Ten years filled with tears, sacrifice — but more importantly, joy. This is how Shamelle Rice, Director of Jabez House, described the organisation’s efforts since its inception back in July 2012.
Rice says Jabez House aims to be a haven of hope and support for female sex workers looking to chart themselves a new path.
Speaking during the anniversary celebration, held at the Barbados Museum on Sunday, Rice said the journey in supporting these women has not been an easy one by any means, but significant progress has been made and continues to be made in helping at-risk women.
“I know, I am confident that the last 10 years have not been in vain. Lives have been impacted, children have been enriched, families and communities are better because of Jabez House and the work we are doing, and this enrichment has been made possible because of support from persons like yourself here today, who have committed to stand alongside Jabez House and partner,” she said.
Not partner to give handouts, but investing in this social cause committed to creating access to employment opportunities and access to see lives uplifted, who otherwise would be forgotten, discriminated against and cast aside.”
She said Barbadians must commit themselves to lending a helping hand to persons who are often left by the wayside to suffer in silence, or in most cases become a victim of abuse.
“I challenge you to make a commitment today to make a difference in any life you can. The young child in your neighbourhood who always looks unkempt, and you know the mother is struggling. The student at school who always appears depressed and downtrodden and sad, maybe something is going on with that child … the young man by the side of the road hustling ackee or water instead of going out to rob somebody.
“If each of us made this decision, our communities and by extension our country would be an even better place,” she said. (SB)
