March 18, 2022: On Friday, March 18, 2022, what would have been the late Jestina V. Jones’ 80th birthday, a gift of Le15 million was presented to the Well Woman Clinic (WWC) from the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund. In spite of a difficult year during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors received an exceptional report from WWC that documented how they spent the past year’s donation of Le12 million. Notable, 76 individuals received free health services that included breast cancer screening, ultra sound scans, chemotherapy medication, lab tests, and diabetes screening. Of the scholarships given, 13 individuals received free follow-up treatments that included 8 biopsies through fine needle aspiration cytology. Chairwoman of the JVJ Memorial Fund Board of Directors and niece of the late Jestina V. Jones, Dr. Dinsie Williams, presented the check to Mrs. Jennifer Renner-Thomas, the Programme Director of Well Woman Clinic. Other family members present at the presentation ceremony were Dr. Teddy Jones, widower, Mrs. Gloria Dillsworth, sister, and nephew Mr. Ekundayo Ashwood. Read more about the event covered by the Awoko Newspaper. Click here to make a donation to the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund.
March 19, 2021: The Well Woman Clinic (WWC) received a donation of Le12 million from the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund. WWC’s documentation of how they spent the past year’s donation of Le8 million was remarkable. Forty-four (44) individuals received free health services that included breast cancer screening, ultra sound scans, chemotherapy medication, lab tests, and diabetes screening. In spite of a difficult year during the COVID-19 pandemic, the report from WWC mentioned recent expansion of their health services in 2020 to include a pilot cervical cancer screening program, a new construction of an ante-natal annex, and a new position of a resident doctor. Dr. Dinsie Williams, the new Chairperson of the JVJ Memorial Fund, presented the check to the Programme Director of Well Woman Clinic, Mrs. Jennifer Renner-Thomas. Le2 Million was specified in support of the new cervical cancer screening programme and the remaining Le10 million towards the breast cancer screening programme. Dr. Teddy Jones, widower of Jestina Jones, was also present. Click here to make a donation to the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund.
October 20, 2020: It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Ibi May-Parker, first Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund. He had recently resigned as Chairman on September 10, 2020 due to failing health. He died on October 16, 2020 at the age of 86. Among many others charitable organizations, Dr. Ibi May-Parker was a stalwart champion for this fund and we are, in particular, grateful for his guidance in developing the constitution for this fund. We send our heartfelt sympathy to the May-Parker family in the United Kingdom and in Sierra Leone, as well as to those who had the pleasure to know him and work with him. Click here to make a donation in his memory to the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund.
March 16, 2020: The Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund donates Le8 Million (~$824.00, to date) to the Well Woman Clinic in Freetown. The presentation of the checque was made by the Chairman, Dr. Ibi May-Parker. He was accompanied by Dr. Teddy Jones, widower of Jestina Jones, and Dr. Ulric Jones, brother of Dr. Teddy Jones. Click here for more about the eventful day.
March 9, 2020: Received a report from the Well Woman Clinic that detailed use of Le5 million donated to them last March. Twenty-four (24) individuals were awarded free breast screening and diabetes testing. Of the 24 beneficiaries, ten received follow-up services, four were screened by ultrasound, and two were sponsored for lumpectomies. Two (2) cases were male. In addition, the donation was used by the clinic to sponsor educational programs to sensitize women and girls about breast and cervical cancer, including breast self-examinations. Among 75 females in attendance last year, 60 were young girls. The program for young girls was co-sponsored by Amie Modelling Foundation
March 2019: The Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund donates Le5 Million (~$588.00, to date) to the Well Woman Clinic in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The newspaper AWOKO covered the presentation to the Organization.
February 2019: A fundraiser in honor of the 80th birthday of Dr. Teddy Jones, widower of the late Jestina V. Jones, was held on Feb 24, 2019, yielding Le20,601,120.00 (equivalent of $2,390.00 or £1,778.00).
February 2019: Report from Well Woman Clinic revealed 20 people were the recipients of free breast screening from Le2Million (~$250.00, to date) donated by Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund in March 2018. Four (4) of the 20 new cases received follow up care; two (2) were referred cases for ultrasound examination. All 20 cases received counseling and were screened for diabetes.
September 2018: New branch of Board of Directors created in the United States. This board is chaired by Ms. Ethel Jones. Dr. Wilma Jones serves on the board as Secretary and we welcome the following new members: Mr. Benjamin Bingman-Tennant (Treasurer), Ms. Deborah Stengle, (Public Relations), Dr. Adeyinka Akinsulure Smith, Dr. Dinsie Williams, and Mr. Bryan Younge.
March 2018: Board of Directors of the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund held a press conference to present Le 2,000,000.00 to the Well Woman Clinic. Mrs Gloria Dillsworth, sister of the late Jestina jones, joined the Board of Directors for the presentation.
December 2017: Report from Well Woman Clinic revealed 16 people were the recipients of free breast screening from new funds donated by Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund in March 2017. Six (6) of the 16 new cases received follow up care; two (2) were referred cases for ultrasound examination.
July 2017: Fourth anniversary of the death of Jestina V. Jones. Website debut: http://www.jvjfund.org/. Email account established: jvjfund@gmail.com. Also, a newsletter with photos of activities was sent to family and friends.
March 2017: Board of Directors of the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund held a press conference to present Le 1,500,000.00 to the Well Woman Clinic. Awoko and Premier, local newspapers, along with Radio Democracy FM98.1, mentioned highlights of the event. Mrs Gloria Dillsworth, sister of the late Jestina Jones, and niece Ms. Dinsie Williams, joined the Board of Directors for the presentation.
February 2017: Report from Well Woman Clinic revealed 10 people were the recipients of free breast screening and four (4) received follow up care. Of the 10 people, two (2) were men. Board members were pleased to see that the Well Woman Clinic was being inclusive to all who needed their services.
December 2016: Board Renewal. Board of Directors welcomes Mr. Walter Nicol and bids a find farewell to Mrs. Elaine Nylander.
September 2016: Athletics Scholarships presented to Jarianatu Tarawally and Josephine Samai, both high school students of the Annie Walsh Memorial School. Each received Le 1,200,000.00 and Le 900,000.000, respectively, to cover full tuition, textbooks, uniform and appropriate sports footwear or equipment.
July 2016: Third anniversary of the death of Jestina V. Jones. Newsletter in pink mailed to friends and family with updates about the two projects.
March 2016: Formal partnership established with the Well Woman Clinic, where free breast screening and wellness care will be provided to marginalized/low-income women. Le 900,000.00 presented to the Clinic’s director, Mrs. Jennifer Renner-Thomas.
December 2015: Ruth Turay wins three medals in Swimming competitions.
September 2015: First awards of athletic scholarships presented to Ruth Turay and Jarianatu Tarawally, both high school students of the Annie Walsh Memorial School. Each received Le 1,200,000.00 and Le 900,000.000, respectively, to cover full tuition, textbooks, uniform and appropriate sports footwear or equipment.
December 2014: Board of Directors formed: Dr. Ibi May-Parker, Chair; Mr. Rogers Jones, Treasurer; Dr. Teddy Jones, Secretary & P.R.; Ms. Ethel Jones; Dr. Wilma Jones; Mrs. Elaine Nylander; Mrs. Rosemary Page; and Mrs. Gracie Williams.
September 2014 – September 2015: Educational and commercial institutions closed due to Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.
July 29, 2014: To mark the first anniversary of the death of Jestina V. Jones, a memorial card of thanks was created and distributed to family and friends, announcing the two projects that the Memorial Fund would support: Athletic Scholarship for high school girls and Breast Cancer screening scholarships
June 2014: A savings account for the Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund was established with Le 1,000,000.00 (~$245.00).
Jestina V. Jones Memorial Fund 