Charity needs furniture for half-way house

| 17/04/2014

(CNS): Volunteers attempting to open a new and much needed half-way house to help women dealing with addiction are in desperate need of furniture for the new premises, which the Bridge Foundation charity hopes will be in use by those in need next month. The new women’s residence for recovering addicts in West Bay is scheduled to be formally opened by the governor on 29 May but before that happens the home needs beds, kitchen equipment, office supplies, as well as help towards installing air-conditioning and constructing the bathrooms. The charity already runs a halfway house for six men, which is being expanded and with the help of donations the founders said they can provide places for six women at a time as well.

Charles Jennings, one of the founders and directors along with Lem Hurlston, Terry Delaney and Bud Volinsky, said the foundation has further expansion plans as the men's facility has already become an important part of the process in supporting those in the community trying to change their lives.

"We like to think we are making a difference in turning people’s lives around and in the process having a positive impact on crime in the islands," said Jennings. "Judging by the support we’re getting from the courts and several government agencies, they think so too," Jennings stated.

Securing the women's facility alongside expansions to the existing men's facility from six places to eleven is likely to have an even greater impact on the lives of people trying in difficult circumstances to make a change. However, the facility can't open without furniture.

"Our immediate need is to furnish the new women’s residence," said Jennings, as he asked for anyone who may have unwanted or second-hand furniture that they can spare. 

A list is attached below of the things needed. Those marked with a red cross have been acquired already, but the charity is still in need of many more items and help from the community.

Anyone who can help is asked to call 525 5546 or email charles@jennings.ky 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Some of these items can be gotten from the red cross or garage sales. pennies on the dollar.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Addiction is an illness and, even if you do not believe that, the costs of running this enterprise are worth much more than the costs and suffering of not offering them help.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Let them get a job and purchase these goods for "their home"!! Let them contribute to their housing, that's what's wrong with them now life is too easy for them.  The items listed here that are "needed" don't cost an arm and a leg a job is what the "residents/addicts" need to get. So sick of these addicts getting allthese pity shit about help. They CHOOSE TO DO DRUGS. What/who really needs these charities help are those who are truly in dire straits like neglected children and the elderly!!! I would personally contribute the majority of the items on these lists to help children and elderly but be damn if I would give two shits about these addicts. #str8talk

    • Anonymous says:

      For such an outspoken "straight talker", it's sad that you don't even dare give your name. I do: I'm Charles Jennings, and I don't think you know what you're talking about.

      Feel free to call and discuss this if you feel so strongly about it. My number is in the article.

      • Chris Johnson says:

        Dear Charles

        Keep up the good work. The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman fully supports your project and will continue to do so. Thank you for expressing your views and giving readers the opportunity to contact you to discuss their views. I have on several occasions given the same opportunity to readers by asking them to phone or email me. Of course nothing ever happened. Notwithstanding that I will continue to post my views on CNS and remain optimistic that one day I will have a meaningful conversation with a reader.
        Hope springs eternal.

        Chris Johnson

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh! Once again that Cayman Christian spirit comes shining through. Mr. Jennings, excellent comment below, but you will not hear a word unless the ignoramus above decides to threaten, which is about the level of intelligence he seems to possess. Guess this will become mainly an expat support thing, again? Come on Cayman, prove me wrong.

    • Anonymous says:

      You ass. Ignorance is also a choice, one you've probably made many times in your sad, hateful life. Addicts may choose to do drugs once their addiction is in full bloom, yes, I agree but no one aspires to be an addict. No one chooses to grow up and live the life an addict lives – the things done to support the habit, losing respect, trust, family, mind, soul and many times their lives in pursuit of something that they cannot control, and something they never wanted or imagined they would do or become. Who chooses to be hated by people like you, pointed at, gossiped about, laughed at, scorned, raped, brutalized and mocked? No one would. "Pity shit"? 'Those truly in dire straits"? "Wouldn't give two shits about these addicts"? Wow. It must suck to be so mad at everyone, so full of hatred for your fellow man. People like you are what is wrong with Cayman now. The addicts crimes and lifestyle are a problem for society as a whole, yes – no doubt, but no one, and I mean NO ONE is suffering worse than the addicted person themselves. Go read, learn something, talk to an addict one day even before you open your mouth. Shame on you, as a human being and as a "str8" talker. You're a hate-talker, that's all I see.

    • Anonymous says:

      That is what's wrong with  society at large, they think like you do and don't give people like the addicts jobs/chances. Since you think they need to get a job…. be the example you want to see in the world. Oh and why dont you be the first to give one of them a job

  4. Anonymous says:

    Why are Addicts seemingly more important than those who are truly seeking and are in desperate need of shelter!! E.g. Abused Women,children and the elderly, yes the elderly.  Addicts choose to use drugs, those who are being abused don't choose to be abused. They are the ones that these "Half Way" homes should be helping. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Another ignorant fool. I'd take an addicted human being over a hate-filled one any day.