Strong community support and care was the true source of nourishment during a fish fry for the residents of the Frances Bodden and Bonaventure homes and their families recently.
The fish fry was the highlight of the first family social night sponsored by the CAYS Foundation’s board of directors, said a GIS release.
The foundation, which oversees the boys’ and girls’ homes, held the event as part of its family-strengthening initiative.
‘There was an extraordinary turnout from the families, which sends a good message to the children,’ said Minister of Health and Human Services, Anthony Eden.
‘Nothing is more important than the family unit, and CAYS, the Department of Children and Family Services and the department’s National Parenting Programme are especially dedicated to these kids.’
Both he and his wife, Ellen, attended the event. CAYS board members, staff and DCFS Director Deanna Look Loy also enjoyed the social.
The smiles on the children’s faces and the enthusiastic conversation amongst the adults indicated that the night was a success, said board member Sean Parchment.
‘For the residential programmes to be successful, we have to provide assistance to the families beyond the period of time that the children are with us,’ he remarked. ‘This night helps us to forge strong bonds that enable us to carry out this objective.’
He noted that there seems to be some stigma associated with kids who are residents in the homes. Although people tend to assume that these youth end up in the homes because they are badly behaved, Mr Parchment said this is far from the truth.
Mrs Eden agreed. She and Minister Eden live in the same neighbourhood as the girls at Frances Bodden.
‘I always enjoy coming to any event they hold here at the home,’ she said. ‘The neighbourhood supports the children and staff in any way possible, and there is always a pleasant atmosphere.’
As the co-ordinating body for the residential Care and Protection facilities for youth on the island, the CAYS Foundation’s mission is to empower youth and their families who are experiencing difficulties with achieving their full potential. And there were no shortcomings in the level of human potential on display at the family fish fry said Mrs Look Loy.
She observed that that many of the children helped to prepare food for the evening, demonstrating that the skills they learn could be applied to real life situations.
‘Looking at international statistics, children in homes don’t usually do well,’ she acknowledged. ‘But here we have many that do. One in particular has done exceptionally well, and won several awards at her recent prize-giving at John Gray High School.
‘Results like that make the DCFS staff feel as though their efforts are not wasted,’ Mrs. Look Loy noted.
‘Many of the children I’ve spoken to tonight are quite articulate, confident and their behaviour has been exceptional.’
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