Programs That Keep Elders Connected

Vera Vans — Transportation Initiative

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:12:42 GMT

Vera Vans

For many elders in Jamaica, the greatest barrier to staying connected is not distance — it is the journey down the road.

A hill too steep. A bus that doesn't come. A church seven minutes away that might as well be seven miles. Access to transportation is one of the most practical and overlooked needs facing older adults in rural Jamaica — and it is one of the most solvable.

Vera Vans is our answer.

What Vera Vans Does Now

Through Vera Vans, the Vera May Foundation coordinates transportation for elders through trusted local providers — including taxis, charter services, church buses, and community drivers. We cover the cost of transportation so that getting to a medical appointment, a church service, or a community gathering is never a barrier.

Local providers submit for monthly reimbursement through VMF, ensuring that every dollar is tracked, verified, and spent with full accountability.

Where We Are Going
Vera Vans is more than a reimbursement program. It is the foundation for something bigger.

Our vision is to purchase and operate dedicated community vehicles — Vera Vans — that will run regular routes in underserved communities, picking up elders and bringing them where they need to go. Reliably. Consistently. With dignity.

A Vera Van is not just a vehicle. It is a church pew filled again. A doctor's appointment kept. A birthday party attended. A senior who knows that someone will come for them.

Help Us Get There

There are two ways to make this vision a reality.

If you are a transportation provider in Jamaica — taxi operator, charter service, church bus coordinator, or private driver — we invite you to join our network as a Vera Vans provider and help us serve elders in your community today.

You may also support the acquisition of our first dedicated community vehicle. Every contribution brings us one step closer to a Vera Van on the road.

To enroll as a provider or donate towards the Vera Vans initiative, visit our Take Action page or contact us at hello@veramayfoundation.org .

Family Bridge — Diaspora Matching Program

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:12:42 GMT

Family Bridge

Living abroad doesn't mean losing touch. Family Bridge matches your loved one in Jamaica with a trusted, vetted volunteer who visits, checks in, and keeps you informed — so no ocean feels too wide.

Family Bridge allows individuals living abroad to enroll a loved one in our program and have them matched with a trusted, vetted volunteer in their community in Jamaica. It is our answer to the impossible mathematics of diaspora life — loving someone completely from a distance that makes complete love impossible.

How It Works
Once enrolled, your loved one is matched with a screened, vetted Friend of VMF in their community. Your volunteer commits to regular visits, weekly check-ins, and/or assistance with transportation to appointments, church services, or community activities. You choose the level of support that works for your family.

Staying Informed
Volunteers provide regular updates on their visits — including photos and short video messages shared with your permission. You will know your loved one is being seen, supported, and cared for with dignity and respect. No more wondering. No more worrying from thousands of miles away.

Monthly Support Tiers
Family Bridge is funded through monthly contributions from enrolled families. Support is available at different levels depending on the type of care your loved one needs — from regular companionship visits to assistance with transportation and errands. Contact us to discuss the right plan for your family.

Enroll Your Loved One
If you have a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or dear friend in Jamaica who could benefit from consistent companionship and support, Family Bridge was made for you

To enroll a loved one or learn more, contact us at hello@veramayfoundation.org or visit our Take Action page.

Friends of VMF — Volunteer Program

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:01:53 GMT

Friends of VMF

At the heart of our work are the individuals who choose to show up.

Friends of VMF are vetted community volunteers who are paired with elders in Jamaica to provide regular companionship and support. Through weekly check-ins and ongoing engagement, they help ensure that seniors remain connected to their communities — and are never left feeling isolated simply because the people who love them live far away.

What Friends of VMF Do
Friends of VMF commit to weekly check-ins by call or visit, regular in-person engagement, and supporting their elder's participation in church services, social events, and community activities. They are the consistent, caring presence that makes all the difference.

Screening and Trust
Because we work with vulnerable seniors, all Friends of VMF complete a simple screening process — including a character reference from a community leader such as a Justice of the Peace, pastor, or Member of Parliament, and a Certificate of Good Character. This protects our elders and reflects the trust that families place in us.

How We Support Our Volunteers
We know that showing up consistently requires practical support. That's why the Vera May Foundation provides a monthly allowance to assist Friends of VMF with phone credit and transportation costs. We value their time, their compassion, and their commitment.

Become a Friend of VMF
If you are based in Jamaica and are passionate about serving older adults in your community, we would love to hear from you. Becoming a Friend of VMF is one of the most meaningful things you can do — for an elder who needs you, and for a community that is stronger when it takes care of its own.

To express interest in becoming a Friend of VMF, contact us at hello@veramayfoundation.org or visit our Take Action page.