Annual Report of
the Bel Air Home
2009 – 2010
The 2009- 2010 Annual Report of The Bel Air Home for Children and Adolescents Grenada, West Indies
1.0 Introduction
The Bel Air Home for children and adolescents has been established since 1997. Its main objective is to provide a safe, caring, loving and protected environment for children and young people deprived of their natural family setting. It presently caters for children from 0 -18 years. The Child Welfare Authority is the Governing Body for the Home.
This is the twelfth annual report of the company published every year for its many contributors and members.
The appended audited financial statements for 2009-2010 form an integral part of this report.
2.0 The Company
At the last annual meeting in October 2009 there were eight ordinary members of the Company including five Directors listed below.
Sister Francis-Nelson is appointed by the St. George’s University.
The Directors elected in October 2009 were:-
President Ms. Claudia Alexis
Vice-President Mrs Lauren E. Grey-Beliaeff MBE
Treasurer Mrs. Merle Byer
Secretary Mrs Lisa Charles
Director Sis. Francis Nelson
The other members are:
Mr. Clement Gabriel
Dr. Desmond LaTouche
Mrs. Marina Williams-Johnson
3.0 Staff
During the period covered by this report, the staff numbered 19 and comprise:- Home Manager, Deputy Manager/Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Home Co-ordinator, Adolescent Development Programme Workers (4), Nursery Co-ordinator, Nursery Workers (8), Cook, Laundress/Cleaner, part-time Gardener, and Administrative Assistant
The Board of Directors is pleased to place on record its appreciation and gratitude to all the staff members who worked at Bel Air during the year especially in the difficult financial times when it was unable to pay their salaries on time. Despite the situation they continued to do their jobs with loyalty and commitment.
4.0 Residents
During the twelve months covered by this report, Forty-three (43) children resided at Bel Air. On 30th June 2010, there were eighteen (18) children, in the Nursery and twelve (12) adolescent girls. There were twelve (12) admissions during the year and thirteen (13) discharges, eleven (11) were reunited with their biological families, and two (2) were fostered.
The Nursery continues to operate at full capacity. The development of two of our most seriously physically challenged children continue to improve, thanks largely to the Danish students seconded to the Home. (see 6.1 below)
Our school age residents continue to show improvement in their academic studies. Congratulations to these children and particularly to Ms. Alison Greene – Education Needs Co-ordinator, staff, Peace Corps and community volunteers who assist with their studies and homework. Presently there are sixteen(16) in primary school, two (2) in secondary and six (6) in pre-primary.
5.0 Finance
The audited financial statements for the year July 1st 2009 to June 30th 2010 are attached to this report. Special thanks to Mr. Henry Joseph of Pannell Kerr Foster for undertaking this task on an honorary basis.
The Directors express gratitude to the Trustees of St. George’s University for their continued generous contribution which amounted to EC$144755 in the period, paid on a monthly basis towards the running costs of the Home.
The Board also acknowledges the Government of Grenada’s subvention of EC$140,326. received during the period under review.
During the year due to the poor financial situation of the Home, an approach was made to the Government through the Ministry of Social Development and the Child Welfare Authority for an increase in subvention which was approved from May. The first payment was received in August 2010 and therefore not reflected in this financial period.
The Board of Directors sincerely thank the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development for her intervention and the Government of Grenada for its positive response.
The Directors also thank the members of the local community and business houses for their support provided during the period, both financially and in kind. Despite the tough economic times many of you made contributions, although not at the same level as past years, they went a long way in assisting the Home.
Special thanks to Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. for its contribution towards the replacement of windows and its financial contribution.
The Friends of Bel Air (UK) continued to provide support to Bel Air during the year and the Directors are happy to welcome Alison Kynaston-Jones who has volunteered to undertake the revival of the fund in the United Kingdom. She has already initiated some much needed projects for funding. Your support and hard work are greatly appreciated.
The Board of Directors will like to place on record their thanks to all persons who contributed to the fund over the years and all the trustees for their selfless service in maintaining this vital financial lifeline.
We also thank the Chairman of Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. for his continuing contribution and interest in the Home. To all other overseas contributors we thank you for your support and contributions.
6.0 Fund Raising
During the period under review the Management and staff embarked on a few fund raising ventures which although not raising much money, they inspired more contributors in cash and kind. It is after one of these fund raisers that the home receives bread three times a week from Mr. Bowen’s Bakery at St. Pauls and we thank Mr. Bowen for his contribution.
7.0 Professional Services
The Directors are very grateful to Dr. Beverly Nelson, Dr. Jennifer Isaac, Dr. Lutz Amechi, Dr. Hage, Dr. Byron Calliste, Dr. Douglas Noel and CHORES for their medical services provided free of charge. We also note and thank Mr. Roy Hall for his support, assistance with fund raising and technical contributions in the maintenance of the Home over the years.
8.0 Achievements
Bel Air is proud of its continued approval as an appropriate training partner for social education students training by the Skovtofte National Institute for Social Education in Denmark. We had the seventh group of four students during the year.
The College has however informed us that due to the merger of the college with another college in Denmark, the student programme has been suspended.
We look forward to the continuation of the programme in the future.
Students and Significant Others from St George’s University continue to take the adolescents and the children from the Nursery to the beach. This is greatly appreciated. Many continue on an individual basis to donate gifts to the children. A number of St George’s University Pre-med students have completed their Community Service module at Bel Air.
9.0 Future Outlook
Website
The Home’s website is once again in operation, thanks to Alison Kynaston- Jones and Suzanne Howard–Clarke. Please visit us at www.belairchildrenhome.com.
Operations
Bel Air Home continues to operate with very limited finances and therefore had to put some of the home’s maintenance on hold. There are areas if not done can create serious problems in the future, we hope that with the support of the public and well wishes we can raise the necessary funds to commence some of the major repairs in the coming year. Any contributions made will be greatly appreciated.
Attached is a list of our contributors during our financial year July 1st 2009- to June 30th 2010. Please be assured that we value all contributions whether in cash or kind as we strive to make Bel Air Home a better place for all the children entrusted to our care. Our best wishes are extended to all in the coming year.