Celebrationsfrom East to West for Young and Old Special Needs Persons
Enjoyingthe activities from the head table were: (L-R) Miss Jen Dixon,Deputy Director of Social Services, Departmental Trainer DorianLennon, Mrs. Dawn Rankine, Adult Special Needs Programme Supervisor,and Mr. Bernie Bush.
From West Bay to East End, this year's SocialServices gathering in celebration of the festive season was indeeda demonstration of 'goodwill toward all.' The staff and communitycame together for the benefit of its clients, ranging from newbornbabies to elderly great-grandparents.
The Department of Social Services' AdultSpecial Needs Programme celebrated its 11th Annual Christmas Programmeand luncheon on December 13th. The event was held at the JohnGray Memorial Church Hall and was hosted by the West Bay AdultDay Care Centre and Golden Age Home. It was well attended by theelderly and disabled from the community: residents of the PinesRetirement Home; Golden Age Home; East End Cottage; Young ParentsProgramme and Sunrise Training School students.
The lively and entertaining programme whichwas organised by the Community Care Workers included singing,dancing, pantomime, poetry and music. The elderly residents andstaff actively participated in all activities. Music was providedby the West Bay Community Police, one of whom played the roleof "Santa".
Miss Jen Dixon, Deputy Director of SocialServices, brought Christmas greetings to all present from theDepartment. In a vote of thanks, Mrs. Dawn Rankine, Adult SpecialNeeds Programme Supervisor, expressed gratitude to the many personswho generously contributed to making the annual luncheon so successful.These included Mr. Bernie Bush who generously gave food itemsand Mrs. Dorothy Scott of Champion House who generously preparedand served the meal.
Special thanks also went out to the manygovernment departments, organisations and community members fortheir ongoing support to the programme activities and to the well-beingof elderly and disabled persons.
The Community Care Workers were commendedfor their hard work in organising the annual programme and inworking with the clients to make it such a successful and enjoyableevent.
The Adult Special Needs Programme of theDepartment of Social Services wishes everyone a blessed Christmasand look forward to seeing you next year.