On May 1, 2008, The Jamaican Association Of Barbados (JAMBAR) officially adopted the Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home (TVMH) as its local charity.At a May Day social, to mark the start of the new friendship, members of JAMBAR joined residents and board members of the home for an afternoon social and cultural presentation, at their Glebe, St. George, facility.
On that occasion TVMH were also presented with a television set.
The first JAMBAR annual Christmas party for the TVMH residents was held on Saturday December 13, 2008. The Christmas tree was decorated and lighted, followed by gift presentation to each resident. The 2009 Christmas party will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2009.
The TVMH was opened in 1971 with the assistance of the Leonard Cheshire Foundation International, a British charitable organization.
The home provides 24 hour residential care for 14 physically disabled children and young people. Some of these children attended secondary school. One recently graduated from the Barbados Community College and one started University but discontinued because of physical challenges encountered.
Funds for the operating expenses of the home are raised through covenants, donations, special appeals, the generosity of service clubs and groups as well as fundraising activities. There is also an annual subvention from the Government of Barbados.
JAMBAR represents over 3,000 Jamaicans living in Barbados, most of whom have benefited from their experience here. The association, therefore, felt it necessary to give back to the society we call home in some small measure.
The Chairperson of the Community Services Committee in 2008, Mrs. Valerie Moseley, explored and eventually found and established the TVMH relationship.
There is much that can be done for the residents. An invitation is extended for assistance with simple physiotherapy exercises, social activities and even just visits with the residents.
Everyone, Jamaican or not, can play a part.
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