The Ranfurly Homes for Children has beenable to enhance its comprehensive childcare with ownership of a new bus andexpanded housing to meet their growing needs. Locally based Private Trust recentlyfollowed their 2021 funding for a new 30-seater bus with a further donation towardRanfurly Homes day-to-day operational costs and a contribution to the cost of newtransitional housing for 18-year-old youngsters ‘aging-out’ of the traditional Ranfurlyprogramme. Private Trust’s recent financial aid totals $204,000.

Now in its second phase of development, the transitional homes which come under theRanfurly Home for Children’s STEP programme, provide former Ranfurlians aged 18-21with the resources and support required to live independently as productive members ofsociety. A step toward adult living with real-life experiences.

Private Trust’s Managing Director, Adrian Crosbie-Jones, has been a supporter of thehome for over two decades and applauds the great work it does for children and nowalso young adults beyond the age 18. The leading locally independent trust companyalso welcomes opportunities to support critical community organizations focused on atrisk youth in our society.

“Children should be protected and provided for during their vulnerable years. This year,the staff of Private Trust wanted to focus on continuing their support of Ranfurly Homesin order to provide additional tools for the children of the home. The saying “It takes avillage to raise a child”, is factual for us on many levels. Children are our future;therefore, we must support them wherever possible and equip them with the essentialtools to succeed in life,” Mr. Crosbie- Jones said.

He is echoed by Private Trust Director, Bruno Roberts, who said, “As a member of thecommunity, Private Trust believes it is our job to assist those in need and this projectspearheaded by the Ranfurly Homes for Children directly relates to that. We will alwaysassist in the care and education of children where we can from a humanitarian andnation building perspective.”

Earlier this month, Ranfurly Homes for Children’s President, Joey Premock, askedmembers of the public to get involved with the STEP programme. Noting previousdonations made by Private Trust, she thanked them for remaining committed andcontinuously answering their call for support.

One of the residents already in a transitional home constructed under the STEPprogramme, Mervline Antenor, said her experience so far was key in her journey toindependence.

“Mentally it teaches me how to save, how to pay bills like light, gas and water, and givesme the structure needed for when I go into the real world,” she said.