Knights of Columbus Council 5295 in Narragansett, Rhode Island, is making a significant impact on the lives of children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities in Jamaica through its partnership with Jacob’s Ladder orphanage.
The council’s efforts were recognized at the Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight’s Awards Session, held on Aug. 7 in Québec City, Québec, on the eve of the organization’s 142nd Supreme Convention.
Council 5295’s “Jacob’s Ladder, Men on a Mission” program received the top honor in the community programs category of the Annual International Program Awards.
The program involves annual mission trips to the Jamaican facility, where Knights assist with construction and repair projects, participate in spiritual activities, and organize recreational events for residents.
“Council members take annual mission trips to the facility, helping with construction and repair projects, participating in spiritual activities, such as Mass and daily prayer, and organizing recreational activities for residents,” the Knights of Columbus said in a statement.
The council’s contributions extend beyond physical presence. They have organized the shipment of seven 40-foot containers to Jacob’s Ladder, filled with essential items such as adult diapers, clothing, and other goods valued at over $200,000.
Additionally, the Knights have undertaken significant infrastructure improvements at the orphanage. These include replacing the roof, painting the facility, and providing plumbing services.
With support from other donors, the council has also supplied water heaters, washing machines, golf carts for transportation around the grounds, and an aquaponics system to the facility.
The total value of support from Council 5295 is estimated at nearly $500,000, demonstrating the substantial impact of their ongoing commitment to Jacob’s Ladder.
The council’s dedication to the project shows no signs of slowing down. Plans for new projects are already in development, ensuring continued support for the orphanage and its residents.
This recognition comes as part of a broader celebration of charitable efforts by Knights of Columbus councils worldwide. The Supreme Knight’s Awards Session annually honors individual Knights, councils, assemblies, and jurisdictions that exemplify the mission of the Order’s founder, Blessed Michael McGivney.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly presented the awards, which recognize outstanding programs in faith, family, community, and life categories.
Other notable award recipients included St. Thomas Aquinas Council 15294 from Southeast Missouri State University for their faith program, “Anima Christi ’24,” a week-long Eucharistic Pilgrimage that drew over 600 participants.
In the family programs category, Mason Council 9182 from Michigan was recognized for their support of a family following a tragic farm accident. The council raised $30,000 for the children’s education fund through a community event.
Pope St. John XXIII Council 15968 from Spokane, Washington, received the top honor in the life programs category for their work with Maddie’s Place, a recovery nursery for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance abuse.
The Ampe family from Marquette, Michigan, was named the International Family of the Year. Joseph and Tiffany Ampe, along with their 11 children, were recognized for their active involvement in their parish, community service, and adoption of four children with special needs.
The Blessed Michael McGivney Medal, awarded to an exemplary Knights of Columbus chaplain, was presented to Very Rev. Chad Wilhelm, State Chaplain of North Dakota.
The Knights of Columbus, founded in 1882, has grown into a global organization with more than 2.1 million members in over 16,800 local councils. In 2022, Knights worldwide donated approximately 50 million service hours and nearly $185 million to charitable causes.
