ITNAC, Digicel upgrade home

IS There Not A Cause (ITNAC), was one out of over 100 non-profit organisations who responded to the call from the Digicel Foundation through its Better Together Christmas initiative which assisted charitable projects.

The organisations had to submit an application in December 2020 detailing a project which would make a difference in the lives of the people they serve, said a media release from the Digicel Foundation. The final four groups would receive a $50,000 grant to help fund their proposed projects.

On December 18, the foundation announced that ITNAC was one of four groups. It received $50,000 for upgrades to Bethel, a transition home for women and children.

The group recently unveiled its completed project. The internal walls of the house were painted; minor modifications made to a thrift shop on the premises; and upgrades to the toilet facilities were completed.

Founder of ITNAC Avonelle Hector-Joseph was happy to see the project come to fruition. She said in the release, “We dare to believe in the midst of a pandemic to purchase this property for the transition house. We did everything to raise the money because we wanted to provide temporary housing for women and children who are in need of getting a safe place to stay, where they can feel rejuvenated. “We wanted to create a space that people can feel happy to come home to.”

CEO of Digicel Foundation, Penny Gomez acknowledged the overwhelming emotions, which overcame Hector-Joseph when the announcement of the winners was made in December. Gomez said, “The gravity of providing a safe haven for the women and children hit her. To see the realisation of the dream come to pass is worth celebrating. "

Gomez encouraged the ITNAC team saying: “Do not be weary in well doing.”

The transition home was established in 2020 by ITNAC to provide temporary housing for women and children who may be in need of emergency shelter. Bethel provides a safe space for these women and their children to receive support to overcome social setbacks.