Charting The Course Dossier - The South Eleuthera Mission

InTRODUCTIOn
In May 2009, The South Eleuthera Mission officially opened its doors to the public. This herculean
achievement was only the first phase of a dream visualized by a handful of well-meaning
residents and friends of the South Eleuthera community. The dream was to create a space to
anchor much needed community empowerment projects. Initially raising just two hundred
dollars to start and with an unwavering commitment to see the project to fruition, the team
raised over $500,000.
With construction dating back more than 140 years, the former Mission House has served in
many capacities; at first as a Methodist Manse, then in later years as a private residence. In 1942,
the building was restored by Arthur Vining Davis and given to the Bahamas Government for the
people of Eleuthera. From that time onward, it served as the Government Clinic, initially for the
community of Eleuthera at large, and later on primarily for the community of South Eleuthera.
In January 2003, after being found inadequate to meet the growing needs of the community of
South Eleuthera, the Government Clinic was moved to alternative premises. Shortly thereafter,
the Mission House was assigned to the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation
(AMMC) of the Bahamas, who deemed it to be of historic significance. In May of 2004, a
committee then called The Mission Foundation, was formed and with the help of the AMMC and
generous benefactors, the building was restored to its former glory and renamed, The South
Eleuthera Mission Building.
Today, all are able to enter the once antiquated building and enjoy its modern library and
computer room, which is set in nineteenth century opulence.
With a history of self sufficiency, the Board of Directors of The South Eleuthera Mission now
seeks to move beyond the renovation of its structure and focus on the further development of
its programs. It is hoped that the same passion and vigor that propelled those who have given
so generously in the past will be reignited so that the work of The South Eleuthera Mission will
live on.
TABLE OF COnTEnTS
Executive Summary
SOUTH ELEUTHERA MISSION – History
SOUTH ELEUTHERA MISSION – Vision
Growth Strategy
•
Increasing programs offered
•
Traveling exhibits
•
Staffing – Creating volunteer network and acquiring further technical
expertise
•
SEM Mobile Resource Centre
•
Build awareness and increase the profile of SEM through social events
Statement of Activities and Financial Forecast
Our Board of Directors
Glossary of frequently-used abbreviations
2
EXECutiVE SuMMary
The South Eleuthera Mission (SEM) is a non-profit company incorporated in the Commonwealth
of the Bahamas on October 28th, 2008. The organization’s geographic focus encompasses the
settlements of Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Green Castle, Wemyss Bight, Waterford, Deep Creek,
John Millar’s and Bannerman Town. It was felt that the people of these settlements, inhabiting
the southern end of the island of Eleuthera, needed a facility which would serve as the catalyst
for further educational and community building exploits.
The SEM endeavors to promote through its programs and resources: sensitivity regarding the
rich history and culture of Eleuthera; literacy and academic excellence; computer and vocational
skills training, and environmental awareness. It is felt that once the programs as well as adequate
technical and human resources are in place, the South Eleuthera community will be poised to
take advantage of the planned economic developments which are to come in the not so distant
future.
The SEM is a self funded organization that relies heavily on the generosity of its members and
benefactors. The recent global financial crisis has negatively affected donations. While the SEM
has not been deterred, its programs have suffered major setbacks due to financial constraints.
Despite this, the SEM remains committed to continuing its fundraising activities in an effort to
expand its reach and fulfill its mandate.
There are many other non-profit groups which operate within the South Eleuthera community.
These include The Kiwanis Club, The Rotary Club, The Cape Eleuthera Foundation, South
Eleuthera Emergency Partners, and numerous church based organizations. The SEM has worked
with these groups to create synergies that benefit the entire community. In particular, it has
worked closely with The Kiwanis Club to support their fundraising efforts and they have always
been willing to return the favor. In the coming months the SEM hopes to work with other
partners to get its environmental awareness programs in place.
The Board of the SEM recognizes the organization’s unique position. The SEM has a strong brand
and reputation among non-profits on the island. It also has a fully refurbished edifice with
arguably one of the best computer labs on the island. It also has financial credibility (having
completed the renovation work as promised within budget) and it has a committed nucleus of
persons who work diligently to ensure its sustainability.
3
While much has been accomplished, the Board recognizes that the SEM has fallen down on its
commitment to engage all of the communities within its geographic boundary. In discussing
ways to mitigate this deficiency, the SEM Board has now identified a number of opportunities for
expansion. It is now committed to taking one of its programs (i.e. the Fast ForWord Computerbased literacy program) on the road, via its mobile resource centre which will house twelve
(12) laptop minis. The SEM is also committed to looking for ways to take some of its events
into Tarpum Bay and the communities south of Rock Sound, in an effort to further engage the
people of those communities.
The most immediate threat to the SEM’s operation is it being unable to garner the funding
necessary to continue its work. The SEM is committed to preserving its self sufficiency status,
but its current financial situation cannot adequately sustain its commitment to upkeep the
premises, maintain current programs and staffing, or realize planned program expansion. To this
end, the SEM remains hopeful that its members and benefactors, understanding the important
role the SEM plays in the South Eleuthera community, will dig even further than in previous
times to ensure that the work of the SEM continues.
4
South ElEuthEra
2004
2005
2008
After building
The building’s
On October 28th,
deemed inadequate
restoration
2008 the South
to continue the work
commenced
Eleuthera Mission
of the Rock Sound
under the
was incorporated
Clinic, a small group of
leadership of
as a non-Profit
residents and friends
Patricia Rose-
Company in the
of the South Eleuthera
Maclean.
Commonwealth of
community formed a
committee to restore
the building. The
end goal- to create a
multi-functional space
to be used by the
people and visitors of
South Eleuthera.
the Bahamas.
5
MiSSion hiStory
2009
2010
In May 2009 the
With the technical
In an effort to fulfill
building was ready
assistance of SEM’s
its mandate to
to welcome its first
Administrator, the SEM
service the entire
visitors. The furniture
was able to secure several
South Eleuthera
for the main floor as
grants, including those
Community, the SEM
well as the equipment
from the Lyford Cay
is embarking on an
for the computer room
Foundation, the Cotton
aggressive campaign
and books for the
Bay Foundation and Cable
to obtain further
library were in place.
Cares.
funding to expand its
SEM commenced the
programs.
By year end, two full
following programs:
time staff members
•
Study Hall
were hired to manage
•
Summer Youth
Program
the facilities and its
programs.
•
Adult Computer
Literacy Course
•
Summer Internship
2011
6
South Eleuthera Mission
Vision
A.
To educate and inform visitors and the indigenous population of South
Eleuthera, with particular emphasis on the youth, about the Island’s
historical and cultural past.
•
In January 2010 the SEM welcomed its first traveling exhibition in conjunction
with the AMMC. The exhibition was titled “Lest We Forget the Triumph over
Slavery”. More than 150 students and residents attended the exhibit.
•
The SEM is presently in talks with various individuals to showcase other
small traveling exhibits at the SEM building. There are also plans to expand
the program further by incorporating lectures and activities for students in
conjunction with the exhibitions.
•
The SEM will endeavor to start the museum transformation process by
displaying posters and replicas of artifacts related to Bahamian history. These
items will alternate seasonally.
b.
To provide facilities for reading and learning.
•
In 2010 the SEM continued its afterschool program, which assists students
(grades kindergarten to twelve) with homework and research projects. On
average, 25 students visit the site daily.
•
On February 23, 2010 the SEM hosted its first Knowledge Bowl Competition
between primary schools in the South Eleuthera district. Five (5) schools
competed and Wemyss Bight Primary was crowned the overall winner.
•
On April 12, 2010 the SEM invited Sharon Carlsen to host a seminar on
Alternative Medicine. The session was well received by all in attendance.
•
On May 19, 2010 the SEM invited Mr. Edd Brookes, a Shark Researcher from the
Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI), to conduct a presentation on the Shark Research
Program at CEI.
7
•
On July 5, 2010 with the support of its generous benefactors, the SEM held
its 2nd Annual Summer Youth Program. There were nearly 60 students in
attendance. The students focused on improving English, Math and Computer
skills.
•
The Summer Internship Program was held in conjunction with the Summer
Youth Program. This allowed students about to enter the job market to get
exposure to the job application and interviewing process. In the end, three
students were hired by The Mission to assist with the Summer Youth Program.
•
The SEM continued to run its Literacy/Reading Program utilizing the Laubach
Way to Read (a paper-based system used by the National Literacy Services).
In an effort to touch more lives (at the moment the maximum number of
students able to participate in the program is four (4)) and hold on to the
student’s attention, it has been agreed that the SEM would look to raise funds
to implement the Fast ForWord computer based literacy program, which is also
Ministry of Education approved.
c.
To prepare South Eleutherans, in particular the youth, to take
advantage of the opportunities of an improving local economy
through mentorship and apprenticeship programs.
•
On March 25, 2010 the SEM sponsored its first college fair for the students of
Eleuthera. There were more than 50 students in attendance (traveling from
as far north as Harbour Island). Visiting colleges included: The College of The
Bahamas, The University of the West Indies, Bahamas Baptist Community
College and Darton College. Materials were also available from Florida Memorial
College, Elmira College and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
•
In 2010 the SEM held three (3) Ministry of Education certified computer courses.
Each eight week course welcomed twelve (12) adult students.
•
The SEM looks to jump start its vocational program with a boat building
workshop. We hope to utilize the vessel built at our Annual Heritage and
Cultural Fair and Raffle, to be held in July 2011.
8
d.
To inform and educate on the benefits and advantages of using
environmentally friendly technology.
•
e.
The SEM has formed a partnership with the Deep Creek Middle School to
launch recycling programs in all schools in the South Eleuthera District. We
have obtained a commitment from all schools, including Tarpum Bay Primary,
Green Castle Primary, Wemyss Bight Primary, Deep Creek Primary and Preston
H. Albury High.
To provide a rest and refreshment area for visitors to The Mission
making use of the building’s traditional kitchen.
•
f.
The SEM Board has decided to lease out an area of its premises for a café. An
interested party has stepped forward and it is hoped that the café will be up
and running before Summer 2011.
To run a schedule of fundraising events channeling activities through
the “Friends of the Mission” programme.
•
In April 2010, the SEM was the recipient of a grant from the Lyford Cay
Foundation for workstation chairs as well as a multi-functional printer/copier/
scanner/fax machine. Additionally, the SEM was awarded a grant in the amount
of $10,000 from the Cotton Bay Foundation to assist with costs related to the
Summer Youth Program. It is hoped that the SEM will be able to obtain more
grants in order to carry out its work.
•
On July 10th, 2010 the SEM held its 7th Annual Heritage and Cultural Fair and
Raffle. This event is the major fundraiser for the organization and is strongly
supported by the local community. This year, the SEM hopes to partner
with others to include at the Fair a youth sailing regatta. It is hoped that this
initiative will draw more persons to the event and bring a new dimension to the
festivities.
9
Growth Strategy
In order to effectively fulfill its mission to its benefactors and the people of the South
Eleuthera Community, the SEM is mandated to chart a clear course to sustainable growth and
development. While funding has in recent times been a major hindrance, it is hoped that with a
clearer vision in circulation the SEM will be able to garner the financial support needed to carry
out the following strategies.
There are five (5) strategies which have been identified by the Board. It is hoped that these
strategies will help the initial programs to expand in a way which will ensure that the SEM is able
to touch a wider section of the community.
1.
Increasing programs offered;
2.
Promote and organize quarterly traveling exhibits and corresponding lecture
series;
3.
Building a sustainable volunteer network which will be able to adequately
oversee its current operation;
4.
Setting up mobile resource centres;
5.
Building awareness and increasing the profile of SEM through social events.
1.Increasing programs offered
In its eighteen (18) month history, the SEM has done a lot to reach out to the student population.
Going forward, the SEM would like to offer a broader range of programs, which would interest
the entire community. These additional programs to be introduced include:
Professional development programs:
•
Résumé writing and interviewing course currently taking place for students
preparing for graduation.
•
Workplace etiquette course.
•
Hotel and catering basics course.
•
Money management course.
•
Home based business ventures start-up course.
10
Environmental awareness programs:
•
•
Recycling drive to begin, in conjunction with Deep Creek Middle School.
Energy conservation seminar for adults (separate seminar for kids).
Teen mom program:
•
SEM is set to offer day time computer training program, with daycare, especially
for teen moms.
•
Continuing education options specifically College Prep Math and English and
career planning.
Vocational Training Program
•
Specifically boat building program which will culminate with Youth Regatta
during the SEM’s Annual Fair.
•
Yachting program being spearheaded by 360 Yachting, an accredited U.S.
Sailing School.
Student Development
2.
•
Update of children’s library to include workbooks and past national exam
papers relevant to the Rigby Reads, Iowa Math, GLAT, BJC and BGCSE exams.
•
Computer based reading program.
Traveling Exhibits and Lecture Series
The SEM wants to go further in its work to educate its visitors about the culture and history of
South Eleuthera.
As the SEM has had success with traveling exhibits in the past, it would like to expand the
program by also offering lectures and activities to accompany the exhibits. The SEM plans to
structure the program as a school field trip for the six (6) primary schools and one (1) secondary
school in the area.
The program is structured to work as follows:
•
Students arrive at the SEM and view the exhibit.
•
A talk is given about the exhibit and the significant role it played in Bahamian/
11
Eleutheran’s history (SEM will provide handouts to accompanying teachers prior
to the tour. Accompanying teachers will be required to give talk).
•
The SEM will provide the visiting class with an age-appropriate activity related
to the exhibit.
•
A SEM representative will speak to the students about the work of the SEM and
prizes will be awarded for participation.
3a. Building Sustainable Volunteer Network
To accomplish its aggressive objectives, the SEM must assemble a group of committed, trained
persons to assist with its projects.
The following persons have been identified as possible Volunteer Network Personnel (VNP):
•
Retired teachers.
•
12th Grade Students in need of community service hours.
•
Winter residents interested in getting more involved in the community.
3b. Replacement Administrator
Once the SEM is able to secure adequate funding, it will seek to engage personnel to:
•
Oversee daily administrative and financial matters .
•
Write and follow up on grant proposals.
•
Co-ordinate adult training courses and apprenticeship program
•
Spearhead coordination of fundraisers.
•
Maintain website and other media relevant to ensuring that persons are kept
abreast of the work of the SEM.
•
Make contact with potential benefactors and keep an up-to-date contact
database.
•
Ensure library resources are current and meet the needs of users.
•
Plan a yearly event to get business and community leaders talking about the
future direction of the South Eleuthera Community.
12
4.SEM Mobile Resource Centre
The Board of Directors recognizes the need to expand the work of the SEM outside the walls
of the current structure. As the SEM has set the goal of impacting the entire South Eleuthera
community, it must endeavor to bring its resources to a broader group of persons, who
infrequently visit the SEM building.
To this end, the SEM will endeavor to acquire twelve (12) mini laptops which will be used in
conjunction with the Fast ForWord reading computer-based literacy program in the various
schools. The SEM feels that this initiative, while quite expensive, is of upmost importance to the
South Eleuthera Community. According to statistics provided by the District Education Office of
Eleuthera, the 2010 testing of the reading level of all students entering 7th grade at the Preston
H. Albury High School (i.e. students living in the South Eleuthera District) revealed that 22% of
the total number of students tested were reading below the required reading level.
With this in mind, all of the schools in the District (i.e. Preston H. Albury High, Tarpum Bay Primary,
Rock Sound Primary, Green Castle Primary, Wemyss Bight Primary and Deep Creek Primary) have
signed up for the program. The Fast ForWord program is Ministry of Education approved and is
used in various special education programs throughout the Bahamas and worldwide.
The SEM is committed to training and deploying one (1) tutor, who will visit the various schools
and offer the program, using the mini laptops. We expect that each student identified for the
program will have an improvement of at least one reading level before the end of the three
month program.
5.
Initiate aggressive membership campaign through increased social
visibility
The SEM intends to grow its membership by raising its profile in the community. Stronger
visibility will help enhance and strengthen its programs (through increased enrolment), garner
exposure towards its cause, and attract more donors. Three main drivers have been identified
to increase the SEM’s profile while establishing positive income streams to supplement its
donations and grants:
•
Designing ranges of merchandise that will bear the SEM Logo and will be
attractively priced.
13
•
Renting out facilities at the SEM building for conferences, seminars, and special
occasions (Weddings, Cocktail parties, etc.) .
•
Running an Annual SEM Events Program. At each event there will be an SEM
information table, where information on programs and membership will be
shared.
The suggested events are:
•
Spring Fling Dinner Dance – Fun event targeting the general adult population.
Tickets will be sold.
•
A Night of Classical Music Wine and Cheese with Silent Auction at the South
Eleuthera Mission – This event will target locals but especially Winter Residences
throughout the island. Tickets will be sold.
•
Annual Heritage and Cultural Fair and Raffle – This event will target the entire
Bahamas. It has been a major fundraiser for the SEM and we hope that it will
continue to grow and attract others to the SEM. This year, to add a new element
to the fair, the SEM will host its first Youth Regatta where young persons (under
the age of 21) will race sailboats. We hope that the sailboats being built in our
Vocational Program will be completed to compete in the event. Prizes will be
awarded to winners in various categories.
•
A Night of Negro Spirituals – This event will target children and adults. It will
also be used to highlight an important part of our Bahamian culture. Tickets
will be sold.
statement of activities
14
(July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010)
$
Operating Revenues And Support
Contributions
Event Revenue
Program Revenue
Other Revenue (Interest)
101,877.00
37,728.00
2,320.00
1,878.14
!
Total Operating Revenues And
Support
143,803.14
!
Operating Expenses
!
Event Expenses
Program Expenses
Employee Expenses(eg. Wages &
Salaries, NIB Conts, Staff Training)
Advertising Expense
Automotive Expenses
Bank Commissions & Fees Expense
Cleaning Supplies
Computer Supplies
Insurance Expense
Janitorial Services
Landscaping Expense
Maintenance & Repairs Expense
Office Supplies Expense
Telephone Expense
Travel & Entertainment
!
29,472.06
19,270.29
39,849.61
215.00
29.00
525.05
538.01
1,055.00
8,777.36
1,736.87
2,754.00
5,785.79
5,381.99
1,843.09
1,963.25
!
Utilities Expense
Professional Expenses
Awards and Donations Granted
Total Expenses
Net Income
!
!
2,047.86
606.00
1,961.98
123,812.21
19,990.93
Financial forecast
Financial
Forecast
Annual Financial Commitments
15
Annual FinancialCommitments
Projects
Annual Cost ($)
AfterSchool Program and Study Hall
21,120.00
Special Tutors Program
6,250.00
Literacy/ Reading Program
60,000.00
Knowledge Bowl
1,050.00
Vocational Program (Native Boat Building)
10,000.00
Workshops/Lectures
500.00
Recycling Initiative
500.00
Summer Youth Program
10,000.00
Summer Internship Program
1,620.00
Adult Computer Classes
2,010.00
Children's Computer Classes
Total Project Costs
Salaries/Wages (incl NIB)
270.00
113,320.00
Annual Costs
Total Salaries/Wages (incl NIB)
Basic Overheads
87,700.00
Annual Costs
Total Basic Overheads
Basic Operating Costs
59,600.00
Annual Costs
Total Operating Costs
Training Costs
Total Training Costs
Total Costs
39,300.00
Annual Costs
2,000.00
301,920.00
Financials Forecast
Financial
Forecast
Projected
Annual
Revenue
16
Projected annual revenue
Revenue
Grants
Multiple Grants
Donations
General Donations
Generated Income
Fundraising Events, Memberships, Leasing
Annual Income ($)
55,000.00
214,820.00
32,100.00
Total revenue
301,920.00
Total Revenue
301,920.00
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHANDRA SANDS,
ALTHEA GIBSON,
CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR
VICE CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR
Comptroller, Rock Sound Properties (1976) Limited
Snr. Education Officer, Ministry of Education
Member of District Council for South Eleuthera
Lay Minister, Allen Chapel AME Church
EUREKA SANDS,
PETER MACLEAN,
DIRECTOR
SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR
Accounts Clerk, Princess Cays
Member, St. Luke’s Anglican Church Women Association
Second Home Homeowner
Volunteer Fireman
DONNALEE MILLER,
DIRECTOR
Tourism Officer, Ministry of Tourism
President, Mothers Club and Member of Deep Creek Association
17
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GODFREY DEVEAUX,
DIRECTOR
Snr. Packing House Manager, Dept of Agriculture & Marine Resources
MONIQUE SMITH,
DIRECTOR
Tour Director, Eleuthera Adventure Tours Ltd
Member, St. Luke’s Anglican Church Women
Member of Kiwanis Club and Priest Warden, St. Luke’s Parish
NO
AVAILABLE
PHOTO
RONALD HORTON,
DIRECTOR
Acting Superintendent, Department of Civil Aviation
Member of Kiwanis Club, South Eleuthera Emergency Partners;
and The Ocean Hole Initiative
ANTIQUITIES, MONUMENTS
AND MUSEUMS CORPORATION
REPRESENTATIVE, DIRECTOR
19
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
SAMUEL CARTWRIGHT
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
GACINTHA DEVEAUX-GORDON BSc,
COMMUNITY ASSISTANT
South Eleuthera Mission
Member, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
NO
AVAILABLE
PHOTO
CANDICE TURNQUEST,
MARKETING CONSULTANT
Principal, Candescent Solutions
Captain, Girls’ Brigade
SHARON SMITH CAREY,
TUTOR
English Language Teacher, Windemere High
Youth Leader, St. Luke’s Anglican Church
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GLOSSARY OF FREQUEnTLY-USED
AbbreviATions
AMMC
Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation
SEM
South Eleuthera Mission
VNP
Volunteer network Personnel
THE SOUTH ELEUTHERA MISSION
Thanks You For Your Kind Consideration
Green Castle
To help us continue this great work, contact:
Chandra Sands, Chairman
P.O.Box EL-26030
Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas
Email: csands@rsp1976.com
Fax: +1 242 334 2949
Tel: +1 242 334 2948