Family Centre 35th Anniversary Campaign
An Open House on Thursday, May 15th kicked off the 35th Anniversary of Family Centre, a Bermuda registered charity that provides therapeutic counselling services, community outreach programmes, and advocacy to support the social and emotional wellbeing of children, teens, and their families.
The charity noted that Family Centre is “Bermuda’s only nonprofit mental health organization for children ages 4-18 that is not hospital or government based.”
Dr. Sandy De Silva, Family Centre Executive Director explains, “We invited the community to our Open House to experience our therapeutic spaces and learn about our 35-year history that has shaped our current Continuum of Care, offering services from prevention to intervention. It is important to us that our community is aware that our fully accredited therapeutic programmes and services are offered at the highest quality standards, with no out-of-pocket expense to families. At Family Centre, we take great pride in removing as many barriers as we can to seeking help for children and teens.”
The spokesperson said, “Family Centre’s humble beginnings were the brainchild of the late Martha Dismont, MBE. She observed several children experiencing academic challenges that she knew would affect their future. She offered free after-school tutoring services at her home, and parents and teachers began to observe a difference in the children’s performance and self-esteem.
“Through this work, Martha noticed that the nurture and care provided to these students was having a positive ripple effect on their emotional wellbeing. Parents were encouraged by the results in their children’s behaviour, and wanted to keep that change going, often recommending Martha’s services to other families. Thirty-five years later, Family Centre continues Martha’s legacy and mission to help children and families thrive by addressing the social and economic factors that greatly impact children and their families.
“Today, thanks to Martha’s vision, donor support, a compassionate community, and a dedicated team of therapeutic staff, Family Centre has evolved into a holistic, fully accredited human services organization. It advocates for and provides safe spaces for children and teens to heal from their mental health challenges and have hope for a brighter future.”
According to Thania Redman, Family Centre’s Relationship Development Director, “This anniversary, we are reflecting on the many milestones we have achieved so far. We were first to introduce the groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs] Conferences to Bermuda and led on the Bermuda ACEs Research Study. ACEs research continues globally, keeping the conversation going on how adverse childhood experiences affect our adult mental and physical health, which in turn negatively impacts our work life and increases our health risks.
“Family Centre was the first to tackle the subject of multi-generational trauma in Bermuda with a wrap-around approach. We led the island’s adoption of the National Children’s Agenda, and we constantly work towards systemic collaboration. We know that we cannot do this work alone if we want to achieve greater impact.”
The spokesperson said, “Family Centre can only sustain its services for children and families through funding received from grants, corporate and individual donations, and fundraisers that are held throughout the year.
“This month, the charity is launching an island-wide ‘35 for 35’ Campaign. It is an opportunity for the community to personally become involved in the care and nurture of children and families in Bermuda and make mental health care more accessible.”
Family Centre’s Fund Development Specialist, Hannah Collins de la Cruz explains, “The 35 for 35 Campaign is a personal pledge of $35 that directly impacts children and families that need our services. The campaign will run during our Anniversary Year, May 2025 to April 2026. To support this anniversary campaign, go to https://tfc.bm/donate-35 and select a pledge that is most impactful for you. You will receive a confirmation of your donation, and that will complete your personal pledge to Bermuda’s children and families.”
The spokesperson said, “Family Centre invites you to learn more about the many milestones in their organization’s 35-year history and how together we can continue to impact the social and emotional wellbeing of families in Bermuda. Visit https://tfc.bm/35years.”
