A new community-focused philanthropic organization, the Jane E. Toussaint (JET) Foundation, has announced its official launch alongside plans for its first major public event: the Wadadli Healing Symposium, scheduled to take place October 6–7, 2026, at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda.
Founded by the Underwood family, the JET Foundation carries forward the lifelong legacy of service, empathy, and grassroots community advancement that defined Jane E. Toussaint, widely known to loved ones and community members as “Granny Janie.” Rooted in a multi-generational commitment to lifting up vulnerable and marginalized community members, the organization’s core mission centers on unlocking the untapped potential of Antigua and Barbuda’s younger generations. It pursues this goal through targeted, transformative programs across four key focus areas: education, health, sports, and the arts. Beyond youth empowerment, the foundation works to nurture more resilient, connected communities by expanding access to opportunity, elevating emerging local talent, and encouraging a culture of collective service.
The foundation’s long-term vision for Antigua and Barbuda frames compassion and integrity as the driving forces of systemic national progress. It seeks to build a society where every citizen has the tools and support to lead a life defined by creativity, physical and mental wellness, and meaningful contribution to the community. All of the foundation’s work is structured around four interconnected core pillars that align with its mission—Education, Health, Sports, and the Arts—each designed to deliver measurable, locally led impact that centers the specific needs of Antigua and Barbuda’s communities.
As the organization’s first major public initiative, the Wadadli Healing Symposium embodies the foundation’s commitment to addressing Antigua and Barbuda’s most urgent social challenges through three key pathways: accessible education, open cross-community dialogue, and concrete, actionable solutions. Over the two-day event, experts drawn from local, regional, and international backgrounds will share evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies centered on four core thematic tracks: Mental Health and Healing, Parent Engagement, Youth Development, and Male Engagement.
The symposium is intentionally open to a broad range of attendees who share a commitment to strengthening local families and building healthier, more connected communities. This includes parents, K-12 and higher education educators, youth organization leaders, practicing mental health professionals, faith-based group representatives, non-profit stakeholders, community advocates, and general public members. By the end of the event, participants are expected to leave with tangible practical tools, fresh, nuanced perspectives on local social challenges, and actionable skills that can be implemented immediately in homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhood communities across the country.
“Our Foundation exists because we believe lasting change begins when people are equipped with knowledge, empowered by opportunity and inspired to serve one another. The Wadadli Healing Symposium is our invitation to the nation to begin that journey of healing together,” said Jerome Underwood, one of the JET Foundation’s founding directors.
Notably, admission to the 2026 Wadadli Healing Symposium is completely free for all attendees, removing financial barriers to participation. Organizers have encouraged widespread public attendance to join in meaningful, solution-focused conversations, learn from globally recognized experts including renowned researcher Dr. Joy DeGruy, and join a growing national movement focused on collective healing, community resilience, and long-term, sustainable transformation across Antigua and Barbuda.