Philipsburg;---There's had been an ongoing cry by parents, schools, the justice system, psychologist, and counselors for a residential therapeutic facility on St. Maarten, for the treatment of youth with emotional and behavioral problems or "At Risk Youth". This cry was heard by the First Caribbean International Bank on St. Maarten who has decided to choose the Ujima House as its Adopt-A-Cause recipient for this year. In informing Mrs. Judith Bell, the Director of the Ujima Foundations of First Caribbean's decision to adopt Ujima, Country Manager, and Derek Downes said "First Caribbean has a history of supporting causes that benefit the children of the community, and by adopting the cause of Ujima House, the bank and its staff are taking this commitment a step further".
"The aim of our Adopt-A-Cause program is to create an environment of volunteerism and teamwork among the Bank's staff, by encouraging employees to give of their time, in addition to any cash that the bank is donating to the various causes". Downes continued,
A number of the bank's male staff on St. Maarten has stepped up to the plate as volunteer mentors to the young wards at the home.
The bank has already provided funding for the purchase of much needed items, such as a new refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, as well as two computers, furniture and more for the home.
Presently, the Ujima Home caters to eight to ten children between the ages of 8 and 18. The foundation's objectives are to operate a 24 hour residential therapeutic program for 20 "At Risk Youth", male and female, who have been diagnosed with emotional or behavioral disorders. The Ujima home also provides treatment to the disordered youth of Saba and St. Eustatius as well.
The treatment goals will focus on helping children understand and cope with the difficulties that they have experienced over time, while at the same time empower them to accept responsibility for their current and future behaviour.
According to Mrs. Judith Bell, the Director of the Ujima Foundations, there are 2 part time counselors, a qualified teacher, a bus driver and one housemother at the therapeutic home.
The director further stated that as part of the services offered, each youth will receive an individual treatment plan with long and short term goals, a complete psychological evaluation to determined the extend of their emotional difficulties and to be officially diagnosed. In regard to family counseling, parents and guardian of the youth will also be required to participate in family counseling as part of the treatment process of the child.
The First Caribbean Foundation was established to oversee the Bank's Sponsorship and Community Relations program. A Board, comprising senior members of management, and members of the group's Board of Directors, administers the Foundation. First Caribbean has pledged to contribute 1% of its annual post-tax profits for use by the Foundation.
