Children’s homes press on despite pandemic

Pilot, police officer, fully funded scholar, and community leader are just a few of the academic and career titles that young men take on as they say farewell to Colby House.

After entering the transitional home, which specializes in providing personalized care for emotionally and physically traumatized youngsters, the boys become equipped for a productive adulthood by way of a holistic approach. They subsequently consider themselves fortunate to have once been under the home’s stewardship.

Mr. Leonard Newton, Administrator for Colby House for Boys, made this disclosure with pride as he, along with five other children’s homes representatives, received a donation of $22,000 from CIBC FirstCaribbean.

“We give them an opportunity to succeed. I allow them to make their decisions and help them along the way,” he said.

He continued, “I allow them to make mistakes because if they do not make mistakes, they’ll never succeed. A lot of them have dreams about what they want to do and no doubt, they will be leaders in years to come.”

Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, children’s homes press on to ensure each minor’s needs are met.

The Colby House, Children’s Emergency Hostel, Nazareth Centre, Elizabeth Estates, Ranfurly, and Bilney Lane Children’s Homes will use the monetary contribution made by the bank to continue their efforts in providing a safe place for children with a history of abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Each of the homes have uniquely designed activities and programs that cater to physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Administrators and other key individuals have witnessed the upbringing of countless successful, contributing citizens of society.

Ms. Charlene Gibson, the Children’s Emergency Hostel’s business manager, described CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ongoing support as a “tremendous help”. She noted that during these uncertain times especially, the bank’s assistance would help in facilitating the daily expenditure of the hostel.

“For the most part, the hostel has an overhead of about maybe $300,000 a year. On a monthly basis we spend in excess of $50,000 to $75,000, inclusive of buying provisions for the kids, utilities, any repairs that are needed for the facility, and salary for the staff,” she said.

Noting the impact of COIVD-19 on fundraising events, Ms. Gibson added, “Recently, because of the pandemic, the amount of donations that the hostel has been receiving has come to a standstill and we are running on funds that are given from the government.

“The donation that we received from the bank has assisted in a tremendous way to help what we have here at the hostel.”

Terrance Gibson, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Associate Director of Private Wealth Management & International Corporate Banking said, “CIBC FirstCaribbean recognizes the role children’s homes have in providing safe places for children to grow and develop. We hope that this donation can make the financial load they bear a bit lighter as they continuously pour into the lives of future generations.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/childrens-homes-press-on-despite-pandemic/