Shanisse models ILoveAshlandVA.com apparel as an avid volunteer for Downtown Ashland Association
Shanisse Palmer, a beloved Virginia-based family lifestyle and getaway influencer with 58.4K followers on Instagram, is turning her platform into a lifeline for her hometown in Jamaica. Lethe, a small and often overlooked village, was left in ruins after Hurricane Melissa swept through, destroying homes, washing away roads, and displacing families.
Originally from Lethe, Shanisse now uses her voice and influence to shine a light on the urgent needs of the community she loves. Through her Instagram account, @mommiesjade, she shares real footage of the destruction, showing the world the human impact of the disaster.
Lethe residents walk the devastated road
“My hometown, Lethe, Jamaica, was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. Families have lost their homes, their roads, and everything they’ve worked for,” Shanisse said. “It’s a small village which means it will be one of the last places the government reaches. But we can reach them first. If you’re reading this, I’m asking from the bottom of my heart: please help however you can. Even $1 can feed a child, repair a roof, or bring light back to a family’s life.”
Shanisse on @MommiesJade
Despite being hundreds of miles away, Shanisse’s Virginia neighbors and followers are rallying around her to support this urgent cause. To date, $800 has been pledged toward the $50,000 goal—a sum that will fund critical rebuilding efforts for families in Lethe.
The Hurricane Melissa Rebuild Fund aims to provide direct relief in three urgent areas:
Home repairs: roofing materials, lumber, and supplies to rebuild damaged houses.
Road restoration: repairing the main road that connects families to food, water, and work.
Food and essentials: groceries, clean water, diapers, and baby formula for households in need.
All donations go directly to trusted community leaders and church members in Lethe who are distributing supplies on the ground.
Shanisse continues to inspire hope with every post and plea: “Even if you can’t donate, please share, like, or repost. Every act of kindness makes a difference. Let’s show Jamaica that love travels farther than any storm.”
Support the Hurricane Melissa Rebuild Fund for Lethe, Jamaica: https://givebutter.com/9Wt5nH