Skip to content
United In God's Work
  • Log In
  • User Login
  • Search

Food For The Poor

Donate Now
Give Monthly
  • Extreme Poverty
  • Malnutrition
  • Housing
  • Drinking Water
  • Vulnerable Children
  • Medical Care
  • Extreme Poverty
  • Malnutrition
  • Housing
  • Drinking Water
  • Vulnerable Children
  • Medical Care
Donate Now
Give Monthly

A Mother Continues the Work Her Son Started

November 22, 2021March 21, 2023 Victoria Green
kyle1
Kyle Good

On January 16, 2014, Rosemarie Smith helped build a purple house in Jamaica.

She worked alongside family, old friends and new ones, to build the house on the one-year anniversary of her son Kyle Good’s death, in his memory. Then, in a moving ceremony, she handed over the keys to the home to its new owner, Beverley, and her children.

“It was a perfect trip, I wouldn’t change anything about it,” said Rosemarie of her recent mission trip with Food For The Poor, during which the home was built. “I can’t wait to go back.”

When Kyle was 18, he went on a similar trip with his high school, St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine, Fla.  His mother recalled that it took Kyle about six months to raise money to pay for his trip.

“I wanted Kyle to learn, in raising the money himself, that there are good people who are willing to help,” said Rosemarie.

She said that in taking part in the trip, her son stepped out of his comfort zone. She added that he was always there for the underdog. He was someone who chose to “pay it forward” as a generous volunteer, a loving older brother and son, and a dedicated friend.

On January 16, 2013, Kyle was killed at age 20 in a motorcycle accident. Just after his death, his mother thought of Food For The Poor, and the dramatic impact the charity had on her son’s life.

“I want to build a house for a family in Jamaica, to continue Kyle’s legacy there,” she said in a recent interview. “I’m going to continue his legacy by giving back.”

In lieu of flowers, Rosemarie asked for donations in Kyle’s memory. She set an initial goal of raising $3,200, enough to build a house, and she exceeded that goal.

One year to the day after her son’s passing, Rosemarie stood with a family in front of their new home.

“It was a new, fresh start,” for Beverley and her children, said Rosemarie. “I’m doing it from my heart because it’s what I feel.”

Now that she has traveled on her first mission trip with Food For The Poor, Rosemarie said she hopes to do more.

“My goal going forward is to do as much as possible,” she said. “I want to go back to Jamaica as soon as I can.”

Visit Kyle Good’s memorial Champion page.


Posted in From the Field, Housing, Slide
Tagged Champions For The Poor, food for the poor, home, housing, Jamaica, Missions

Blog For The Poor

Blog For The Poor showcases uplifting stories from the field, project updates and insights into Food For The Poor’s work throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

Impact In Your Inbox

Thank you for joining FFTP!

Subscribe today to get inspiring stories sent directly to you.

SIGN UP
Number Example: 1234567890
SUBMIT

Recent Blog Posts

  • How Treated Water Improves Lives
  • Why is water access important for children in developing countries?
  • 3 Ways Food For The Poor Volunteers Fight Food Insecurity
  • The Heart of Giving: 6 Added Benefits of Volunteering
  • What is child sponsorship at Food For The Poor?
  • 3 Ways Angels Of Hope Make A Lasting Impact Through Sponsorship

Popular Blog Tags

  • food for the poor
  • Haiti
  • children
  • poverty
  • housing
  • Angels of Hope

*ANIMAL HUSBANDRY: Food For The Poor has ongoing animal husbandry and apiary programs that support impoverished families and communities. The funds that are raised from animals and bees in this catalog are used to support the aforementioned programs.

**HOUSING: Because of the size and need of the average family, for $9,800, we build all houses with two bedrooms and a living area, sanitation and a water component, a cooking area, a sink, furnishings, lighting and structural elements to withstand severe weather conditions. You will receive a Certificate of Appreciation with a photograph of the family in front of their secure and comfortable home.

Food for The Poor
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Twitter
Linkedin

About Us

  • Why FFTP?
  • Mission and Vision
  • Leadership
  • Financial Information
  • Newsroom
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

Help Now

  • Give Monthly
  • Donate Now
  • Child Sponsorhip
  • Legacy and Gift Planning
  • Corporations and Foundations
  • Major Giving
  • Other Ways to Help

Our Work

  • Problems We Solve
  • Where We Serve
  • Your Impact
  • Donor Pledge
  • Projects
Faithful Stewards
BBB Accredited Charity
Platinum Transparency 2022 - Candid.

Food For The Poor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Contributions are tax-deductible under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Tax ID: #59-2174510

6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073 USA
800-487-1158
© 2022 Food For The Poor

  • Privacy Policy
  • Security
  • Fundraising Disclosures
  • FAQ
  • Site Map
  • Español