About Us
Our history
Where We Began
Operation Veterans Care (OVEC) was founded with a simple but powerful belief: every child, regardless of ability, deserves love, support, and opportunity. What began as a grassroots effort to support families struggling with the challenges of autism, ADHD, and emotional or behavioral disorders has grown into a registered nonprofit serving children across Jamaica.
Our Journey
- Early Outreach – OVEC started by providing small acts of kindness: food baskets, school supplies, and encouragement to families in need. These early efforts revealed the urgent gaps in care for children living with disabilities and mental health conditions.
- Expanding Support—As needs grew, OVEC began partnering with schools, children’s homes, and community organizations. Resource drives, toy donations, and counseling services became part of our mission to strengthen families.
- Building Programs – Recognizing the need for specialized support, OVEC launched initiatives such as Resource Hubs for assistive devices, training workshops for caregivers, and fundraising events like cake sales and toy drives to sustain these services.
- Today – OVEC continues to grow, reaching more families each year through advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships. What started as a vision has become a lifeline of hope for children who are often overlooked.
Looking Ahead
Our history is just the beginning. We are committed to building a Jamaica where every child, no matter their challenges, is embraced, supported, and given the tools to thrive.
✨ The story of OVEC is the story of children who refuse to be defined by limits — and of a community that believes in every possibility.
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Our Mission
To support and empower children living with autism, ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders, and physical or emotional disabilities by providing access to resources, advocacy, therapeutic support, and community care.
Our Vision
We envision a Jamaica where every child, irrespective of their abilities, receives value, support, and the chance to flourish and realize their maximum potential.
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CORE VALUES
- Inclusion—We embrace diversity and create spaces where every child feels valued and accepted.
- Compassion—We lead with empathy, kindness, and respect in all that we do.
- Empowerment—We equip children and families with the tools, resources, and confidence to succeed.
- Collaboration—We work hand-in-hand with families, educators, healthcare providers, and communities to create lasting change.
- Integrity—We uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practice.
- Hope—We believe in the limitless potential of every child, regardless of their starting point.
THE TEAM
The OVeC team is a passionate group of professionals, volunteers, and community partners united by a shared vision: to ensure every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. We bring together expertise in education, mental health, special needs support, and community development, working hand-in-hand to create programs that are inclusive, compassionate, and impactful. We are not just a team, but a family committed to creating a world that values, supports, and empowers every child.
Team of directors and officers
Dr. Canute White, EdD, MPA, MSc: Founder, President/CEO
Dr. Canute White is a dedicated Jamaican scholar who made the courageous decision to migrate to the United States. Throughout his journey, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences, which he now shares with others. With over 26 years of service in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Dr. White transitioned into the role of dean of discipline within the Jamaican high school system, where he committed himself to fostering a safe and supportive environment for students. He later continued this mission at the community college level as the Director of Safety and Behavioral Management, overseeing five campuses and ensuring that students receive the guidance they need.Dr. White's compassion extends beyond education; he has served as a child protective investigator in New York City and Florida, advocating for vulnerable children and families in crisis. As a Florida Notary Public and a former Justice of the Peace in Jamaica, he has taken on roles that allow him to give back and support his community in meaningful ways. His educational journey is extensive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Counseling, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and a Master of Science in Organizational Studies from Northern Caribbean University and the University of the West Indies. He further enhanced his academic achievements with a Master of Public Administration and a Doctorate in Education, focusing on Organizational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University, along with a graduate degree in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice.Fueled by his deep passion for helping people navigate their adversities, Dr. White launched his podcast, Chanyouth's Exploration. Through heartfelt interviews, he connects with individuals facing health and social challenges, aiming to empower them and provide valuable insights for resilience. His empathetic approach is rooted in his own experiences; as a young man at St. George's College in Kingston, Jamaica, he was honored to serve as president of the Jamaica Red Cross Youth Group, which ignited his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. Dr. White’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to uplifting and supporting those around him, helping them overcome life's challenges with compassion and understanding.
Nyjole Christie-White: Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer/Secretary
Nyjole Christie-White is a warm-hearted Jamaican currently living in the United States. As the wife of a veteran, she understands the values of service and compassion, which she pours into her philanthropic endeavors. With many years of experience in the hospitality industry, she pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Technology, blending academic knowledge with hands-on experience. Her background also includes roles in customer service and shipping logistics in Jamaica, along with training in supervisory management at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Mrs. White's heartfelt passion for children drives her belief that every child deserves proper nutrition and a safe, loving place to call home. She is particularly devoted to supporting those with special needs and those entangled in the juvenile justice system, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Her commitment is to help these children find their voices and become active, engaged members of society, creating a brighter future for them all.
Enid White-Evans: Co-Founder, General Manager and Treasurer
ENID WHITE-EVANS is a compassionate Jamaican, currently residing in her home country, which allows her to connect directly with fellow Jamaicans facing hardships. As the General Manager, she is wholeheartedly dedicated to providing hands-on support to fulfill the organization's philanthropic mission at the local level, managing the devoted teams and operations with care and understanding.Enid brings a wealth of knowledge from the insurance and financial sectors, where she continues to make a meaningful impact. Her journey began with secretarial studies at the Jamaica School of Business, where she became a certified professional secretary. She further solidified her expertise by becoming a certified insurance professional through her education at the Insurance College, specializing in general insurance, and taking a course in money laundering. Enid's exceptional customer service skills stem from her rich experience in the insurance industry and her educational background at Heart Trust/NSTA. She has also completed tertiary studies in supervisory management.Mrs. White-Evans truly enjoys serving others and holds a deep passion for ensuring the well-being of those she helps. She consistently goes above and beyond to support individuals in need of life’s essentials. Enid forms meaningful partnerships with other nonprofit organizations and community resource entities to uplift her clients, as she is profoundly touched by their struggles and strives to make a positive difference in their lives.
These entities have been supporting the OVEC mission
Our Partners
Moments of Hope: JOURNEY WITH OUR PARTNERS:WE CALL THEM TEAM MEMBERS.
Who are we. . .?
Ephesians 2:10.: We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.