Rising Through Resilience

After an exciting summer filled with engaging programs, the return of children to school marked a shift towards the resumption of afterschool activities. Our center seamlessly transitioned back to in-person and virtual programs for children ensuring continuity in offerings such as arts and crafts, fun with art, Nanna Sheppard's bedtime stories, chess, self-defense and etiquette. Additionally, regular programs like knitting and crocheting, low-impact exercise for seniors, couples ballroom dancing, and yoga were reinstated.

In our commitment to community well-being, we formed a dynamic partnership with Rotary to launch an Anti-Bullying Campaign. This multifaceted initiative includes a speech competition, art competition, Facebook Live events, and a seminar dedicated to students. Simultaneously, our collaboration with the Western Atlantic School of Medicine continued to flourish, encompassing workshops on hypertension, diabetes, and the vital "Stop the Bleed" program.

We express deep gratitude for the unwavering support from the public, which allows us to extend our reach and impact. Our success would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who contribute their time, skills, and passion to make a meaningful difference in our community.

On October 4, 2023, Mrs. McBride had the privilege of addressing remarkable female students at Sister Mary Patricia on the challenges of peer pressure. This candid and empowering session emphasized the importance of authenticity, values-driven decision-making, and the cultivation of a supportive network.

Continuing our dedication to mental health awareness, on October 9, 2023, Mrs. McBride concluded part two of the suicide prevention workshop with the mentees and mentors of Vessels of Purpose Elite. This interactive session fostered open conversations and equipped participants with tools to recognize, support, and prevent mental health challenges.

Mrs. McBride's participation in the Mind, Body, and Soul Forum hosted by the Department of Social Services Senior Division on October 20, 2023, highlighted the significance of nurturing one's mental well-being and practicing self-care.

A pivotal moment occurred on October 21, 2023, as the center partnered with Hope and Beyond for a Suicide Prevention Webinar titled "We all have a role to play." This insightful seminar explored the critical roles of family, government, schools, church, and the workplace in the context of suicide prevention.

On October 24, 2023, a powerful collaboration unfolded as the Bahamas Resilience Center, Rotary Club of Grand Bahama, and the School Psychological Services Division of the Ministry of Education united for the impactful Let's Rise Against Bullying Campaign. The event drew over 200 students, significantly enhancing the campaign's reach and impact.

Mrs. McBride's led a session on Mental Health and Self-Care at Jack Hayward Junior High School on October 26, 2023, which underscored the importance of holistic wellness, work-life balance, and staying true to one's values.

As November unfolded, our Knitting Group hosted an open house event on the 21st, showcasing the intricate and beautiful pieces crafted by our talented members throughout the year. The following day, the etiquette class welcomed students from Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, infusing positive energy into our ongoing and enduring program led by Volunteer Mr. Laroda.

Our commitment to mental health extends beyond events and workshops, as individual and group counseling services continue to be a vital and ongoing aspect of our community support initiatives. Recognizing the importance of personalized care, our counselors work diligently to provide tailored guidance and support for individuals navigating various challenges. Simultaneously, our group counseling sessions foster a sense of community and shared understanding. In these confidential spaces, participants find solace, connection, and strategies for coping. As we provide these essential counseling services, we are steadfast in our mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health. By offering a safe and supportive environment, we aim to normalize conversations about mental well-being, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear or judgment. Through these sustained efforts, we aspire to create a community that values and prioritizes mental health for the well-being of all.

These collective efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to our mission, creating a cohesive tapestry of community engagement and empowerment. We are grateful to our volunteers who make this all possible, embodying the spirit of generosity and service that forms the heart of our community initiatives.

Greetings to our valued supporters and community members,

During this past quarter, the Bahamas Resilience Center continued to promote awareness and support for mental health in our community. We are grateful for the overwhelming support we received from the community, which enabled us to continue providing high-quality services and programs. We are also excited to celebrate our 3rd year in existence. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, and staff members who have contributed to our growth and success. We remain dedicated to our mission of promoting healthy adaptation and growth in the face of change, challenge, and stress. We look forward to continuing to serve the Grand Bahama community.

Regular Programs

As an organization committed to fostering adaptive and resilient responses to change, challenges, and stress, The Bahamas Resilience Center has consistently offered a variety of valuable programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of residents.

Among the ongoing programs are engaging activities such as Arts & Crafts, Couple's Ballroom, Etiquette, Bedtime Stories Reading Program, Knitting & Crocheting, Sister Circle Women’s Support Group, Yoga, and Sewing. These regular programs hav]e seen remarkable attendance and have proven to be instrumental in facilitating skill development, fostering meaningful connections with others, and creating a strong sense of community among participants.

Additionally, we are delighted to announce that Chess classes have now resumed for participants of all ages. These engaging sessions are being skillfully facilitated by talented students from Bishop Michael Eldon School. By offering Chess classes, we aim to promote strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical reasoning skills among the participants, contributing to their overall personal growth and mental agility. The inclusion of this program further enhances the diverse range of opportunities provided by The Grand Bahama Resilience Center to support the well-being and development of our community members.

Administrator’s Office Teamwork Training Session

The Grand Bahama Resilience Center is proud to have facilitated a training session on Teamwork,with the administrator's Office. The session was facilitated by our Executive Director, Felisha Mcbride and was designed to help administrators and staff members to understand the dynamics of teamwork better. The session was highly interactive, and participants were encouraged to share their experiences and insights throughout the training. We believe that this training has provided valuable insights and tools to help staff members work more effectively as a team and reduce conflicts in the workplace. We are proud to be able to provide these types of training sessions to the Grand Bahama community and look forward to continuing to offer valuable resources and support.

Jack Hayward High School

We are proud to announce that Mrs. Felisha McBride was a panelist at a recent discussion on mental health at Jack Hayward Senior High School. The panel discussion, titled "Get Help! Reducing Stigma Associated with Mental Health," was held on March 30, 2023, and aimed to promote awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. We are honored to have had the opportunity to participate in this important discussion, and we remain committed to promoting awareness and support for mental health in our community.

Literacy Appreciation 

The Bahamas Resilience Center recently celebrated its 3rd annual Literacy Appreciation Day with the help of some amazing volunteers. The day started with a motivational talk from Miss World Imperial Beauty Sarah Gibbs, who inspired the young attendees to believe in themselves and get involved in positive activities that benefit their community. The event also featured a special appearance from Library Girl, who entertained the children with Bahamian-written stories. The Easter Bunny, courtesy of Marvin Johnson, also made an appearance and hid eggs for the children to find. The day ended with Sandra Flowers emphasizing the importance of reading and writing. The attendees were treated to lunch, a movie, and more surprises on their way out . One of the young men even stopped by on his way out to express his gratitude for the center, saying, "God Bless this center!"Overall, it was an amazing day filled with inspiration, fun, and learning.

 Collaboration with Western Atlantic University School of Medicine 

 We proudly collaborated with Western Atlantic University School of Medicine to conduct two insightful workshops: "Care for the Caregivers" and "From Calm to Chaos."

 In "Care for the Caregivers," participants gained invaluable tools to enhance their caregiving skills. We explored topics such as reading body language, customizing conversations, and tailoring activities to create meaningful connections. An integral part of the workshop was the groundbreaking S.T.E.P. method, which focused on fostering empathic communication.

 "For professional caregivers, concerned family members, or those passionate about making a difference, this workshop provided valuable insights and techniques to enrich their caregiving journey."

 In the "From Calm to Chaos" workshop, we centered on fostering a sense of groundedness. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of grounding and its numerous benefits. Through interactive sessions, we delved into various grounding techniques and their applications in different situations, particularly during moments of stress or overwhelm. Moreover, the workshop encouraged participants to develop mindfulness as a means to maintain a sense of calm amidst life's challenges.

 "Whether you're a professional caregiver or an individual seeking to enhance your personal well-being, 'From Calm to Chaos' offered practical tools and mindfulness practices to navigate life's ups and downs with greater resilience."

 Both workshops were designed to empower attendees with valuable skills and knowledge, equipping them to navigate the complexities of caregiving and personal growth effectively.

 Mental Health Month Recap:

On May 1st, we kicked off Mental Health Month with a heartwarming Resilience Angel Mixer, commemorating three years of our organization's journey. This event served as a wonderful opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and generous donors.

Throughout the month, we actively engaged with the community through various speaking engagements, collaborating with several Rotary organizations. Our goal was to raise awareness about mental health and promote understanding and compassion.

We are also thrilled to share that we organized a Fun Run Walk in partnership with the esteemed organization "You Matter." This event was a remarkable success as it brought together a diverse group of individuals, all united in their dedication to raising awareness for mental health.

The collaboration with "You Matter" further strengthened our efforts to spread awareness about mental health, leaving a positive impact on the community. We extend our gratitude to all those who participated, volunteered, or contributed to making this event a resounding triumph. Together, we are making strides towards a more compassionate and empathetic society.

Finally, to wrap up the month-long initiative on a positive note, we organized a remarkable Mental Family Fun Day Fundraiser. This event not only helped us raise funds for our cause but also fostered a sense of togetherness and joy among participants.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of Mental Health Month and showed their support for mental health advocacy. Together, we are working towards building a healthier and more compassionate community.

Pajama Reading Party

On May 26, 2023, we organized a Pajama Reading Party! Our primary goal was to ignite a passion for reading in young minds, specifically targeting individuals aged 4 to 14.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as kids, clad in their coziest pajamas, gathered together for a night of literary wonder. We owe a huge thanks to Candy Captain for generously providing the popcorn, which added to the fun and cozy ambiance. And to satisfy their hunger, we also served delicious pizzas and a variety of treats, making sure the little bookworms were comfortable and cared for.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Port Lucaya Market Place for graciously allowing us to use their wonderful venue. Their support for this initiative played a vital role in making this event possible and truly memorable.

Moreover, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Miss Imperial Bahama, Sarah Gibbs, and the Bahamas Red Cross for their unwavering willingness to volunteer their time and effort. Their presence and involvement added an extra touch of warmth and care to the event, ensuring that the children had a truly special and unforgettable experience.

As an organization committed to nurturing the love for reading in children, we consider this event a resounding success. Our endeavor is to continue providing such meaningful initiatives, encouraging the joy of reading in even more young hearts. Together, let's cultivate a generation of enthusiastic readers who will embark on countless literary adventures and expand their horizons through the magic of books.

Camp Discovery 2023

Camp Discovery 2023 was a remarkable two-week event that took place from July 3rd to July 14th, 2023. With the participation of 30 enthusiastic children each week, the camp provided an enriching and diverse experience. Throughout the program, the children engaged in a wide range of activities designed to foster personal growth and development.

From the high-energy Zumba Kids sessions that kept them active and healthy, to the empowering workshops on self-love, financial literacy, emotional regulation, and respect, every child had the chance to learn essential life skills. Moreover, the camp incorporated self-defense classes to promote safety and confidence, as well as environmental safety lessons to instill a sense of responsibility for the planet. To ignite their creativity, the children also immersed themselves in arts and crafts projects that allowed them to express themselves artistically.

As an exciting addition to Camp Discovery 2023, we organized a captivating field trip to the Marine Museum, which offered our campers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the islands. During the trip, our enthusiastic campers had the chance to explore the fascinating maritime traditions that have shaped the Bahamas.

Camp Tycoon

We are thrilled to celebrate our 3rd year of partnering with Camp Tycoon Entrepreneurial Camp. The opportunity to connect with the 13-17 age group and empower them with essential skills for success as entrepreneurs, including marketing, goal setting, financial planning, business plans, and customer service, has been truly fulfilling.

Supporting the cause of providing young people with these valuable skills from an early age is something we are deeply passionate about. We firmly believe that equipping them with these tools will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Be My Guest for spearheading this initiative and making a positive impact on the lives of these aspiring entrepreneurs. Their dedication and commitment to empowering the next generation is truly commendable.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential for future partnerships that will further our mission of fostering entrepreneurship and nurturing the ambitions of young minds. Together, we can make a lasting difference and inspire a new generation of innovative thinkers and leaders.

Professional Skills Workshop

On July 20th, we embarked on an enriching 6-week Professional Skills Workshop with the guidance of Matthew Manfredo. Throughout the course, we have delved into essential topics such as strategies to excel in interviews without being stumped and mastering effective communication by eliminating filler words. The journey has been both enlightening and empowering, and we eagerly look forward to uncovering more valuable insights in the weeks to come.

 Individual Counseling and Parenting One-On-One Support 

Throughout this quarter, we have been dedicated to offering personalized counseling sessions and one-on-one parenting support to individuals in our community. Our efforts have yielded significant results, evident in the reduction of stigma, as reflected in our current waitlist. We are proud of the positive impact we are making and remain committed to supporting and empowering our clients in their journey towards better mental health and well-being.

Links:

• http://www.gbresiliencecenter.com