In the vibrant heart of Kingston lies a sanctuary for some of the most vulnerable children in Jamaica — Bethlehem Home. This facility, run by the Missionaries of the Poor, offers a haven for children who have been abandoned or neglected due to their disabilities. It is a place of comfort and safety, where every child receives love, care, and the opportunity for a better life.
The heart of Bethlehem, however, lies not just in the care it offers, but in the unwavering dedication of individuals like Gail Williams and Sharline Herron. Both women, whose paths led them to Bethlehem in different ways, have become pillars of the home, providing daily care to children who rely on them for their well-being.
From Unexpected Journeys to Unbreakable Bonds
Gail Williams, at 48, had never anticipated her life would take such a turn. Hailing from the rural town of St. Elizabeth, she began her career in farming before transitioning to work at the Norman Manley International Airport. It was there that a friend introduced her to Bethlehem, and the moment she walked through its doors, she felt an instant connection.
“I just knew I had to stay,” Gail recalls. “I came as a volunteer, but it didn’t take long before I felt like this is where I belong.” Her bond with one special child, a 10-year-old girl named Asia, has anchored her journey. “Asia is my inspiration. She gives me strength every single day,” Williams shares, describing how her connection to Asia keeps her going through the challenges of daily life.
Sharline Herron’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Raised in tough circumstances, Sharline faced early hardships, including the loss of her mother, which led her to drop out of school. Despite these challenges, she found solace in volunteering at Bethlehem. What initially shocked her was the harsh reality of the children’s conditions, but that shock quickly transformed into a deep sense of purpose.
“I was so moved by what I saw. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to be part of this,” Herron reflects. Like Williams, her bond with the children has driven her commitment to the home.
Every Day Is an Act of Love and Care
Each day for Gail and Sharline begins with an overwhelming sense of purpose. Their roles at Bethlehem are demanding — from feeding children with specialized needs to offering round-the-clock care, no task is too small. Both women bring diligence and a shared goal: to ensure that every child is treated with dignity and love.
“The work is demanding, but it’s worth it when you see the children smile,” Herron shares. “It’s not easy to care for kids who need constant attention, but knowing they are safe and loved keeps us going.”
The emotional aspect of their work is intense. Watching a child suffer or pass away is one of the most difficult parts of their job. “It never gets easier,” says Williams, her voice softening. “They are like family to me. Losing one of them feels like losing a child.”
Challenges and the Strength to Overcome Them
The challenges at Bethlehem are ever-present. Children with medical complexities require constant monitoring, feeding, and sometimes even redoing care tasks multiple times a day. But despite the exhaustion, both women remain steadfast. They take pride in knowing their care makes a difference in the lives of these children.
“The work is never the same. Every day is different, and each child needs something unique,” Williams says. “But when I look at them, I know that we are doing something good.”
For Herron, it’s the small victories — a child learning to feed themselves or a smile from a child who can’t communicate verbally — that make the hard work worthwhile. “When we see progress, that’s what keeps us motivated. You realize you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
Looking Toward the Future
Despite the emotional toll the work takes, both women continue to pour their hearts into Bethlehem. For Sharline, the future holds dreams of expanding her impact. “One day, I want to open my own daycare center to help even more children,” she shares.
Williams, too, remains committed to watching Asia grow up, while also considering a future in business. “I love my work here, but I have dreams too. I hope one day to start a clothing business, but right now, I’m exactly where I need to be.”
The stories of Gail Williams and Sharline Herron are a testament to the extraordinary impact of love, sacrifice, and care. Through their unwavering devotion, Bethlehem Home remains a place of hope, healing, and transformation for the children who need it the most.
