The New Beginnings Transit Home has marked 15 years of service to vulnerable children in Saint Lucia, using the milestone to shine a spotlight on the dedication of its staff, whose work forms the backbone of the institution’s mission.
Managed by the Ministry of Equity, Labour, Gender, Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare, the Transit Home commemorated the anniversary with a staff appreciation luncheon hosted by the Bel Jou Hotel.
The event recognised the commitment, compassion, and daily sacrifices made by staff who care for children in transition.
Manager of the Transit Home, Bernice Francis, explained that while the official anniversary date is January 18, the opportunity to celebrate came slightly earlier through the hotel’s gesture.
“The Transit Home is celebrating its 15th anniversary. That’s on the 18th, actually, but we have the opportunity to come together to have an early celebration because we got a very wonderful invitation from the Bel Jou Hotel for lunch and to celebrate our staff and the hard work that they’re doing,” Francis said.
She emphasised the importance of partnership in fulfilling the home’s mandate, noting that collaboration with community stakeholders plays a vital role in providing care and stability for the children.
“We cannot do everything on our own, and the ministry cannot do everything on its own so they are coming in and helping us bring this love and care to our children,” Francis explained, adding that the support has made a meaningful difference to the lives of those served by the home.
General Manager of the Bel Jou Hotel, Dean LaForce, said the initiative reflects the hotel’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
“The Bel Jou Hotel has always been a property that looks forward to giving back to the community that we serve. As you can see, we’re probably one of the most community-centred hotels you would find in Saint Lucia, and it’s fitting that we do our part,” LaForce said.
He described the initiative as more than a corporate exercise.
“It’s like a duty, a call of duty, not just a corporate responsibility, but a call of duty. Just going there and understanding what these children are going through and the transition that they’re going through was very heartwarming to us to be a part of that opportunity to bring joy to them,” he noted.
LaForce also signalled that the hotel intends to continue its support. “Doing it for the first time, I can tell you it won’t be the last time because it’s meaningful, and I think for us that sort of opportunity creates a lifelong change for somebody. Whether we can impact one, two or all, we realize there’s a change that we can make with the Transit Home,” he said.
As the New Beginnings Transit Home reflects on 15 years of service, the anniversary celebration underscored the value of recognizing caregivers whose quiet dedication continues to shape safer and more hopeful futures for Saint Lucia’s most vulnerable children.