A home at last for 28-y-o Bartons mom of five

Russell, twice pregnant as a teenager, rose to prominence after Old Harbour News shared her story that was very touching.

The community – both here and overseas – came to her aid and gave her the opportunity of a lifetime to be better able to take care of herself and five children.

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Among those who gave more than just a helping hand was Food for the Poor, the international charity organization that has helped thousands of Jamaicans like Russell.

And as they have done on countless occasions before, the charity group built a two-bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room house, restoring faith, hope, pride and dignity to a once shattered and hopeless family in Bartons, northern Old Harbour.

Shortly after the final coat of painting was added to the board structure, Russell shared the images with Old Harbour News, something she has been doing every step of the way to highlight the progress being made.

“I feel really, really good. Words can’t explain. I’m really happy,” she said. 

It marks a dramatic turn in fortunes for better for Russell and her children who once lived in a shack made of board and zinc with a leaky roof and dirt floor.

The children – ages three, five, seven, 11 and 13 – could barely stay in school due to her very poor circumstances, but things began to improve when Old Harbour News placed her plight into the spotlight. Each child now owns a tablet and is consistently present in school.

On Russell’s WhatsApp display photo is her five-year-old daughter, who can be seen collecting an award at a kindergarten school ceremony, a momentous occasion that would have been unlikely had the situation remain. Her main source of income these days comes from her backyard poultry farm, which allows her to be at home and take care of the children simultaneously.

Despite the difficult challenges many Jamaicans are facing Sabrina Russell’s story created a renewed sense of optimism for others in similar situation and thinking of giving up.

It is a reminder though, to all of us that the collective will of kindhearted people can transform any bad situation and make it better for those in need. 

“I want to just say thanks to Food for the Poor for coming through for me and give me a comfortable home,” she tells Old Harbour News. “I really can’t explain. I feel so overwhelmed because I never expect this but with God all things are possible.

“So again I just want to say thanks for Food for the Poor and their team and I really appreciate it; and thanks to everybody who supported me.”