• Home
• About Us
  • General Information
    • Brochure
  • Mission Statement
  • Aim & Purpose
  • History
  • Location
• Board Members
• Day Care
• Social Outings
  • Social Outings
  • Videos
• Testimonials
• Newsletter
• Meals on Wheels
• Donors/Benefactors
• Donate Now
• Volunteers
• Membership
• Personal Stories
• Inspirational Corner
• Contact Us
• Links

General Information

Reaching Elderly Abandoned Citizens Housebound is a non-governmental non-profit organization which seeks to relieve some of the intense suffering of older persons in our community.

It began in 1978 with Sr. Suzanne Vermeulen ICM who through her home visits in the community of Pottersville recognised the deplorable conditions in which some of the elderly lived. A good bath, a change of linen and hot tea for breakfast for only a few was bound to spread. Soon Sr. Suzanne was joined by others who saw the need, worked with her under adverse conditions to take this service to as many as possible who were abandoned and in need of loving care.

From the services of a single person, REACH grew to a registered company in February 1985 and is an active member of HelpAge International London U.K.

The present Board of Directors are:

Dr. Kay Polydore                              -        President     

Dr. William Green                             -        Vice President

Mrs. Audrey Thomas                        -        Treasurer 

Miss Sherita Gregoire                      -        Secretary

Mrs. Vindrani Shillingford                 -        Financial Advisor

Miss Ivenia Benjamin                        -        Legal Advisor

Sr. Henrietta Pond                             -        Executive Director

Miss Catherine Beautreau                -        Member

Miss Theona Frederick                     -         Member

Mrs. Delia Grell                                  -         Member

The Company operates an administrative office on the grounds of the Infirmary. The working facilities located in the Fatima Centre includes a kitchen, laundry, office, a small store room and a  garage for the Bus.

In order to meet the needs of older people, REACH has initiated fund-raising activities, promotional programmes and direct contact with individuals, Business firms and Agencies. Government supports a small yearly grant. As a member of HelpAge International, assistance is provided for training programmes, development and research. A Regional Office is located in Jamaica. The Executive Director works closely with the members and other N.G.O’S including the Dominica Council on Ageing on issues relating to older persons.

The Members, Board, Staff and volunteers are inspired to care for the elderly by Jesus’ love for all humankind. Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God; it is imperative that we uphold the dignity of the Older Persons, destitute and improve their quality of life.

HOME CARE which includes house visiting, bathing and laundry, distribution of food parcels, transportation of the elderly to the Health Centre, collection of medication etc. Where the need arises and financially feasible, house repairs are done.
 

ADOPT-A-GRAN (Canada)   Monetary funds for Grans

ADOPT-A GRANNY (HAI UK) which includes food items, house repair, water to premises, etc. This source of funding provides support for the Day Care and the Meals-on-Wheels programmes.

FUND RAISING   We have one major fund raising activity each year which is called the Poor Persons’ Dinner. It usually takes place at the Fort Young Hotel during the Lenten Season.