Bel Air Projects For 2012/13
Project 1 – Obtain 19 seater minibus
The Home currently has an eight seat mini bus which constantly needs repairs. With residents of twenty six at the present time, it is very difficult to go anywhere with the older children without having to make two trips.We are therefore seeking funding for a bigger vehicle that will seat nineteen. The cost of this will be EC$120,000. UK£29,000 US$44,500.The purchase of this mini bus will make a huge difference to the children. As with all of our projects, if this is where you would like your donation to go to, please mark your donation clearly “mini bus” as each project is accounted for in separate spreadsheets.
Project 2 – Funding for behavioural therapist
All of the children come from backgrounds of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They are placed in our home at the request of child welfare. This means that several of the children from an early age come with emotional issues and challenges that need to be resolved and worked through. The Friends of Bel Air in the UK have seen this as one of their major fund raising projects that can make a considerable difference to the children and their development. The home already has limited access to a therapist, which is restricted by lack of finances. It is our hope that we can attract funding for an extra eight hours per month. This will cost approximately EC$1357.00 US$503.00 UK£320.00 per month. This is an ongoing project which can literally be life changing.
Project 3 – Playground Refurbishment
Our current playground is in need of repair as some of the play structures have rotted. We are seeking funding to import a new, weather resistant structure so that our children can have a safe play environment. We will be adding more details on the pricing of this project shortly.
Project 4 – Miscellaneous Maintenance Items
As with any building that is in use, there will always be need for ongoing repairs and maintenance Bel Air is no different. We welcome your support towards the upkeep of the building and property so that Bel Air can remain a safe and comfortable home for the children. If you feel that you can assist us with any of the above then please contact us.
Project 5 – Material, fabric and sewing items
At Bel Air we have a transition program, where life skills are taught to the children, preparing them for life when they leave the Home. As part of the program the older girls learn sewing skills. Some of the items they have made thus far are pin cushions and embroidered hand towels. If you would like to support the older girls develop their sewing skills, we always welcome cotton fabrics, cottons, threads for the machines, universal needles and other craft items. Sewing machines are always welcome, too.
Project 6 – Moving on
Summary
- Bel Air is succeeding in its goal of enhancing the personal development of its residents.
- There is a problem with moving the older residents from a protected institutional environment to independent living in the community.
- It is proposed that a further structural development be carried out in the vicinity of the Bel Air Home that would provide a phased transition for the older adolescents to learn under appropriate supervision to live independently.
- This project will require the construction of a residence that could accommodate a house mother and three or four adolescent girls and three or four independent “chattel style” buildings which could accommodate one or two residents in each.
- Funding will be sought from a number of individuals and funding bodies unless an individual or body wishes to be the sole donor.
- Details of the estimated costs of this project are shown at the end of this document.
You can find much more details on the ‘Moving On’ project here.
Project 7 – Staff Training
The workforce at Bel Air is made up of workers who have different levels of understanding of the complexities of working with children. We have found training to be extremely beneficial to the staff and how they work with the children and would like to be able to engage the services of professionals who can provide us with the knowledge and skills needed to better our team. If you would like to contribute to the funding of training or you are a professional with skills and expertise you feel can benefit the Home, please contact us.