Named in memory of Dr. Trevor and Elizabeth Hope's daughter, Sophie's Place is now home to 24 children with profound disabilities.

Jamaica hit hard by Tropical Storm Gustav >

Located in the cool hills of rural St. Andrew, in the quiet community of Gordon Town, Sophie's Place has moved from its humble beginnings on the top floor of an old bakery. The residents are now housed in three cottages, each designed for eight persons.

It has developed into a peaceful and comfortable apostolate that now includes volunteer accommodations, a chapel, and a basic school which serves some residents of Sophie's Place and children from the surrounding communities.

Residents who do not attend 'regular' school are included in a joint program between Mustard Seed Communities and the University of Technology and this program is carried out at a Centre on the University Campus set up for this purpose. The Centre is run by a Supervisor from the University, and three Practical Nurses from MSC. During the weekdays eight residents at a time are taken there for stimulation and therapy. In this way students get a chance to assist with caring for them without leaving the Campus, and in so doing carry out the required community service.

All other residents who remain at Home during the day are taken to our Therapy Room or activities carried out in the cottages. Hydrotherapy is done once or twice for the week, depending on the weather (it rains often in Gordon Town).

Spirituality is an important aspect our lives, and as we strive to be closer to the Creator, staff and residents share daily devotions; morning and noon in the chapel and evenings in the cottages. On Sundays some of our children and staff, along with volunteers worship at the nearby Catholic church. On Wednesday mornings our local priest visits us for Mass where everyone including the basic school children participate. Children and staff spend time meditating on a daily basis in our Adoration Room, and once per month we have a Day of Recollection where we meditate, reflect, and share based on a chosen topic.