Growing Community Initiative
The desired outcome of the Growing Community initiative is for life transformation in Christ, recovering true identity and vocation expressed through just and peaceful relationships. Four identifiable goals are:
1. Restored relationship with the triune God, the God of the Bible
2. Every child above the malnutrition line through the first 1,000 days of life
3. Every parent with the resources to take care of their family
4. Community-owned initiatives with the social structure to thrive
This is a long-term initiative with a 6+ year strategy to develop families, leaders, and economic resources for the community to thrive. If people are seeking God, many other good things will follow and become possible. If they are not, the horizons of change are more limited and difficult. Having multiple voices and establishing trust are critical pieces for this initiative to truly take root and grow. It cannot be rushed and will take much prayer for it to succeed.
How We Do This
We believe that walking with children and their caregivers from the beginning of a child’s life gives us the best opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change. This helps to establish a relationship with each family, where we know each other’s name and God-given story. Focusing on geographically saturating a defined area with these families, Many Hands for Abaco establishes six building blocks for the same families over seven years. These building blocks focus on education, the first 1,000 days, agriculture, safe structures, leadership development, and youth development.
Through this process, we aim to strengthen struggling families, building a solid foundation for them and their communities. We want to prepare them for a time when we will end our services and investment in the family, and they, in turn, will invest in one another.
Growing Community Programs
Change Starts With One. One Person, One Family, One Community, One Country, One World.
The Growing Community Initiative focuses on sustainable development to strengthen families living in difficult circumstances, giving them ownership over their futures. This innovative approach gives families the resources and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives, restore their families, and renew hope in their community.
Agriculture
Our goal for this program centers around enhancing food production in Abaco by collaborating with like-minded partners and engaging directly with farmers. We strive to equip farmers with essential resources, develop scalable solutions, and advance agricultural education within the local community. Through our emphasis on sustainable farming practices tailored to the specific needs of the community, we address food insecurity head-on, empowering families and communities with the ability to become self-sufficient in nourishing themselves.
Education
The power of education to shape minds and foster thriving communities is undeniable. Our programs are designed to forge partnerships with the existing education system, offering valuable resources and expertise in areas where schools face challenges. We establish exceptional learning environments staffed by skilled teachers who implement targeted intervention strategies to bring students up to grade level. Additionally, we prioritize character development programs within schools. By investing deliberately in these key areas, we pave the way for long-term, sustainable change within the public education system.
First 1,000 Days
Nurturing the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children in The Bahamas is a fundamental pillar for their future success and productivity. Our First 1,000 Days Program plays a vital role in this endeavor by offering at-risk families crucial access to enhanced nutrition, healthcare, protection, stimulation, and spiritual growth. Through the program’s comprehensive support, we make significant strides in reducing childhood stunting, and maternal and infant mortality rates, while simultaneously bolstering health education, cognitive development, and the overall well-being of both mother and child.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development is a transformative journey that empowers individuals to become catalysts of change within their communities. Our aim is to equip and fortify leaders who possess the vision and drive to foster unity, stability, and hope. Through our carefully crafted programs, we inspire and motivate participants to embrace a servant-hearted approach, placing the needs of their communities at the forefront. Whether tailored for lay leaders, youth, or leaders-of-leaders, our comprehensive initiatives establish a firm bedrock for lasting transformation. We recognize the invaluable contribution of local women and men who lead with love, and we invest in their growth to create a legacy of faithful leadership.
Safe Structures
The task of rebuilding infrastructure in the Abacos stands as a paramount concern. Numerous communities find themselves lacking the necessary resources and supplies to undertake a complete reconstruction, be it community centers, churches, businesses, or family homes. By joining forces with local organizations and families, we embark on a journey to mend what was shattered, bringing forth tangible transformations within the community. The provision of improved living conditions holds immense potential, reducing illness rates by up to 90%. Moreover, it instills a glimmer of hope amidst what may seem like an insurmountable situation for many, as they strive to rebuild their lives from scratch. This psychological relief serves as a catalyst, reinstating dignity within the community’s core.
Youth Development
For far too long, the youth of The Bahamas have been overlooked, their needs and concerns pushed aside. We often hear the resounding echo from national agencies, churches, and organizations, acknowledging the urgency of helping the young generation. Over 5,000 young individuals graduate from high school each year, yet only a handful proceed to higher education. The majority grapple with limited employment prospects as the disheartening youth unemployment rate hovers at a staggering 34%. Crime and violence relentlessly plague this age group, unplanned pregnancy rates continue to rise, and substance abuse is rampant.
In light of these challenges, our approach revolves around fostering unity among the youth, enabling them to flourish and thrive. By engaging, equipping, and empowering them, we aim to cultivate a unified identity rooted in Christ and positive activities. Our focus lies in intentionally developing the youth, nurturing their potential, broadening their horizons, and fostering love for themselves, God, and one another.