Neighbourly compassion drives the Bain and Grant's Town community to unite through free afterschool programmes and computer classes for the young and the old.

 “Here at Bain and Grants Town, we try to do everything to help the community because they really need the help,” said Diana Bullard,  manager of the Bain and Grants Town Urban Renewal Centre.

 “We have a lot of people who come out for the computer classes, even people from upscale communities come out here also because their pocket right now is tight.  So they come in and take advantage of this free opportunity.”

Community volunteers help children with homework, projects, and band practice; they also help unemployed adults learn computer skills, as well as how to organise resumes to assist with their job searches.    

 On August 27, the Bain and Grants Town Urban Renewal Centre was inundated with parents and children in the area, looking for free school supplies that were being distributed. 

 Hundreds lined the streets, steps and front door of the Baillou Hill Road location, waiting to get in and collect their packages.  The back to school giveaway proved the potential impact that Urban Renewal has on the community.

 “We are serving over 350 kids, but as you can see today we have well over that number and we don’t want any kids to leave from here without anything,” said Mrs. Bullard.

 “We have extra bags that we packed together with books, pencils, rulers, rubbers, and sharpeners and we have enough to give out to kids, who are not a part of the afterschool programme.”

 Despite the uncertainty of the global recession, the corporate donations were impressive.  The centre was able to also distribute book bags, school uniforms, socks, shoes, underwear, soap and deodorant.  

 “We would like to thank all of our sponsors who really stepped in, and our helpers.  We really appreciate it.  Without them, this would not have been possible,” said Mrs. Bullard.

 The Bain and Grants Town community has received the Urban Renewal initiatives well. Many computer classes have to finish early, due to overcrowding and lack of space available to accommodate everyone who wants to attend.  The centre is looking for more volunteers, such as retired teachers, to lend their support to the community programmes and teach a skill to someone who needs it.

 “The Bain and Grants Town Centre need your help.  The community needs your help,” said Mrs. Bullard.