The projects below received the greatest number of votes from our Massy employees in this region and will therefore proceed to the final stage for disbursing the grants. During this stage further criteria will be reviewed to assure regulatory adherence.
Through Community Palliative Care, the BAPC provides quality time, quality care, quality information and guidance to patients and their caregivers who face the challenges associated with life-threatening illnesses. They offer medical care, nursing care, social care, counselling, and references for other care where and when necessary.
The Barbados Association of Palliative Care (BAPC) is a registered organization that provides doctors, nurses, and other resources such as incontinent pads and underwear, gloves, IV fluids, food hampers, counseling, and other needs that give the patients and their families quality care at the end of life. BAPC seeks to provide the highest quality of care and compassion to those persons that are diagnosed as being in the terminal phases of illness.
The Disability Employment Program Barbados (DEP) by BARNOD Inc. aims to enhance the hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. The project targets 25 unemployed males and females aged 18 to 40 who have completed some level of secondary education. These participants, who comprise 99% of BARNOD Inc.’s members, currently rely on government social services due to unemployment. The program will educate participants on their legal rights, customer service etiquette, productivity, and professionalism, as well as the distinctions between National Assistance and Social Security benefits. It also includes training on personal branding, entrepreneurial skills, appropriate business attire, and workplace attitudes. DEP Barbados addresses a pressing issue, as 90% of the estimated 14,000 people living with disabilities in Barbados are unemployed. By facilitating internships and sensitization workshops with collaborating employers, the project promotes an inclusive workforce and contributes to the economic growth of Barbados.
BARNOD Inc. is a pioneering cross-disability non-profit in Barbados, led and managed by individuals with disabilities. Their mission is clear: ensuring that disabled persons understand and exercise their rights fully. Through a range of educational, recreational, and social programs, BARNOD promotes the development and empowerment of the disabled community. Over four decades, they have provided crucial financial aid for educational pursuits, including remedial learning, vocational training, and tertiary education. BARNOD’s impact extends beyond financial assistance; they have spearheaded campaigns that challenge discriminatory barriers, fostering an environment of inclusion and awareness. By advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, BARNOD has not only raised public and political consciousness but also reinforced their commitment to a human rights-based approach and the social model of disability. Their vision is clear: achieving maximum participation and equality for individuals with disabilities in Barbadian society.
The project provides a range of support services tailored to girls’ requirements, including monthly food vouchers and hygiene kits, educational scholarships, resources for basic needs, mental wellness programs, and financial literacy training through paid internships. The primary beneficiaries of Adopt A Girl are adolescent girls aged 10 to 19, with a minimum of 250 girls benefiting annually. These girls typically come from households facing challenges such as unemployment, low income, neglect, domestic abuse, or are headed by single mothers or parents with limited earning capacity. Additionally, family members residing within the girls’ households are considered secondary beneficiaries, benefiting indirectly from the program’s support.
Founded in 2014 in Barbados, I Am A Girl NGO is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the specific needs of girls aged five (5) to twenty-one (21). The organization’s primary focus is on filling critical gaps at the community, national, and regional levels, creating safe spaces and meeting the diverse needs of girls. Central to their mission is the empowerment of girls, emphasizing the development of positive leadership skills that enable them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. I Am A Girl NGO is committed to inspiring, empowering, and providing opportunities for girls to lead and effect positive change. Their approach is girl-led and girl-centered, ensuring that girls feel empowered, proud, and protected within their communities and beyond. Through advocacy, education, and support initiatives, the organization strives to create a world where every girl can realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
This project organizes an annual seminar specifically designed for newly diagnosed lupus patients, creating a comfortable and informal environment that fosters open communication between doctors and patients. The seminar encourages patients to ask questions, instilling confidence and promoting self-awareness to identify evolving health issues more effectively. Additionally, the program includes sessions for patients’ relatives and friends, enhancing their understanding of lupus and equipping them to offer appropriate support. Furthermore, the project involves providing patients with at-home Lupus Essential Kits, ensuring they have the necessary resources and tools to manage their condition effectively outside medical settings.
Chronic diseases such as Lupus, Sickle Cell and Arthritis are often debilitating and irrespective of healthy lifestyles adopted, the onset of these diseases is inevitable for a growing number of young, unsuspecting people. Preventative care is not an option. Established in 1991 Hope Foundation has defined itself as a legitimate player in the health sector through patient advocacy to give patients a voice; influence policy and ensure that the most updated information is available to patients and healthcare professionals. The foundation is proud of its work in advising similar organizations across the Caribbean and in presenting its work internationally, demonstrating that small size need not limit one’s impact.
The Autism Association of Barbados aims to establish a Life Skills and Resource Center in a building leased from the Government of Barbados. Extensive renovations, including new doors, flooring, windows, fencing, plumbing, electrical works, decorations, and cleaning, are needed. The center will offer practical workshops for individuals on the autism spectrum, focusing on basic life skills crucial for independence. These workshops target diverse demographics regardless of gender, education, income, or cultural background, benefiting teens, young adults, parents, caregivers, teachers, and the wider community. Specifically catering to individuals aged twelve and older, especially young adults and school leavers, the workshops aim to enhance social, employment, and life opportunities. With an estimated 4000-7000 individuals on the spectrum on the island, the center plans to serve 20-30 persons monthly, with focused life skills workshops accommodating 2-4 individuals on the spectrum four days weekly.
The Autism Association of Barbados (AAB) was established on March 13th, 2004, and officially registered as a charity on February 22nd, 2005. Its primary goal is to offer support and guidance to families and caregivers of individuals across the autism spectrum. As a voluntary organization, the AAB advocates for enhancements in educational, therapeutic, and employment opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, the association aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum and their caregivers. It actively participates as a member of the Barbados Council of the Disabled (BCD) and boasts the largest membership among differently abled organizations under the BCD umbrella, with nearly one hundred families and other members involved in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
