Calling it “the awesome power of love in action,” Minister of Social Services and Community Development the Hon. Melanie Griffin commended all who made possible the official unveiling on Saturday of a new sign on Gladstone Road that reads: “Coming Soon: Multi-Service Centre for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.”
Accompanied by members of the disabled community, parents, supporters, service organizations, and government ministries, Minister Griffin unveiled the sign to much jubilee at the pre-Valentine’s Day ‘Youth Advocacy Grill Out and Social Outreach’ celebration.
Minister Griffin (left) delivers remarks at sign unveiling.
Minister Griffin had this to say on the occasion:
“Today marks a major milestone in the development of the Multi-Service Center for Persons with Disabilities, as we bring to the attention of the public my ministry’s plan to construct this facility and celebrate the activity of our Youth Advocacy Group.
This facility was the brainchild of the ‘Life Options’ and REACH organizations, and a long-time vision of Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie.
The Purpose
The purpose of the facility is to provide a safe, nurturing, learning, living and supportive environment for adults (persons who have aged out of school) with developmental disabilities. This facility will cater to individual needs and capabilities as well as concerns of families and will have a commercial entity that will sell and distribute products that are manufactured on the property.
The Goals
The goals of the facility are:
· To increase independence and quality of life in a safe and healthy environment.
· Meet the needs of the under-served section of the disabled community who have graduated from educational institutions by virtue of age.
· Provide opportunities for further training and development; social and work-related skills that would allow for individuals to work in the community as well as jobs on site.
Community Inclusion
An important feature of the project is that of community inclusion. Emphasis will be placed on independence and productivity and volunteer activities in local businesses and governmental facilities in the Gladstone and Carmichael communities.
The facility is designed to operate five days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with recreational and special outings being provided on weekends.
We have worked with a Task Force established by the Ministry since 2012. This Task Force was responsible for planning all aspects of the project and is made up of government agencies, relevant NGOs and private providers of services to persons with developmental disabilities. Some of the members and organizations include:
Mrs. Leila Greene Consultant, Ministry of Social Services
& Community Development
Matthew Aubry Consultant, YAI, New York
Kim Gibson REACH
Mario Carey REACH
Iris Adderley Department of Social Services
Townsley Roberts BNCD
Beatrice Rolle Eyes Wide Open
Maxine Stubbs Eyes Wide Open
Michelle Farrington Bahamas Down Syndrome Association
Ida Poitier-Turnquest Bahamas Down Syndrome Association
Arlene Davis Hopedale Center
Leonard Cargill Disability Affairs Division, DSS
Fruzan Langdon-Bethel Life Options
DeCosta Bethel Life Options
Carolyn Hall-Knowles Ministry of Education
Sharon Laing Ministry of Education
Livingston Forbes Ministry of Works
Lynn Major Every Child Counts
The architect of record for the facility is the firm of Bruce LaFleur & Associates and working with the architect on the implementation team is Mr. Glenn Major, Project Manager of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development and Mr. Timothy Johnson and Mrs. Eloise Fernander of Ministry of Works and Urban Development.
In preparation for the opening of our facility, several community based programmes have been developed to provide a learning experience for new service providers, developmental opportunities for young people who are not presently enrolled in programmes and to test new models of care and advocacy.
Some of the care programmes include respite care and day habilitation, but we are especially excited about the advocacy initiative. Our advocacy initiative will train our young people to have a voice in their own destiny, helping them to make choices about where they work, how they wish to socialize and build their own families.
This is a new initiative for The Bahamas, one that can reap great benefits for persons with disabilities as they learn to be vocal and independent citizens of The Bahamas. As we work with these young persons it is hoped that parents will be an integral part of our advocacy groups working together for a better Bahamas for their children and their families.
I wish to thank Mrs. Michelle Farrington and Mrs. Sheryl Newell of the Down Syndrome Family Group for their energy and assistance in our social outreach today.
Minister Griffin (fifth left) and Team
Special commendations to the Kiwanis Groups for their enthusiastic participation in making this event possible today; to my staff members, Mrs. Sheryl Forbes, Mrs. Melvina Pratt and Ms. Diana Rolle, who went beyond the call of duty in preparing the food and Mrs. Greene and Mr. Major from the Project Office. Finally, thank you parents, family members and friends in joining our advocates as they celebrate this important achievement.
Thank you all for coming on the pre-valentine occasion and demonstrating once again the awesome power of love in action.”
Sign Unveiled
Grilling Underway
Getting Lunch Ready
Lots of Fun
Get-Together (BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
