The UWI (University of West Indies) project was started by Dr Trevor Hope and his wife Professor Elizabeth Thomas-Hope, in December 1996. It began with four children who traveled daily from Mahoe Drive to what was Chancellor Hall's table tennis room.

In developing the project, it was hoped to provide extra care and a fresh tertiary level perspective to the development of children in need. Between February and May of 1997 the project gathered a momentum that took it through the summer and onto today.

By the end of 1997 eight children, four boys and four girls, were to be housed at "Sophie's Place" and to continue at UWI primarily to develop the children physically and cognitively, and to provide a holistic approach to their development.

The children attend "school" at least five days per week and are encouraged cognitively, physically and occupationally whilst their basic needs are provided for i.e. food, clothing, shelter and love.

Mustard Seed Communities focus on the cognitive aspect of the children's development and their ability to influence their environment, which also includes teaching the UWI students how to care for the disadvantaged in the world.