A newly registered Christian charity is seeking to fill critical gaps in care for Barbados’ most vulnerable groups, with plans for a dedicated home for abused women and children and direct intervention in communities affected by violence.
Founded by Dr Belfield Belgrave, the Compassionate Hands Foundation seeks to bridge the widening gaps left by overstretched governmental and non-governmental agencies. During a launch event in Strathclyde, St Michael, foundation leaders outlined a mission rooted in spiritual upliftment and practical intervention, focusing on those falling through the academic, social and economic cracks of society.
Dr Belgrave, who said he was inspired by a vision to serve the “least of these”, emphasised that the foundation’s primary goal is to provide a safety net for those society has overlooked. A major pillar of the organisation’s future plans includes the construction of a dedicated home for abused mothers and children.
Dr Belfield Belgrave Founder of Compassionate Hands. (RR)
The charity is currently looking for a building and staff to support its efforts.
“Our vision is to be a home for abused mothers and children so that they will be taken care of and far from being abused,” Dr Belgrave told Barbados TODAY. “Especially the children, because they are often the victims. After we build the home, they will be well protected.”
The foundation also intends to focus heavily on the elderly, a demographic Dr Belgrave believes is increasingly neglected despite their contributions to building the nation. He noted that at the age of retirement, many are being neglected, and he believes Compassionate Hands will help maintain the elderly throughout society and throughout Barbados.
Dr Jonlyn Harewood, a director of the foundation and a trained economist and planner, clarified that the organisation is not looking for fame or fortune, but is instead dedicated to “invisibility” work — serving those who feel unseen. Harewood noted that since registration, the foundation has been meticulous in meeting legal requirements and is now ready to implement its core objectives.
Dr. Jonlyn Harewood, Director, Compassionate Hands. (RR)
These objectives include collaborating with churches for urgent counselling needs, assisting those with special needs, and executing small infrastructure projects, such as bathroom fixtures for those with sudden disabilities. The foundation will also support students who fall through academic cracks, aid widows and victims of abuse, and engage youth in designated communities.
“We are looking to fill gaps and cracks where people seem to be falling through,” Dr Harewood explained. “Many organisations are so overwhelmed that they are not able to meet the needs. We want to help someone without having to seek a reward.”
Addressing the surge in gun violence, Dr Belgrave suggested a radical approach involving direct engagement with gang leaders. He expressed a desire to broker peace treaties within communities, drawing parallels to international diplomacy.
“We will gather ideas and go and speak to the gang leaders directly to see if we can cause a peace between the different gangs,” Belgrave asserted. “Many of our youth need deliverance. Their minds are astray, and gangs make them feel loved. We will go into the hot communities and make an impact.”
Despite the ambitious goals, Dr Harewood stressed that the foundation would be guided by data rather than impulse. She noted that many people like to start things without observing what they need to do first.
One of the foundation’s proposals is to gather data on where the greatest need is, as he declared that if one’s ears are tuned, they would recognise a problem that is emerging in the background.
(RR)
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