JEPF and the Washington, DC Caribbean Community

Caribbean Community in the DC Metropolitan Area

The Washington metropolitan area has one of the larger Jamaican and Caribbean populations in the country, and JEPF was formed out of it. The foundation's officers, volunteers, and long-standing supporters come from that community.

That connection is the reason the events work. A Caribbean food and wine festival in this area is not a novelty; it is a community showing up for something it recognizes.

Events Across the DC Area

JEPF has produced and promoted family events throughout the Washington metropolitan area for more than fifteen years. The JEPF Food & Wine Festival is the flagship event property, combining Caribbean food, wine, live music, culture, and fundraising.

Every ticket funds education, mentorship, and leadership development for at-risk youth in Jamaica.

Educators and University Alumni

JEPF's members include educators and alumni of Howard University, the University of Maryland, and Georgetown University. Several also work as substitute teachers at area high schools including High Point, Roosevelt, and Northwestern.

These are the backgrounds of people on the team. JEPF has no formal partnership with any of those institutions.

Businesses and Sponsors in the DC Area

Companies across the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia sponsor JEPF events and join the supporter business directory. A listing identifies the business as a JEPF supporter and links to its site from a 501(c)(3) domain.

Volunteering from DC

Volunteers travel in from across the metropolitan area, particularly for events. Mentoring, administrative help, outreach, and professional skills are all useful, and none of them require living in Prince George's County.