Fund Emergency Housing for Girls in Barbados

In the first quarter of 2025, I Am A Girl NGO continued its mission to empower and protect vulnerable girls in Barbados through our Emergency Housing Programme. This initiative provides immediate shelter, support, and resources to girls facing crises, ensuring their safety and well-being. With your generous support, we have made significant strides in addressing the urgent needs of these young girls.

Programme Highlights:

1. Emergency Shelter Provision:

   • We offered safe and secure temporary housing to 15 girls in crisis situations and their families, including those affected by domestic instability, mostly being single mother circumstances.

   • Each girl received personalized care plans, addressing their immediate physical, emotional, and educational needs.

2. Support Services:

   • Provided daily nutritious meals, ensuring the health and well-being of the girls during their stay.

   • Offered counseling and mental health support, helping the girls cope with trauma and build resilience.

   • Assisted with educational support, including resources, to minimize disruptions to their academic progress.

3. Community Engagement and Awareness:

   • Engaged with local communities to raise awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable girls and the importance of support systems.

   • Collaborated with schools and community organizations to ensure a network of support for the girls upon their reintegration, as well as on-going mentorship and leadership development.

Success Stories:

Jade's Story:
Jade, a 15-year-old student, sought refuge with us after experiencing domestic violence. During her stay, she received counseling, continued her studies with the help of our tutors, and participated in our leadership workshops. Jade has since returned home, now equipped with coping strategies and a renewed sense of confidence.

Leah's Journey:
At 13, Leah found herself homeless after a house fire displaced her family. Our emergency housing provided her with stability during a turbulent time. She actively engaged in our community outreach programmes and has become a peer mentor, supporting other girls facing similar challenges.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

• Resource Constraints: Demand for emergency housing often exceeds our capacity. We are exploring partnerships and funding opportunities to expand our facilities and services.

• Long-Term Support: While immediate needs are addressed, ongoing support is crucial. We are developing aftercare programmes to assist girls post-shelter, ensuring sustained well-being and integration.

Next Steps:

• Facility Expansion: Secure additional funding to increase shelter capacity and enhance facilities.

• Aftercare Programme Development: Implement programmes focusing on education, employment readiness, and community reintegration for girls exiting the temporary housing.

• Advocacy Initiatives: Work with policymakers to address systemic issues contributing to the vulnerability of girls, aiming for long-term societal change.

Conclusion:

Your support has been instrumental in providing immediate relief and hope to vulnerable girls in Barbados. We remain committed to offering safe spaces, comprehensive support, and pathways to a brighter future. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of these young girls, empowering them to overcome adversity and build resilience.

Links:

• For more information about us and how to get involved.