Marlon Llewellyn, owner of Scotchy Jamaican Grill, is on a mission to bring the authentic flavors of Jamaica to Central Indiana while raising awareness about mental health.
Through a newly formed partnership with Howdy Homemade Ice Cream and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Llewellyn hopes to break stigmas surrounding mental illness and developmental disabilities — one scoop at a time.
The collaboration began in an unexpected yet fortuitous way. Llewellyn spoke with Vida Hillier, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream’s catering manager, during church one day, hoping to find an ice cream vendor for some of their Jamaican flavors.
“We struck up a great conversation about Scotchy, and she shared with me the vision and purpose of Howdy,” Llewellyn said. “From that moment and further discussion, a divine partnership was created between two faith-filled organizations founded to serve others and bring awareness to important causes.”
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream’s purpose is to create jobs and career opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, a mission that aligns seamlessly with Scotchy Jamaican Grill’s commitment to inclusivity and mental health awareness.
“Howdy’s is a partner that aligns with Scotchy’s vision to bring awareness to mental health and help break the stigma while serving authentic Jamaican cuisine and honoring my mother’s legacy of food and family,” Llewellyn said.
The partnership has already made a significant impact.
Kicking off the initiative, LEL Home Services donated $2,500 to NAMI on behalf of Scotchy Jamaican Grill and Howdy Homemade Ice Cream. Llewellyn expressed deep gratitude for the support.
“The $2,500 donation from LEL Home Services is a significant contribution that will help kick-start the Catch Ah Vibe with Scoops and Smiles initiative. This generous support will allow us to educate, benefiting the community and our mission to raise awareness about mental health and developmental disabilities,” he said.
The Scotchy Jamaican Grill Ice Cream line, exclusively crafted by Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, will feature Rum Raisin and Grape Nut flavors. These nostalgic flavors hold personal significance for Llewellyn.
“The Scotchy Jamaican Grill Ice Cream line represents the joy and nostalgia of summer memories growing up with my family in May Pen, Jamaica,” Llewellyn said. “Many of my fondest childhood memories revolved around these flavors. Rum Raisin and Grape Nut were our go-to flavors.”
A portion of sales from the ice cream line will be donated to NAMI, supporting mental health initiatives and education. Llewellyn hopes the collaboration will inspire the community to join the effort.
“This collaboration’s most important message to the community is that we are better together than apart,” he emphasized. “We must work together to break the stigma of mental illness and help support children and adults with developmental disabilities to experience a life of significance, no matter their diagnosis or disability.”
Central Indiana residents can support this initiative by visiting Scotchy Jamaican Grill and Howdy Homemade Ice Cream locations to experience the new ice cream flavors. Additionally, the community is invited to events like the Community Celebration on June 7, featuring food, ice cream, games and giveaways.
Reflecting on the partnership’s potential, Llewellyn is filled with hope and gratitude.
“When I began Scotchy Jamaican Grill in June 2024, I could not have imagined how God would take my act of obedience and transform it into a cause and mission that helps break the stigma of mental illness,” Llewellyn said. “God always has the final say and will use a dark situation to create hope and bring light to the world while demonstrating His omnipresent power and presence in all things.”
To stay up to date with Scotchy and their projects, follow them on Instagram at @scotchy_jamaican_grill.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
