SEA: Sisterhood Empowerment Academy

After careful attention to detailed hurricane-proofing and a series of delays due to rain, the SEA roof is complete!  In addition to having shelter over our heads, the roof is the Sisterhood Empowerment Academy’s water catchment system.

The water is diverted to water tanks and overflow enters a cistern.  With a large roof, over 1,600 square feet, we are excited about our water sustainability, especially after the drought this past summer.

Now, onto the next tasks in this building phase:  decking and interior walls.

Sisaterhood Agenda also expanded its website and program packages available at the SEA.  Packages include:

1. SHE: Sisters Healthy & Empowered

2. Sister Circles:  Educational Sponsor

3. Sister Circles:  Corporate Sponsor

These trauma-informed, self-development, sisterhood activities will be based at the new SEA location in 2016.

The SEA eco-building on the island of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands is a very exciting project for Sisterhood Agenda. It's a big deal here!  You can see pictures and more informaiton at:  http://www.seausvi.com/the-roof-is-done/.

Links:

• SEA Website
• Sisterhood Agenda website

Thank you for all of your support during this important SEA project!  At Sisterhood Agenda, we are very pleased with our progress so far.  As you may know, construction tends to be a bit slower in the islands.  There are a number of factors why this is the case.  However, with our careful attention to eco-friendly design and process, we knew that it would be an educational process for all. Overall, the SEA project has been a very progressive one.

Phase 3 of the SEA building process included completion of the following tasks:

• Prepped the 40′ shipping container for storage and occupancy
• Examined hurricane resistance structuring with cost considerations
• Building the foundation with concrete footings, columns, and flooring

Our builder has been commended for careful attention to our green building strategy.  For example, we utilized a lot of used materials, especially wood, to save our trees and other natural resources, plus reduce building costs.  Using the shipping container was also eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Phase 4 of the SEA building process included completion of the following tasks:

• Flooring was completed
• The water catchment system was expanded
• Exterior walls were framed and erected
• Materials were secured for roofing
• More local contractors and reuse materials were identified

So far, so good! We anticipate completion of Phase 5 by the end of November 2015.

Links:

• SEA Website