Business Details
19 Years
experience
Transforming Lives Through Physical Therapy Missions
Founded in 2007 by Dr. Brooke Riley, Friends of the Redeemer United (FORU) has dedicated itself to transforming lives through physical therapy and community development in rural Jamaica. Our mission merges healthcare initiatives with spiritual, social, and educational support, addressing the needs of underserved populations. With a team of experienced therapists and volunteers, we provide free or low-cost services, including clinic treatments, intensive neurologic rehabilitation camps, and pediatric programs. Our partnerships with U.S. and Jamaican universities enable hands-on training for students while delivering critical care. Over 15 years, weve built a legacy of compassion, treating patients with dignity and empowering communities through sustainable programs.Our work extends beyond therapy, offering adaptive equipment creation, home visits, and community reintegration support. Guided by faith and driven by the strength of the Jamaican people, we prioritize personalized care that respects cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Our commitment to transparency and ethical practices ensures every donation and volunteer effort directly impacts those in need. By fostering relationships built on trust and mutual respect, weve created a model where both patients and practitioners grow through shared experiences. Today, FORU remains a beacon of hope, uniting global healthcare efforts with grassroots change.
Services
Physical Therapy Clinic
Neurologic Rehabilitation Camps
Pediatric Rehabilitation Camps
Student Internships
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We've provided free/low-cost physical therapy in Jamaica since 2007.
- Our team includes experienced therapists and university partners from the U.S. and Jamaica.
- We offer personalized care respecting cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
- Our neurologic rehabilitation camps deliver intensive treatment with measurable results.
- We combine healthcare with community development through adaptive equipment programs.
What people say
Life-changing experience
Amazing functional improvement
Invaluable hands-on training
Transformative patient relationships
Dedicated, passionate team
Services
Physical Therapy Clinic
Our clinic in St. Elizabeth Parish provides ongoing physical therapy for patients with limited access to care. Services include mobility assessments, therapeutic exercises, and home visit follow-ups. Patients receive treatment regardless of ability to pay, supported by volunteer therapists and donated equipment.
Neurologic Rehabilitation Camps
Seven-day intensive programs treat adults with neurologic injuries through pre/post testing, daily therapy sessions, and community reintegration training. Participants experience significant functional improvements in mobility and daily living activities through our collaborative care model with university partners.
Student Internships
Final-year physical therapy students gain hands-on experience working with underserved populations under professional supervision. Interns participate in patient care, adaptive equipment creation, and community health initiatives while learning cultural competency in Jamaica's healthcare system.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Camps
Annual camps provide multidisciplinary care for children with developmental delays, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Families receive caregiver education and adaptive equipment to support continued progress after camp concludes.
Volunteer Programs
Healthcare professionals and students join short-term teams to deliver care during rehabilitation camps. Volunteers receive cultural immersion experiences while contributing to sustainable healthcare solutions in rural Jamaican communities.
People
Brooke Riley
Founder and Director
Dr. Riley established FORU in 2007 after completing her physical therapy internship in Jamaica. With 15+ years of experience, she leads our mission to provide accessible care while mentoring students through immersive clinical training programs.
Bethany Wolf
Assistant Director
Dr. Wolf coordinates volunteer efforts and manages clinic operations. Her organizational skills ensure smooth delivery of services across our rural treatment locations while maintaining patient care standards.
Josan Sutherland
Staff Therapist
As Jamaica's first local therapist with FORU, Josan specializes in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Her cultural insights enhance our community engagement and patient care approaches.
Dwayne Tulloch
Office Manager
Dwayne manages administrative operations with his communication expertise. His deep community connections help bridge cultural gaps and improve service accessibility for local residents.
Karen Sawyer
Mentor Therapist
Dr. Sawyer pioneered pro-bono therapy work in Jamaica before founding FORU. She continues advising through annual visits and board service, sharing decades of clinical expertise with our team.
Questions
What services does Friends of the Redeemer United provide?
We offer physical therapy clinics, neurologic rehabilitation camps, pediatric programs, and adaptive equipment services in rural Jamaica.
How can students participate in FORU's programs?
We provide internships for final-year PT students through partnerships with U.S. and Jamaican universities.
Do you accept volunteer medical professionals?
Yes, we welcome volunteer therapists and students to join our mission trips and rehabilitation camps.
How is FORU funded?
We rely on donations, partnerships with medical supply companies, and volunteer contributions to sustain our programs.
Can I donate equipment to your Jamaica clinic?
Yes, we accept medical equipment donations through our U.S. partner organization PT Solutions.
Videos
