Rising Through Resilience

The Grand Bahama Resilience Center continues to thrive as a hub of community activity, offering diverse programs for all ages. This quarter we have hosted a variety of ongoing initiatives, including Chess, Arts and Crafts, Etiquette, Knitting & Crocheting, Low-Impact Exercise, Ballroom Dancing, Reading Support, and Nanaa Sheppard's Bedtime Stories.

We are delighted to announce the return of the Sister Circle led by Dr. Gladys Sawyer and Colour Me Ausome, a support group for parents of children with intellectual disabilities facilitated by Letitia Campbell-Parker. Additionally, we’ve introduced Adult Chess to our lineup, further expanding opportunities for community engagement.

Summer Highlights

From August 6th to 9th, we celebrated the Back 2 Basics Math and English Jump Start Program, catering to 3rd-6th graders. This year, we were thrilled to welcome two younger campers, who had an incredible experience thanks to Ms. Thimiska Gordon's dedication. She worked closely with them, balancing academic activities like math and reading with creative crafts, ensuring their time was both productive and enjoyable.

On August 17th, we marked Grand Bahama Resilience Day with a vibrant day of awareness, giveaways, and fun, bringing the community together to celebrate resilience and support.

Youth Empowerment and Training

On September 18th, our team, represented by Jennifer and Felisha, attended the Youth Conclave hosted by the Templeton Religion Trust Foundation. This event showcased our work supporting youth through programs such as after-school activities, Easter and summer camps, parenting workshops, youth and teacher leader training, and professional counseling.

We connected with government and civic organizations, sharing strategies and ideas to address common challenges. A notable highlight was a powerful session on trauma training, which equipped us with tools to better serve the youth in our programs. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to share, learn, and expand our impact.

Environmental Stewardship

As part of the Annual International Coastal Clean-up on August 17th, our team served as Beach Captain for William Town Beach. Partnering with the Rotaract Club of Freeport, the GB Power Environmental Team, local schools, and community volunteers, we worked to collect debris and promote environmental stewardship. Together, we demonstrated the power of unity and care for our island's beauty.

Empowering Community Through Events

On September 27th, our Pajama Reading Party & Movie Night was a resounding success. Aunty Levette Farrington’s original story, brought to life by Rosheeda Rolle as Little Red Riding Hood, delighted the children. They enjoyed snacks like hot dogs, nachos, and candy before settling in for a movie.

This event not only fostered a love for reading but also encouraged socialization and critical thinking, creating a safe and engaging environment for young minds to thrive. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Rolle for making the evening magical for the kids.

On November 11th, the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine hosted Sleigh Skin Season, a skincare awareness event open to all ages and skin types. Attendees learned practical tips for caring for oily, normal, or dry skin and the importance of SPF and sun protection. The session also tackled the sensitive topic of skin bleaching, exploring its implications and encouraging informed skincare choices.

On November 13th, we presented The Silent Duo: Tackling Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia for Heart Health, an informative workshop aimed at raising awareness of two significant "silent" health threats. Participants learned about the risks associated with these conditions and practical prevention and management strategies to support heart health.

On November 17th, our Etiquette Class concluded with a stylish showcase at Portobello’s Sunday Brunch. The young ladies demonstrated their newly acquired social graces, embodying confidence and poise. We extend our gratitude to Mrs. Pratt for facilitating this enriching experience and imparting invaluable life skills. Together, we are empowering young women to thrive in every setting.

Engaging Our Seniors

On November 22nd, our seniors hosted an Open House, showcasing their incredible talents through displays of handmade jewelry, crochet items, and other crafts. This event celebrated their creativity, provided an opportunity for social interaction, and highlighted the importance of intergenerational support within our community. Attendees were inspired by the craftsmanship on display, and the seniors beamed with pride at the appreciation for their work.

Building Project Progress

Our expansion project is moving forward, thanks to the generosity of the TX Foundation and other supporters. We are excited about the opportunities this new space will bring to our community and look forward to sharing updates as we progress.

We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers, partners, and supporters who make our work possible. Together, we are fostering resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!