CNN airdate: June 27, 2006 1:30 pm - 2 pm on CNN Live From, hosted by Kyra Phillips.
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| Surrounded by applause, Barbara Gilbert yells with joy as the ribbon she cut falls away, signifying the opening of Barbara's Village. |
Barbara Gilbert doesn't own a home… but she's given 14 destitute families in Jamaica a new Food For The Poor home of their own. Gilbert, a single mom, is a waitress who works three jobs; she's also a part-time college student. The recently completed community has been named Barbara's Village.
At an opening ceremony in Jamaica, Gilbert said: “My name is Barbara and you are all my family. Your burdens are my burdens and you give me so much more than I could ever be able to give you. I don't own a house… and I probably never will because my money's going to go to keep building houses in Jamaica for the rest of my life.”
One of the recipients responded: “Your gift of love is not being taken for granted. Thank you.”
While listening to a radio program three years ago, Gilbert learned about the housing crisis in Jamaica. Despite her own financial concerns, she was moved with compassion and pledged to buy a family a home in a year's time.
After going on a Food For The Poor pilgrimage, she dedicated herself to helping the poor of Jamaica and vowed to give a family a house each year for the rest of her life.
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| In addition to giving homes and hope, Barbara Gilbert gave out many hugs to the children she met in the poor areas of Jamaica. |
Barbara shared her dream with her children, friends and customers. She placed a collection box next to the cash register where she worked. Word of her ambitious goal soon spread after she was featured in a newspaper and on local television.
Her passion and dedication for helping the poorest of the poor inspired others. One man gave her a $1,000 check as a tip. A woman gave her $2,000.
Gilbert, an individual with tremendous faith and determination has made a tremendous impact for those in need in Jamaica. And she has no plans of stopping. She will continue to devote herself to helping those who are less fortunate.
You're invited to help Barbara Gilbert help others. Or, you can start your own noble quest to serve the poorest of the poor in the Caribbean and Latin America. To learn how you can make a difference or give a gift, click here.
Please keep all our donors in your prayers. And please pray for our poorest brothers and sisters in need. May God bless you.
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A special thanks and photo credits to Maggie FitzRoy, The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, Florida.
Read more about the dedication of Barbara's Village:
One dream, one village
Barbara's Village opens
Barbara's Village slideshow
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