Residents at Frances Bodden Home are learning to take the lead when it comes to public speaking.
At the recent CAYS Open House Open Day at the home, residents made staff proud and parents and visitors beam with pride as they highlighted events taking place for the day.
The event, held on Lottery Road in Lower Valley featured arts and crafts items completed by residents. Manicures and pedicures were available to visitors as well as bouncing castles for the young ones. Plants, cakes and other goodies were also displayed.
Announcing guests were residents Jameel Bustillo and Christy Brown who did a fine making them feel welcome as they inviting them to join in with the singing of the national song.
Impressed
Community Affairs, Gender and Housing Minister Mike Adam was also impressed with the residents’ performances, musical interlude and academic and incentive award presentations.
“I think the theme of today’s event – Conquer the Odds; secure your Future – is an important messages for us all, not just the residents. Indeed, conquering the odds and overcoming challenges in order to secure your future is something that each and every one of us experiences throughout life,” he said.
He continued saying everyone had dreams and aspirations and everyone was working hard to conquer the obstacles, but it was the struggles that made reaching the goals that much more worthwhile and meaningful.
“Boys and girls, you may find that as you grow older your dreams and aspirations may change, but the way in which you achieve them will not. There is no magic to it – to secure your future and live the life that you dream of, it simply takes hard work, dedication, perseverance, accountability and most importantly heart,” he added.
Mistakes made
The Minister also reminded residents that it was important to remember that everyone makes mistakes on their journey toward securing their future, but it was the way they dealt with these challenges that would help them overcome and attain their goals.
He told residents to keep their minds and hearts open to change. “Be tolerant of one another, fully participate in programmes so you can further develop your skills and make a positive, long-lasting impact in this country,”
It’s been over two years since Frances Bodden residents have moved back into their refurbished home in Lower Valley, Bodden Town.
Empowering the young and families through its programmes in a caring, nurturing environment; it is a nonprofit organisation of the CAYS Foundation.
There are seven girls and four boys at the facility, which has a holding capacity of 14.
Programmes
According to CEO Angela Sealey, the children are involved in a number of community projects and staff are excited about the programmes offered to the group. She expresses gratitude to those who continue to assist at the home.
The girls are involved in the Missouri training model, which is about youths being involved in group meetings during the week. The programme is also geared at helping children work out various issues when they are home from school.
Home staff assist at the schools by checking with youngsters to see that everything is going well and to offer their support.
According to Ms Sealey, the children have also started a grow box project, which is coming along nicely. “The girls have shown lots of interest in the project as well as finding out about plants from the Agriculture Department.
The girls, she said, were looking forward to summer camp – a week of games, activities, outings, performances and field trips and the pre-work programme where residents are shown how to conduct themselves and dress in preparation for work experience before the summer holidays. “It is more or less a hands-on job experience for the girls,” said Ms Sealey
The home is in need of volunteers, especially those with cultural knowledge, to get residents more involved with their heritage.
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