Founder’s Day Honours Martha Dismont

Family Centre celebrated World Children’s Day alongside its first annual Founder’s Day with a dedication ceremony at Family Centre’s Sunshine League House location, marking the birthday of the organization’s visionary founder, the late Martha Dismont, and her legacy of service.

Michelle Dismont-Frazzoni, Elis Frazzoni, Aruna Dismont, Dr. Sandy De Silva, Sonia Burgess, and Kari White, photos courtesy of Hannah Collins.

Wednesday’s event included the unveiling of a portrait of Martha Dismont taken by photographer Michelle Dismont-Frazzoni, which now graces the newly dedicated reception area.

A commemorative plaque beneath the portrait reads ‘This reception area is dedicated in loving memory of Family Centre Founder Martha Ann Dismont, November 22, 1956 – July 13, 2023.’

The ceremony brought together Family Centre staff, board members, and the Dismont family. Among the attendees were Martha Dismont’s daughter, Aruna Dismont, sisters-in-law Michelle Dismont-Frazzoni, Sonia Burgess, and Kari White, and brother-in-law Elis Frazzoni.

Family Centre’s newly dedicated reception area in memory of founder Martha Dismont

Dr. Sandy De Silva said, “Today’s event brings about so many mixed emotions – deep sadness at losing a legend and loved one way too soon, as well as peace.

“There is peace in being able to celebrate Martha’s legacy by carrying on her life’s work and ensuring that families who receive services at Family Centre and the next generations of Family Centre board members, staff, and partners will know our founder, what she stood for, and how she shaped the philosophy, values, mission, vision, and fabric of this organization.”

Sonia Burgess, speaking on behalf of the Dismont family, said, “On behalf of the family, thank you. Words can’t express the thanks that we feel, and the love that will go on.”

Family Centre Executive Director, Dr. Sandy De Silva, said, “In 33 years, you all have been just as much a part of the family as Martha has. You will always be part of the fabric of Family Centre.

Aruna Dismont and Dr. Sandy De Silva in Family Centre’s newly dedicated reception area

A spokesperson said, “Today, November 22nd, was chosen for this ceremony as it is Martha’s birthday, and it does not just seem like a coincidence that Martha’s birthday is only two days after World Children’s Day. The Convention on the Rights of the Child notes that at a minimum every child needs protection from harm, unconditional support, and to have their basic needs met to grow into an emotionally healthy adult.

“Our founder believed in the same thing and advocated for these rights every day and night. Every year, Martha looked forward to celebrating World Children’s Day. So, it is most fitting to have our Founder’s Day, on Martha’s birthday, close to this very special date in the calendar also celebrating children.

“Martha made this world so much better for the lives of children. Today, we salute Martha Dismont by dedicating this reception area that welcomes children, teens, and their families into our home of healing, hope, and connection to her memory.”

“The dedication ceremony and the observance of World Children’s Day not only celebrated Martha Dismont’s profound impact in children’s lives in Bermuda by founding Family Centre, but also served as a fitting tribute on her birthday, reinforcing the sense of family, community and love that has been a hallmark of Family Centre’s three decades of service since its founding in 1990.”

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