“Life’s Work” is a therapy programme run by the JASL that emerged from an assessment of the needs of JASL PLHIV clients who indicated a lack of funds to cover their daily basic expenses such as to purchase food items which are necessary to ensure adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The project was then conceptualised to address these needs. The initial goal of the project was to provide an income for PLHIVs to address their economic needs.
Two of JASL’s three chapters run Life’s Work programmes making hand-made specialty cards and scented candles. The labels of the products promote them as made by PLHIV and have served to promote an anti-stigma and discrimination message of these individuals. The production centres of products have also served to provide psycho-social and economic support for HIV positive persons in a setting which promote self esteem and pride in one’s craft. These products have become highly sorted after in the local Jamaican market and has also expanded to niche markets in the United States and the United Kingdom through specialty dealers. As workers in the programme, the staff also benefit from other network support services and network alliances for PLHIV offered by JASL and its partners such as assistance with expenses for children, medical support, one-on-one, couples, family and community counseling and support.
JASL with support from CHASE initiated a Life’s Work feasibility study which was conducted by The University of Technology (UTECH). The key finding was that Life’s Work was suffering from a lack of systems and procedures for checks and balances and a well structured organization that can effectively and efficiently administer the initiative. UTECH recommended that Life’s Work should be strengthened and provided with adequate technical and human capacity to propel the programme into a profit-making entity. The report further stated that income from this venture could support not only our clients through the provision of income but the revenues could significantly support JASL’s overhead costs and programmes. Additionally, UTECH stated that a reenergized Life’s Work including marketing training for the promoters as well as assigned staff members will serve to bolster the organisations sustainability.
Currently, JASL is committed to establishing Life’s Work as a feasible and sustainable business that will be able to generate adequate revenues and provide a livelihood to PLHIV and their families and to readily attract investors with confidence in growth. This growth is anticipated with the implementation of an integrated marketing programme and campaign, designed to enhance awareness, educate and attract mass support through an emotional appeal and create a demand for unique Jamaican inspired candles and greeting cards and get buy-in from corporate Jamaica for on-going support.
Product Description
Life’s Work will focus on the production of candles and greeting cards.
Candles
The growing appeal of alternative health and aromatherapy has increased interest in goods such as scented candles. The customers see candles as items to beautify and enhance their surroundings and a means of relaxation, where their senses are teased by the wonderful fragrances in the scented candles. The Life’s Work Candle will have a unique and recognizable Jamaican, culturally-inspired style and quality that will set it apart from the competition. The benefit to the customer is a product of value that is attractive and enhances their surroundings.
Lifes Work candles are divided into three types:
Functional -Functional candles are usually bought in anticipation of power failures and therefore exhibit a low consumption rate.
Enhancement/Ornamental – Enhancement candles are used to add ornamentation or for gift giving
Air Care Candles – Air care candles make ideal gifts, and are used in spas, parlours and for therapeutic purposes. Customers of air care candles tend to have higher incomes and also buy items for ornamentation.
Candles are made primarily with moulds with different materials. Moulds are used to create interesting candles in a variety of shapes sizes and images.
Greeting Cards
There is a niche market for locally handmade greeting cards. Life’s Work Greeting Cards are currently made from local flowers and plants which are pressed and dried. Wax paper, Kleenex, glue and a brushed are used to make the card cover sheets which are then placed on high quality parchment paper. Different patterns and designs are done based on the individual creativity of the PLHIV and under the direction of the supervisor. Life’s Work greeting cards are rectangular in shape and are made in one specific size, 4×6. They are also prepared to the specifications by the purchaser with varying shapes and styles in addition to a plain inside for the customer to input their own message. The tourism market has shown increased interest in this product. Currently, our primary purch
89 days ago