About Us

MISSION OF THE ELIZABETH ESTATES CHILDREN’S HOME

The Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home was opened by the Government of The Bahamas on 30 April 1992. It was established to be a Home for abused and neglected children, to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all residents.

The specific objectives of the home are:

• To provide a safe, clean and well maintained home environment

• To develop caring and supportive relationships

• To provide individual and group counselling

• To discharge residents to families and units that meet the criteria to assist them

• To maintain a harmonious work environment for the Board, Administration, Staff and Partners

• To improve on the spiritual and moral presence in the Home for residents and staff through teachings and interaction with others

• To exercise conservatism and accountability for economically impacting the Home’s operations

The EECH is located in Elizabeth Estates, in the Eastern District of New Providence. It is located on approximately two (2) acres of property.

The accommodations consist of a two (2) storied structure, that provides for Administrative Offices, Staff Offices and Rest Areas, Kitchen, Dining Room, Recreation Room, Library, Computer Room, Laundry facilities, and Living Quarters for the residents. On the compound there is also Living Quarters for the Administrator.

The living quarters for residents consists of apartmentstyle accommodations for males and females that contain two (2) shared bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a living room. At least four (4) residents can be housed in each apartment. The more senior residents may be assigned to these areas. There are also a dorm-styles areas for males and females, that can house up to an additional 32 residents. Each resident has a bed and a dresser. There are shared bathroom facilities. These facilities can accommodate 16 male and 16 female residents.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOME

In the early 1990s, shortly after its opening, the Government of The Bahamas entered into a Management Agreement with the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas giving them the day to day management of the Home. The Bishop of the Diocese appoints a Board that is responsible for the administrative oversight of the Home.

The operations of the Home are primarily funded by the Government of The Bahamas, but it is supported by grants and assistance provided by private companies, organizations and individuals.

Notwithstanding the management agreement with the Anglican Diocese, the Department of Social Services has overall responsibility for the Home as outlined in the Child Protection Act, Chapter 132 of the Statute Laws of The Bahamas. The Home is also operated in compliance with the Residential Care Establishments Act, Chapter 235A of the Statute Laws of The Bahamas.

The current Board of Directors consists of:

Mrs. Caryl (Toni) Lashley – Chairperson
Mr. Quinn McCartney – Vice Chairperson
Mr. Robert (Sandy) Sands
Mrs. Ree Bourne
Mrs. Donzella Burke
Ms. Cleomie Woods
Mrs. Hope Curry
Mr. Charles Adderley

STAFF OF THE EECH

The Home is staffed by a hybrid arrangement, consisting of individuals recruited and employed directly by the Board of Directors, and staff employed directly by the Department of Social Services.

As of 6 January 2022, the Home had a staff compliment of 25 individuals, summarized as follows:

STATUS	NUMBER
Engaged by the Board of Directors	12
Employed by the Department of Social Services	13
TOTAL	25

The senior members of staff include:

Mr. Ray Nairn – Administrator
Mrs. Beryl Gray – Deputy Administrator
Ms. Andrea Johnson – Assistant Administrator

RESIDENTS

The EECH was designed to house 40 residents – 20 males and 20 females between the ages of 11 and 18 years. Its purpose, as stated earlier, is to be a home for abused and neglected children, and to provide a safe and nurturing environment for them.

Admissions to the Home are made on referral from the Department of Social Services. Admissions may include permanent admissions, or temporary admissions, for short periods.

At present that are 26 residents in the home – X males and X females.

RESIDENTS CARE AND ACTIVITIES

(i) Education

Most of the residents are still actively involved in school, and attend classes as scheduled.

The residents are enrolled in Government Schools, Private Schools, and Special Education facilities. Those attending private schools do so based on the sponsorship of generous donors, who assume responsibility for all educational related expenses.

SCHOOL TYPE	MALES	FEMALES	TOTAL
Government	4	6	10
Private	3	3	6
Special Education	1	1	2
Not Yet Placed	–	2	2
Unschooled*	1	1	2

*Residents with special needs.

When required or recommended, residents participate in extra tutoring sessions that are organized by staff, or provided by members of various civic organizations, or volunteers.

(ii) Spiritual Development

Residents regularly attend the Epiphany Anglican Church, Prince Charles Drive on Sunday mornings. Residents would also be allowed to attend church with parents, guardians or organizations when prearranged. When residents cannot attend church, inhouse devotions are conducted by a member of staff.

Various religious groups and organizations are also allowed to visit the Home to conduct sessions and host activities with the residents.

(iii) Extracurricular Activities

Residents are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities at their schools, or to get involved in other activities. Residents also participate in activities sponsored by civic organizations, such as LINKS, etc.

(iv) Health Care

The Home collaborates with the Ministry of Social Services as it relates to the health and welfare of the residents. All visits to Doctors and Health Care facilities are properly documented and Social Services is informed of all major (non-routine) health care issues. Regular or emergency check-ups are facilitated, when necessary, as are follow up visits.

The Home has, on a consistent basis, housed residents with mental health issues. They are seen by specialists at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC), and specialized Counselling Centres when necessary. Residents who have serious behavioral issues beyond the capacity of the staff to deal with are also referred to counselling when required.

(v) Visitations

Approved visitations by parents, relatives, guardians, foster parents and sponsors are encouraged and facilitated on a consistent basis.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

The EECH receives its funding from the Government of The Bahamas, through the Ministry of Social Services, and from corporate and individual donations. In addition to monetary contributions there are also numerous sponsors who provide goods and services that greatly assist in reducing costs.

A summary of income and expenditure for the last four (4) years is provided in the table below:

ITEM	YEAR
	2021 (1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021)	2020 (1 Jan – 30 June) (6 months)	2019	2018
Income	$482,437.47	$222,500.00	$445,000.00	$446,100.00
Expenditure	$434,845.28	$221,875.22	$485,456.38	$469,281.61
Profit (Loss) for the Year*	$47,628.19	$624.78	($40,456.38)	($23,181.61)

*Before Depreciation Expenses

DONATIONS

The Board supplements the funding it receives from the Government with by donations from individual citizens and residents, corporate Bahamas, religions organizations, international organizations and individuals, and civic groups.

Donations can be in the form of monetary contributions for the general operation of the Home, sponsorship of residents to attend private schools, sponsorship to various outings and functions, and donation of groceries and prepared meals, clothing, toiletries and hygiene items, and equipment and supplies. We also receive donations of professional services like counselling, dental services, medical services, and tutoring.

Persons wishing to donate can visit our donations page for a list of areas where you may be able to contribute.