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Topic starter
Hello All-
My family and I (husband & 2 small children), are considering a move to the islands in the next few years. I consider myself to be multi-talented and able to do pretty much anything pertaining to social services, mental health, training and developement, management etc... I would like to know what the greatest needs of the islands are, so that when we come, I can actually bring down with me some of the services that are the most in need. If it's more mental health, maybe I could work with HUD or some foundation to receive grant money to establish more halfway houses, alternative placements, group homes and the like. If there is a great need for family activities centers or maybe a YMCA, or Boys and Girls club so that the children of the islands can play and do things together, away from the beach.
I see in Puerto Rico where HUD is rebuilding homes for low-income and elderly people. But I don't see anything that's going on in USVI for the same. Maybe real estate development in that respect would be something that I could do?
I just don't want to come there and take a job away from someone who has been there all along. I'd like to try to do something different, to give something to the island people that can help, as well as enjoy living in the place they have called home their whole lives.
Anyone?
Posted : December 20, 2004 3:37 pm
Please take this in the way I intent it.
Don't move here with the missionary additude of bringing help to the natives. It is patronizing and insulting to assume that you can come and immediately know what is needed here or how best to effect change.
If you come, come for your own reasons. For my husband and me, it was a nice climate and nice people. We found jobs and therefore contribute to the economy. We joined the St. Croix Environmental Association, SEA. I donate to the Humane Society. I buy local when possible. I try to fit in.
All I'm saying is come down, blend in, and after 6 months or a year, see where you talents/interests are best used.
Linda
Posted : December 20, 2004 5:12 pm
Topic starter
Linda-
Opinion noted- I did not in any way ask the question to insult or patronize. My goal was to do just what I said "get information about what is needed MOST". I thought thats what this board was about?? I am seeking to get information to add to my own research so that I can make an informed, intelligent decision about what area my talents are needed.
I am not be any means trying to play Captain-Save-'Em. But I'd like to be able to contribute in a meaningful way (meaningful to me anyway). Fitting in is the last thing I'm concerned about. I've never met a stranger 🙂 I'm sure it won't be a problem.
MDR
Posted : December 20, 2004 5:43 pm
Hello,
All of the social services you mentioned could use a talented, caring person to work or volunteer in. I would say the need is equal through the social services here whether it be with small children, adolescents, elderly, homeless, mental health, battered women, rape victims... the need is there. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other childrens programs also exist; after school groups, sports, fund raising for children to attend off island touraments.
Go to the following web site and on the left side click on 2004-05 Directory of Community Organizations photo/link. (You have to download the file, took a little bit.)
You can contact some of the organizations, the contact info. is provided in the directory. Find out what they do, offer, if they have volunteers or job openings and for what tasks and you can see where you feel your efforts and abilities would be most utilized and beneficial, and certainly where you would be happy contributing.
--Islander
Posted : December 20, 2004 5:54 pm
That's exactly how I read it, too. I think maybe Linda just read a little too much into it (MHO). I think is it valiant of you to look for something that we don't have availale to us here. I wish you all the luck.
Posted : December 20, 2004 5:54 pm
Topic starter
Thanks for the response. I'm just getting started and needed to be pointed in the right direction.
Thanks Marty...
Posted : December 20, 2004 6:20 pm
I hope I Marty and Islander are right and you find what you're looking for. May I make one suggestion?
Plan on coming down for a pre-move visit. Stay for a couple of weeks. Make appointments and visit some of the agencies on STX. The Woman's Coalition would be an excellent place to start. Ask them to be honest with you about where you might fit in.
On a personal note. When I first came down, I applied at one of these agencies for an office manager-type job. I had several interviews and thought I was in. They hired someone else. The woman who was my biggest advocate was very frank about the reason. I was white, middle aged (fast approaching LATE middle age) only on the island for a short time and married for a long time. The board of directors felt that their clientele would find it hard to relate to me and I to them. And in this case I would have had very little client contact.
You're right to do a lot of research. And the on-line phone book can also put you in contact with the right people.
Contact me when you get here, we'll meet for a drink.
Posted : December 21, 2004 8:13 am
My somewhat educated guess is that more than anything else, the VI needs creative entrepreneurs . Go down, find a niche, and then start and finance a business where there was none before. Hire locals, pay a decent wage, and if you succeed, share your success with those who helped you achieve it.
Posted : December 22, 2004 1:01 am
I agree with Linda's implication that locals may be a bit leery of persons swooping in to the VI to implement service programs without having spent some initial time getting to know the community.
That said, there are many programs consistently and actively seeking assistance. For example, the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas is always looking for volunteers; especially to be on-call victim-assistants. Their no. is 776-3966.
Good luck!
Posted : December 22, 2004 1:14 pm
