New and returning Fall attendees, their families and visitors to the Bahamas Crisis Centre, particularly of school age, will not only be warmly welcomed by Dr. Sandra Dean Patterson and her team, but also have the benefit of additional provisions gifted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The donation will be presented at a Closing Ceremony on Thursday, August 8, 2019, 6:00pm at the Centre’s facilities.
“We would really like to be able to provide a more substantial HOT meal for the children.” shared Dr. Dean- Patterson during an exploratory visit to the Centre by LDS Humanitarian missionaries, Elder and Sister Arrington, who are serving in The Jamaica, Kingston Mission, of which the Nassau Caribbean District is a part, and local Church Public Affairs council members; Wendy Brown, Director and Cheryl Alexandre, Service Missionary & Media Specialist. They further learned that limited refrigerator space and lack of a full-size stove were obstacles to fulfilling the said need.
In addition to the refrigerator, stove and the need to replace the water cooler, it was pointed out that some time ago computers were donated, but later found to be non-functional. Dr. Patterson noted that having new computers would greatly benefit in the education and entertainment of clients and aid in effectiveness and efficiency of volunteer psychologists’ counselling sessions.
After submissions and approval, The Crisis Centre became the first organization for 2019-20 in The Bahamas to be named a benefactor of the worldwide Church organization humanitarian efforts. “Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson is a champion for the cause of all those who have been affected by violence and abuse. She and her fellow doctors are doing a great service to your island home. We found her and the work of The Crisis Centre she oversees to be compelling and we were glad to try to find a way to help,” opined The Arringtons.
Since 1985, LDS Charities has served in 195 countries, providing assistance to millions of people. Garet Charles Kemp, President of the local church branch, located on Soldier Road, comments, “We are humbled and grateful for charitable opportunities to follow the example of our Saviour, Jesus Christ in serving and uplifting our brothers and sisters. Our eyes and ears are open for ways to support, cheer and partner with other organizations, like The Crisis Centre, who sacrifice in doing the same.” LDS members, missionaries, church auxiliaries and the local Public Affairs council are charged with the divine calling of seeking out the needy in family, church and community, working together to support and galvanize government, non-government, religious and community partners to meet those needs in Christ-like love and service.
The Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Honourable Frankie Campbell and/or a representative from the Ministry along with recipient organization and Church officials are expected to be in attendance at the Ceremony to offer remarks and/or answer questions from the Press. Press Members are all invited to attend.
For more information, please contact Cheryl Walkine-Alexandre, Public Affairs Media Specialist @ 446-9219 or ca.walkine@gmail.com
Seated: Wendy Brown, Director LDS Public Affairs Council, Dr. Sandra-Dean Patterson, Founder, Crisis Centre; Standing: The Arringtons, Humanitarian Missionaries, LDS Charities, Cheryl Alexandre, Church Service Missionary & Media Specialist, LDS Public Affairs Council.
