When Grace Codrington visited her hometown in Jamaica a few years ago, she noticed that many people were in dire need of assistance accessing healthcare for diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases.
Codrington, who lives in Georgia in the United States, always had a passion to serve others. However, she realized that to help those from her former hometown, she needed sufficient funds and resources.
While she was conscious of their health demands, she also knew that others worldwide were struggling in similar situations. Her desire to make a significant impact in the lives of people prompted her to collaborate with her friends in the United States to serve others; thus, the birth of HOPE Missions 360.
When most people hear 360, they often think of the complete journey around a circle. Well, in this case, HOPE Mission 360 is a Seventh-day Adventist group that journeys around the world to touch the lives of people.
“We came up with that name because we thought of how we can bring hope to those across the world,” said Codrington, the president of the organization.
The program, which can accommodate up to 130 volunteers, including physicians, nurses, and other qualified health practitioners, offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services to those in need. The services offered include free dental, ultrasounds, mammograms, eye testing, and pap smears, amongst others.
Codrington explained that the planning process for visiting a country usually takes six months to a year since the team must be cleared by the Ministry of Health of the country they desire to visit. In addition, she said during the planning process, the organization hosts various fund-raising activities and seeks sponsorships to finance the trip.
“To date, we have traveled to the Dominican Republic three times, Belize, we’ve been to Jamaica twice and we went to Panama last year,” she shared excitedly.
Noting that the program has significantly impacted the lives of many, she said in Panama, they were able to assist over 15,000 people.
Grace Codrington further shared that from June 7 to 13, 2023, HOPE Missions 360 will be back in Jamaica offering free surgeries as part of their wide range of services.
“We are working with the senior medical officer at the Cornwall Regional Hospital and will also be offering free dental and vision, pap smears, and other health assessments. Everything is free!” she said excitedly
The initiative which has aided in providing medical treatment for many disadvantaged people also provides educational programs for children in Atlanta.
“Locally in the US, we have a summer camp program that serves 140 kids each summer. We provide them with back-to-school supplies, hands-on training, short training courses, and tutoring for kids who are left behind in the school system. We also have a sign language class, we provide a meal twice per month for 140 kids and every Christmas holiday we have a shoe box (with toys and accessories) that we provide for the children,” she said.
Codrington added that the initiative also consists of a feeding program, an education program, a give-back program, as well as a free health and dental fair.
Her drive to positively impact those in need is almost indescribable, as she envisions the organization’s expansion in providing healthcare and impacting lives over the next five to ten years.
Grace Codrington and her team are dedicated to impacting those around the world through the voluntary service of others. Those interested in being a part of its impactful mission can volunteer by contacting the organization at HOPE Missions 360.org or calling them at 954-557-2351.
This Georgia-based non-profit organization is committed to supporting impoverished and vulnerable people all over the world through humanitarian endeavors. By providing nutritional meals, and free medical, dental, and vision care services to underserved communities both locally and internationally, HOPE Missions 360 can transform the lives of others.
