youth-led organisation that assists and empowers under-served children and at-risk youth.

The company recently awarded US$1,000 (approximately J$158,000) to the foundation as part of its President's Club Award Ceremony, reinforcing its ongoing dedication to social responsibility.

For Felicia Bedward, an Optimum Jamaica employee and volunteer who helped deliver the donation, the experience was deeply personal.

"I felt extremely excited to know that through Optimum Jamaica I'm contributing to something that will benefit our kids growing up, and to know that one day at least one of them, or some of them, will be able to give back to the less fortunate or give back to the community," said Bedward.

The Yutes4Change Foundation, which offers schooling assistance, meals, and emotional support to youth without stable family environments, struck a chord with Bedward, whose own upbringing was shaped by similar acts of kindness.

"Growing up, there were kids in my community, in St Andrew, who weren't able to go to school, or their parents couldn't afford it," she told THE STAR.

"I would see my principal or some of the members in the community put together school supplies and things so they could go to school to better their education."

She recognises a shared mission between her past and the work being done at Yutes4Change.

"This is something that I've always wanted to do, to give back to the less fortunate or the kids in need. It is something that I'm passionate about doing," she said.

Yutes4Change Foundation provides essentials like breakfast before school and back-to-school supplies, helping ensure vulnerable children have access to basic needs and education.

"Yutes4Change is a home for children and young adults that are without parents. Specifically, they provide the children with breakfast in the morning before they go to school. We also provide them with back-to-school things ... so those are some of the ways that we care for them."

Optimum Jamaica's support goes far beyond financial donations. Its leadership has made it clear that empowering Jamaican youth is a central part of the company's mission.

"Felicia's dedication to both her role at Optimum and her advocacy for youth development embodies the values we stand for - excellence, community, and progress," said Jevaughn Gordon, communications manager at Optimum Jamaica.

The company recently participated in the Read Across Jamaica Day initiative, where it donated books and hosted reading sessions at Kingsway High and Preparatory School, promoting both literacy and access to digital education.

"Read Across Jamaica Day was the perfect opportunity to reinforce our commitment to empowering young minds," said Kimwau Holloway, director of human resources.

"By providing books and promoting digital literacy, we're helping to safeguard the future of education in Jamaica."

For Bedward, what matters most is continuing the cycle of community care she experienced growing up.

"This is something similar that my community did for kids in need and I'm absolutely happy to be a part of it. I am also encouraging others to support these non-governmental organisations and charitable organisations to help our youth," she said.