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Former state ward donates $10 million to CPFSA

Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 5:07 PM
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Chief executive officer of Sweet P Home Care, Inc in the United States and former ward of the State, Dr Patricia Smith, delivers the keynote address during the Child Protection and Family Services Agency’s 2024 Educational Achievement Awards Ceremony hel
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Chief executive officer of Sweet P Home Care, Inc in the United States and former ward of the State, Dr Patricia Smith, delivers the keynote address during the Child Protection and Family Services Agency’s 2024 Educational Achievement Awards Ceremony held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston on Thursday.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information Dr Kasan Troupe (second right), and Chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams-Thomas (second left), accept a donation o
Rudolph Brown
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information Dr Kasan Troupe (second right), and Chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams-Thomas (second left), accept a donation of $10 million from chief executive officer of the United States-based Sweet P Home Care, Inc. and former ward of the State, Dr Patricia Smith (centre). The presentation was made during the CPFSA’s 2024 Educational Achievement Awards Ceremony, held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston on Thursday. Joining in the presentation are chair of the CPFSA Advisory Board, Naomi Francis, and awardee Jamaine Smith.
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THE CHILD Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has received a $10-million donation from businesswomen Dr Patricia Smith, who is a former ward of the State.

The presentation was made during the agency’s 2024 Educational Achievement Awards ceremony held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston on Thursday.

Dr Smith, who delivered the keynote address, grew up in Spanish Town, St Catherine, and faced homelessness when her parents migrated, leaving her without support.

She entered state care after her financially challenged grandaunt could no longer care for her. That was over 50 years ago.

Today, Dr Smith is the chief executive officer of Sweet P Home Care, Inc in the United States.

In her address, she said she was proud of the growth and development of the CPFSA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Dr Smith said the support provided is to help children transition into independent living after leaving State care.

CPFSA Chief Executive Officer, Laurette Adams-Thomas, expressed sincere gratitude to Dr Smith for her generous donation.

“My heart is touched and I feel really blessed. Words would fail to actually explain and describe how grateful we are. There are many lives that are going to be transformed, that are going to be blessed by way of your contribution.

“I hope that God will continue to bless you and enrich your territory. You are here for a purpose, in spite of where you came from. Thank you for considering the CPFSA,” Adams-Thomas said.