Volunteers

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to REACH out when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's the true strength of this country.

Volunteers REACH across the generations. With as many as 4 generations REACHing out to help one another, Dominicans are taking the initiative, making a difference, not only because it’s rewarding but because that’s, “just what you do”.

 

One can get the sense that building bridges not walls is the way of life in Dominica and REACH is at the heart of it all.

A vital community organization, REACH seeks to mainly enhance the lives of vulnerable and poor elderly but does not turn down anyone in need. Started in 1979, this program has always relied on its volunteers and staff to give relief and hope to the elderly around the island.

 

Sister Henrietta Pond, Executive Director, comments that REACH is just like any other Non-Government-Organization, “it requires plenty of volunteers to operate”. It is seen as a normal activity for locals to lend a helping hand in their community.

 

 

 

Tony John-Jules, age 40, has been the jack of all trades for REACH and the list of his contributions is far too numerous tocount, but his overall impact has made the organization a success. With one phone call, Toni is there to assist in any way possible. In his spare time from  volunteering, he helps take care of an older  lady with the help from his wife. He says that  “it feels good to help and my reward is in the Lord”.

 

 

 

Randy Joseph, age 29, is one of the most enthusiastic volunteers. Like most other volunteers, he has a full time job and he says that “he loves helping people out in (his) spare time”! He assists in all stages of the process of serving the poor and vulnerable.  With his strength, determination and always ready helping hand, Randy is one of the vital members of the REACH volunteers.

 

 

Whether it is the unloading of goods from large trucks, separating the goods for specific local charities and organizations, helping package dry food donations, delivering food and supplies, helping with the accounts or being a board member, it is the volunteers that truly are the strength behind REACH and making Dominica a better place.

 

REACH gratefully receives canned/dry food, clothing, household supplies, stationary, and school supplies from its main contributor, Food for the Poor, an organization based out of Miami, Florida.

 

A flood in the REACH food storage space caused a lot of damage to the rice and beans that are crucial to the programs and services REACH offers and with the help of two younger volunteers and the staff, the job was cleaned up in one morning.

 

 

The exceptional service REACH provides does not go unrecognized. The Roseau City Council awards took place on September 1st, 2007 and REACH was honored with an outstanding community award. With the continued support of local businesses and people who donate their time, money and efforts, REACH wishes to extended a big THANK YOU to all those involved. Keep on REACHing out, the sky’s the limit!

 

 
Designed by: Trevor 'TeC' Christian
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