Grand Bahama Resilience Center develops and delivers programs and services that enhance knowledge and promote holistic wellness.

The Grand Bahama Resilience Center was established by Caritas Antilles in March 2020 in response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Dorian. Initially, our operations were conducted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, as these restrictions were lifted, we transitioned seamlessly to in-person activities. From our inception, our primary mission has been to reduce mental health stigma through various initiatives, fostering resilience and well-being in our community.

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Our story begins within the Lucaya Shopping Plaza on Grand Bahama Island, where we set up a seven-room facility purpose-built to offer a range of programs and activities catering to individuals of all ages. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we remained committed to providing essential services. As restrictions eased, our doors opened wider, welcoming individuals for in-person training sessions, educational workshops, group therapy, and one-on-one counseling.

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In November 2020, recognizing the growing need for mental health support beyond Grand Bahama, we expanded our reach by hiring a social worker in Abaco for a one-year project. This strategic move allowed us to extend our services to the residents of Abaco, broadening our impact and reinforcing our commitment to mental health across the islands.

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By November 2021, our dedication and efforts were rewarded with the official registration of our entity as the Bahamas Resilience Center (a non-profit recognized by the Bahamas government). This milestone marked a pivotal moment in our journey, solidifying our commitment to providing essential mental health services within Grand Bahama and beyond.

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Our philosophy centers on aiding individuals in adapting to change and coping with stressful events in healthy and flexible ways. We strive to create a safe and stigma-free environment, empowering individuals to face everyday life challenges with resilience and dignity. Our specialized services are meticulously designed to alleviate mental distress and foster psychological well-being across the community spectrum.

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Our Beneficiaries

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School-aged children (ages 5-18): Providing mental health support and educational programs to help children cope with the stresses and traumas of disasters and everyday challenges.



Seniors: who have reported feeling lonely and isolated post COVID-19

Government and private sector employees: Offering training and counseling to enhance workplace resilience and address the mental health needs of employees facing high-stress environments, particularly those impacted by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.



The wider Bahamian community: Including residents of Abaco and other areas significantly affected by storms and trauma, ensuring they receive the necessary mental health services to recover and thrive.



​Our Activities and Accomplishments

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Throughout our journey, we have achieved notable accomplishments. We have successfully mobilized volunteer support, hosted educational seminars, organized outreach events, and provided individual and group counseling services. Our impact has extended to crucial partnerships with government organizations, including Social Services, the Ministry of Education, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the Magistrate Court, addressing their understaffing and overwhelming demands.

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In response to a tragic police suicide, we conducted Wellness and Sensitivity Training across various public service sectors in Grand Bahama. This training aimed to strengthen team relationships by fostering collaboration, empathy, and healthy communication among members who experienced both Hurricane Dorian and the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our key objectives included raising awareness about mental health and its correlation to disasters, emphasizing positive social connections, and providing insights on burnout prevention and coping strategies.

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Our awareness campaigns (mental health, emotional regulation, and self-love)  conducted at churches, schools, and civic organizations, have reached 10,000 individuals. We have successfully recruited and trained 50 volunteers for ongoing programs and seasonal initiatives, such as our summer camp. Additionally, our partnerships have facilitated the training of over 60 individuals in psychological first aid and psychosocial support. To date, we have provided assistance to over 200 individuals through individual and group counseling, with a current waitlist of 80.

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​Grants and Partnerships

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In addition to Caritas Antilles, we have secured grants from several esteemed organizations, including the Templeton Foundation, the Center of Disaster Philanthropy, The TX Foundation, Aliv Telecommunications Company, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Doctors Hospital, and other local private organizations. These partnerships and grants have been instrumental in advancing our mission and expanding our services.

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Challenges and Needs

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As we continue to anticipate increased community engagement and expanded counseling services, we acknowledge a current shortage of qualified counselors, affecting the speed of service delivery. The need for affordable mental health support is critical, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. This gap is intensified by limited resources and the underutilization of available support due to stigma. Counselors report a significant delay in seeking counseling, leading sessions to extend beyond the recommended 6-8 weeks, resulting in a backlog of cases. Urgent efforts are needed to address this delay, ensuring timely and effective mental health support for the community.

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Meanwhile, in Abaco, which was severely impacted by Dorian, we provided mental health services for six months in 2022 through a hired social worker. However, due to budget constraints, these services had to be discontinued. The need for sustained mental health support in Abaco remains paramount, necessitating a comprehensive approach that includes securing resources and funding to overcome budget constraints, as well as initiatives to combat stigma and promote timely access to counseling services.

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Long-Term Recovery Plans

 

Our holistic approach post-Hurricane Dorian included collaboration with Caritas on crucial projects, repairs to households, construction of hurricane-resistant homes, and outreach benefiting over 8,000 individuals directly. Our current programmatic focus areas encompass psychological preparedness, community support, trauma and grief counseling, education, and awareness.

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The Grand Bahama Resilience Center remains steadfast in enhancing its beneficiaries' overall quality of life by promoting awareness, resilience-building, and psychological empowerment. By offering a safe and stigma-free environment, we empower individuals to address everyday life challenges with resilience and dignity. As we continue to grow and adapt, our commitment to serving the Bahamian community remains unwavering, ensuring that mental health support is accessible to all who need it.

Bahamas Resilience Center

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Bahamas Resilience Center