Jamaica's first SOS Children's Village was erected in Barrett Town, which is situated about 15 km from Montego Bay town centre, in the direction of Ocho Rios. Montego Bay is a coastal town in the north of Jamaica and a well-known site for tourists. The SOS Children's Village was set up on a beautiful plot of land of about 11 hectares with family houses situated on a plateau from which the ground slopes towards another level piece of land that provides the SOS Children's Village with fresh vegetables and fruits. The slope is now covered with different sorts of trees. In addition to that, a little river separated the piece of land until a bridge was erected in 1982.
SOS Children's Village Barrett Town was inaugurated in February 1972 by American country-singer Johnny Cash, a big supporter of SOS Children's Villages Jamaica. It consists of eleven family houses, the house of the village director, the aunts' (family helpers') house as well as an administration and service area.
The SOS Youth Facilities for boys and girls are located in the city of Montego Bay, outside the village. At an SOS Youth Facility, youngsters gradually prepare themselves for independent living, both emotionally and professionally.
SOS Children's Village Barrett Town also includes a community centre where SOS mothers and co-workers regularly attend training and workshops. Since 1995, SOS Children's Village Barrett Town has had an SOS Kindergarten (called SOS Jane Veira Kindergarten School) where up to 60 children are taught in four classes. It also includes a prep school and is open to children from the local community. It offers extra-curricular activities such as speech and drama and sports.