Government minister seeks coordination with NGO

(CNS): Although the National Council of Voluntary Organisations’ nursery, day-care and foster home facility are not government entities and depend heavily on the support of the private sector, the non-governmental organisation does receive a public contribution and the Minister of Community Affairs and Housing is hoping to work more closely with the NCVO and increase the coordination of all agencies involved in the care, protection and development of young people.

On a recent tour of the NCVO nursery and care home Mike Adam said once he had visited all of the facilities working with young people in the community he planned to bring everyone involved together for special planning and information-sharing sessions

 “One of my ministerial priorities is to address the needs of all our children in a holistic manner,” Adam stated. “I amkeenly aware that if we do not take care of our children socially, economically, spiritually, physically and mentally we cannot expect them to grow into productive, responsible and well-rounded citizens.”

The NCVO is a not-for-profit institution and NCVO Chairman Garry Wilkins said that board members – all of whom are volunteers – agree with the concept of multidisciplinary care plans for each child assisted by the NCVO. During their meetings, board members review detailed progress reports of every child in foster care, and generally from the nursery and preschool.

Wilkins said the NCVO staff is also securing closer working relationships with other advocates, such as social workers and educators. The organisation works hard to support families and assist with home-transition as well as offer support for children in areas such as job placement and higher education.

Wilkins said that public financial support for the NCVO is essential for its operations. Funds come from the annual NCVO telethon, which is the organisation’s only public fundraising initiative; an annual government grant; current benefactors, including Hedge Fund Cares Cayman, the Pink Ladies, and the Garden Club; and retailers. Private donations are a cornerstone, he said 

In addition to funds, supporters have given the NCVO gifts – which recently have included a solar water heater; a minivan; hurricane shutters; airline tickets; bicycles; and computers for the children.

As well as noting the generosity of the community John Alban, the foster home’s care manager explained the need for volunteers. “While the foster home has four consistent volunteers, we welcome the support of anyone who can make a long-term commitment to even a half-hour each week — especially male role models,” he added.

To volunteer time, goods or services to the home, contact Mr. Alban on 945-8698, ncvocaremanager@hotmail.com. For more information on any of the NCVO’s services, contact 949-2124 or ncvo@candw.ky, or visit www.ncvo.org.ky.