We have a lot of things to be grateful for this year. First, we are grateful for you, our guests, and our partners in this industry. We all work together to provide what we consider to be excellent service. We were spared from further damage this past hurricane season and we are still building our community.
St. John Is home to a diverse group of people, Many who were born here and have generational ties, Folks from other islands such as Dominica and St. Lucia and also mainland Transplants. Many of us are in the service industry and still we face the same struggles and want the same things as People everywhere; such as a Peaceful Place to call home, quality education for our children, clean air and water and of course a sparkling ocean to swim in! In this season of giving, and thankfulness we are happy to share links to nonprofits and organizations we observe doing outstanding work. If you are inclined and able to give to these networks, we appreciate this and hope that our sharing their information can allow you to better get to know our community.
St. John Community Foundation: 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1990 after hurricane Hugo, this nonprofit has grown to become a true provider of resources that benefit people on st.John. SJCF works as an umbrella and fiscal agent for many smaller causes and nonprofits. One of our favorite initiatives available through SJCF, is the free mammogram Program through the American Cancer Society. Every October, women can get vouchers, regardless of income, no questions asked. There are many other programs too that inspire us, such as the St. John Angel Network, St. John Dial-a- Ride and Go Green VI Initiative. We look forward to seeing more accomplished in the coming years such as, the community garden and the Cruz Bay shuttle service. If you would like to become a volunteer or contribute here is the link, http://thestjohnfoundation.org/donate. You can also contact Executive Director Celia Kalousek at 340-693-9410.
Island Health and Wellness - is a 501(c)3 non-profit primary care practice located at Greenleaf Commons (above St. John Market) on St. John. It serves as a supplement and alternative to our one public facility, The Myrah Keating Smith Health Center. The services at Island Health and Wellness are an invaluable resource for many who can’t afford the standard charges associated with health care, or who are uninsured. The fees are set and no one is turned away regardless of ability to pay. All visits are a flat rate of $50.00 regardless of health insurance status. There is an additional $50-$100 charge for lab testing if needed. It has become a literal lifesaver for many, and we all enjoy the gracious bedside manner provided by founder Sandy Colasacco, MSN, FNP-BC and her staff. There is also counseling services available for $25 per session and again, no patient is turned away. https://islandhealthcenter.org/ If you would like to make a donation or contact them here is the link. https://islandhealthcenter.org/donate/ .
St. John School of the Arts- This long standing, essential arts program is an asset to our community that we love and hope to see continue for many years. The St. John Community Arts Foundation was founded in 1970 by Rudy Wells, who also established Steel Pan Unlimited, a steel pan music group of 28 young St. John students. This talented group claimed national success under the management of Ruth “Sis” Frank, who was also essential in the building of the school in 1990. The concept grew into a multifaceted, internationally known and applauded interdisciplinary arts program. This success would not have occurred without the help of many volunteers and private donations over the years that also established the building where the current programs are being offered today. We can’t say how essential these programs are to empower and enrich the lives of young people and provide a space for arts to be celebrated in our community. SJSA seeks to provide arts education to the whole community, regardless of economic status. There is still an existing need to help those families who are unable to afford the tuition for classes. Please consider supporting a student for the year or a class for the year. https://stjohnschoolofthearts.org/support-sjsa/ or call Executive Director Kim Wild 340.779.4322 or email info@stjohnschoolofthearts.org.
Tiny dancers at St. John School of the Arts.
Katana Liburd, Kiki Thompson, and Aria Morton
Here are a few more we want to share, You can find all of these on the St. John Community Foundation website along with other reputable St. John organizations.
The Animal Care Center- http://www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com/ The Animal Care Center (ACC) of St. John is addresses the problem of stray cats and dogs, animal abuse, and provides kennels for these homeless domestic animals. It operates as a no-kill shelter and a resource for animal lovers to provide education and adoption services for these loving animals. They are always looking for volunteers! If you are an animal lover, give them a call! 340.774.1625 or to look for ways you can become a part of ACC: https://www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com/get-involved/.
Coral Bay Community Council- https://coralbaycommunitycouncil.org/our-mission/ “CBCC works to provide an effective means for residents of Coral Bay to participate in planning the future of Coral Bay development, by providing education and information on planning processes, and a forum for government, citizens, and developers to discuss plans.” We appreciate the full disclosure of CBCC and the fact that it’s founder doesn’t take a salary. We also appreciate the advocacy to help save our environment and keep Coral Bay green. To find out how you can also be part of these efforts check out their site: https://coralbaycommunitycouncil.org/get-involved/
St. John Film Society: We applaud all of the work that this organization does in keeping independent filmmaking alive on St. John. Founded by Andrea Leland, herself an independent filmmaker and artist who has created award winning documentaries about Caribbean and Latin America. These films include; Jamsie; King of Scratch about a musical icon from the Virgin Islands, and The Garifuna Journey based in Belize. There is a monthly film series starting in January, usually screened at St. John School of the Arts. The new Season starts on Jan. 15th 2020 with a film called The Unsettled. For more information on the St. John Film Society please email info@stjohnfilm.com or go to http://www.stjohnfilm.com/. For more information on Andrea’s work go to https://andrealeland.com/.
Island Green Living- Has done great work in the efforts to change legislation to alleviate waste and pollution, Their Mission:
“Transform the United States Virgin Islands into a net zero waste, carbon-neutral territory in order to protect the environment and ensure the health, welfare and economic security of the islands and its people.”
They Helped Write and Achieved Passing the ban on plastic bags in the territory and as of Jan. 1st the VI has banned the harmful sunscreen that has caused detrimental pollution of our seas! we must Be diligent in the effort to protect our oceans and reef systems for the sake of the earth and generations to come. https://news.mongabay.com/2019/07/u-s-virgin-islands-bans-coral-damaging-sunscreens/
Please look into How you can green up your vacation and make choices to save our world! You can collect your cans and drop them off at the resource depot on gifft hill! 340-473-7870 https://www.islandgreenliving.org/
Photo courtesy of https://www.islandgreenliving.org/current/recycling/