This section details the voluntary organisations in Cayman that you could become involved with.
Cayman’s ARK – Acts of Random Kindness
Email: info@arkcayman.com
www.arkcayman.com
www.facebook.com/arkcayman
Cayman’s ARK is a registered non-profit, grassroots, charitable foundation founded in 2006. ARK’s aim is to improve the standard of living for under-privileged families with programs such as CASA, which renovates homes in deplorable condition; Feed Cayman, which provides families with food at home and school; Re-Connect, which keeps families with power, water and also provides temporary housing. MER (Mentor Educate Reinforce) is an academic remediation tutoring program focused on empowering struggling students with learning disabilities from underprivileged homes. The Crisis Initiative provides financial aid for uninsured families with life threatening or crisis medical situations. ARK welcomes volunteers!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 325 9661 (Angela Sealey, Programme Director)
Email: startsomething@bbbs.ky
www.bbbs.ky
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands (‘BBBS’), is a non-profit organisation. Their goal is to help young people ages six years to sixteen years who face adversity and those who have little opportunity to develop positive relationships with adults to reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors. While working with the youth/children in the family, they take a holistic approach to the family and provide support as necessary. Volunteers are matched with children to create mentoring relationships which provides children with the friendship and guidance of an adult. They are actively seeking new volunteers, especially for their ‘Big Brothers’ contingent.
Breast Cancer Foundation
Unit 19 Grand Harbour, Shamrock Road, GT
Tel: (345) 923 1135 or (345) 936 1135
Email: info@breastcancerfoundation.ky
www.breastcancerfoundation.ky
Created to support breast cancer patients and their families, the organisation provides help for those suffering both emotionally and/or financially. They offer an Awareness Program aiming to save lives through early detection by teaching you how to be proactive about your health, and a Wellness Initiative programme which aims to help such patients get through treatments with advice and support.
Cayman AIDS Foundation
Tel: (345) 946 3029
Email: info@caf.ky
www.caf.ky
The Cayman AIDS Foundation (CAF) is a community-based organisation which provides education on the danger of, helps prevent the spread of, and gives support and guidance to all people living with and affected by, HIV & AIDS and STIs.
CARE – Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Tel: (345) 938 CARE (2273)
Email: info@caymancare.ky
www.caymancare.ky
A charitable company whose goal is to assist in the education of ‘spay and neuter’ within the community, as the humane solution to address the overpopulation problem that sadly exists. Volunteers are always needed to assist with door-to-door campaigning, clinic transportation, fundraising and community dog washes. Donations are always welcome.
Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS)
114 Maple Road (near Cayman Islands Hospital)
Tel: (345) 949 7618
Email: info@cics.ky
www.cics.ky
CICS receives no Government funding and relies solely on donations received from individuals and companies, as well as its community volunteers. CICS provides a variety of services, including a hospital equipment rental programme, counselling, art therapy and a free educational outreach programme. They offer a Charity Voucher Programme which provides patients who qualify, with free pap smear tests or mammograms and men with PSA blood tests (for prostate), mouth and throat cancer screening. Financial assistance is provided to qualified patients. You can donate magazines to those receiving chemotherapy by putting them in the white bin outside the CICS. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
Jasmine
West Bay Road (beside Coconut Joes), SMB
Tel: (345) 945 7447
Email: info@jasmine.ky
www.jasmine.ky
Jasmine is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to providing comfort care, free of charge, to those living on-Island with cancer or other end-stage diseases. They are committed to improving the lives of those affected by death, assuring long-term emotional, spiritual and general well-being to survivors after loss. They employ specialist nurses and caregivers and has a team of trained patient care volunteers to offer support to patients and their families. Holistic care is important so they also offer music and art therapy, counselling, Yoga, Reiki, therapeutic massage, Lunch Club and bereavement support. Jasmine costs more than CI$1,800 per day to operate and is 90% funded by fundraising events and donations. Support from the community and volunteers are always welcome.
CI Crisis Centre Volunteer Programme
Tel: (345) 949 0366 ext.3
Email: volunteer@cicc.ky
The CICC can only achieve its goals through the support of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers receive training and are needed in a variety of positions across the organization. Volunteers provide support for many of the programmes and services offered by the Crisis Centre: in Shelter volunteering, TAYA Lounge, Answering Crisis Line/Kids Helpline, Fundraising Committee, Marketing Committee, grocery shopping, donations and warehouse management, admin tasks.
Cayman Islands Humane Society
153 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 1461
Email: cihsshelter@candw.ky or info@caymanislandshumanesociety.com
www.caymanislandshumanesociety.com
Volunteers are always needed to work in four areas: the bookstore, thrift shop, animal shelter or in fundraising. They operate an excellent second-hand book store (Book Loft) and thrift shop (Claws-It). Donations are always needed.
Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC)
34 Huldah Ave, Opposite the Cricket Pitch, GT
Office: Cayman Corporate Center, GT.
Tel: (345) 949 6785
Email: director@redcross.org.ky
www.redcross.org.ky
The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) serves all three Islands. The four main programmes of the CIRC are: Disaster Management, First Aid & Aquatics, Child Protection and Sexuality Education and the Thrift Shop (which offers affordable shopping and provides for the most vulnerable access to these goods free of cost. See the Shopping chapter). The CIRC trains volunteers to work within the communities, and works directly to empower communities through the training of Community Emergency Response Teams. The headquarters location also serves as a hurricane shelter and is usually the first to open when there is a threat to Grand Cayman. The CIRC is always in need of volunteers and donations to the cause.
Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)
Tel: (345) 948 1094
Email: info@reefresearch.org
www.reefresearch.org
CCMI was founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs through research, conservation, and education. Since then they have opened the Little Cayman Research Centre where they have hosted over 100 visiting scientists, discovered new species and critical habitats, established programmes to improve the health of coral reefs, and educated thousands of students and visitors about practical ways to support the health of coral reefs. CCMI researchers have provided 20 years of baseline data on both coral and fish, published over 100 scientific papers and supported 18 MS and PHD researchers to become leaders in their field. CCMI also provides local education programmes, scholarships, internships, facility tours and Reef Lectures.
Community Outreach Programmes
Tel: (345) 939 1301
Email: michaelmyles1117@gmail.com
The outreach programme caters to those in need of mentorship and academic support. It is active in all public schools and caters to over 1,500 students, ages 4-17 years old, Monday-Friday, 8am-6.30pm. Students are exposed to a variety of activities: homework support, maths and literacy support, arts and crafts, sports, youth activities and mentoring. The programmes are also in need of donations for school uniforms, school supplies, medication, eye appointments, snacks, stationery and equipment for activities. You can improve a child’s life with 30 minutes once a week, so please consider helping! You will make a huge difference in the lives of our youth.
Feed Our Future
Tel: (345) 916 0923
Email: info@feedourfuturecayman.org
www.feedourfuturecayman.org
For many children in Cayman a school meal is the only solid meal they will receive the entire day. Feed our Future seeks to fund nutritionally-balanced school meals for children in need. They hope to help at risk school-age children to be physically nourished and equipped to learn by providing school lunches. They also run a summer food programme and offer life skills workshops on healthy shopping and cooking on a budget.
Have a Heart Cayman
Tel: (345) 526 2185
Email: info@haveaheartcayman.com
www.haveaheartcayman.com
Have a Heart is a non-profit association that facilitates and funds life-saving cardiac procedures for children worldwide, in a state-of-the-art, world class hospital in the Cayman Islands. Every cent raised by Have a Heart Cayman Islands, goes directly to the delivery of health care for children. Without this support they would be unlikely to access the cardiac procedures they need to survive.
Jubilate After School Programme
Tel: (345) 938 0332
Email: info@jubilate.ky
This is a non-profit, social outreach programme. The programme consists of students from the government primary school systems who are ages 7-10. Their aim is to empower them with confidence, teach them musical skills and instil good citizenship. Volunteers help students with academic work and behavioural skills. The programme takes place Monday to Friday 3pm-6pm. Volunteers, musicians and guest speakers are always welcomed.
LIFE (Literacy is for Everyone) Ltd.
Tel: (345) 938 6300
Email: volunteer@life.org.ky
www.life.org.ky
LIFE is Cayman’s literacy charity and a registered non-profit dedicated to significantly improving literacy levels in Cayman. Their most popular volunteer programme is Paired Reading which matches a volunteer with a young student and once a week volunteers will read with them for 30 minutes at their school. LIFE also provides free parent education workshops to give parents the skills to teach their children how to read. All students receive free new books to practice their skills at home. You can donate gently used or new books by emailing: books@life.org.ky. Volunteers are always needed to help with projects, fundraise, or to read with children.
Meals on Wheels
Tel: (345) 769 1974
Email: info@mealsonwheels.ky
www.mealsonwheels.ky
www.pledgeasenior.com
Meals on Wheels provides free, nutritious meals, soups, friendly smiles and safety checks to seniors, the homebound and disabled. It only takes CI$5 a day to feed a senior and they rely on the support of the community for donations. Contact the Administration Office to make a pledge, volunteer or request meal service.
NCVO Children Services Programmes
Tel: (345) 949 2124
Donations Email: ncvo@ncvo.org.ky
Volunteer/Fundraisers/Events/Programmes Info Email: ncvocoordinator@ncvo.org.ky
www.ncvo.org.ky
www.facebook.com/NCVOCaymanIslands
The NCVO is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to the care, education and well–being of children and families in need of support. The NCVO runs several children’s programmes across the Island. The NCVO also runs a thrift store located on Anthony Drive (GT) which accepts donations of clothing, household items, children’s items and furniture. NCVO’s largest fundraiser, the annual radio telethon, is held at the end of October/ early November.
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI)
Esterley Tibbetts Highway, near Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 945 8111
Email: info@nationalgallery.org.ky
www.nationalgallery.org.ky
The NGCI hosts a variety of exhibitions annually featuring local and international artists’ work as well as numerous community exhibitions. The Gallery is a 9,000sq ft space plus a walking labyrinth, sculpture gardens, cafe and gift shop. The Gallery also houses the National Collection, which traces the Island’s art history, comprising of work from the Cayman Islands National Museum, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands of over 100 artists. The NGCI runs a series of outreach programmes, adult courses, children’s classes, special events for members and fundraising projects. New volunteers and members are welcome.
National Trust for the Cayman Islands
558A South Church Street (Dart Family Park)
Tel: (345) 749 1121
Email: community@nationaltrust.org.ky
www.nationaltrust.org.ky
The National Trust owns and protects more than 3,000 acres of nature reserves, as well as owning, leasing or managing various historic properties on the three Islands. They offer monthly activities that teach a great deal about the Cayman Islands.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT)
Tel: (345) 917 8284
Email: info@ODAAT.ky
www.odaat.ky
www.facebook.com/onedogatatime13
A charity created to rescue and rehouse unwanted dogs and puppies. They raise funds for dogs they pull from the pound (where they are likely to be euthanized), provide the required treatments, house and feed them. ODAAT aim to find permanent homes for dogs and, when necessary, pay for them to be flown to rescue partners in Tampa, New York and Toronto. They welcome volunteers, donations and sponsorship for individual dogs. Check their Facebook page for more information.
Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps (PLVC)
Tel: (345) 922 7847
Email: pinkladiescayman@gmail.com
Facebook: Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps
The PLVC is a service organisation whose members volunteer in various roles within the community, such as reading to children at the Public Libraries and assisting at the Jasmine Villa. Their craft group meets on Tuesday mornings throughout the year at the South Sound Dart Park. Their major fundraising event, the Christmas Bazaar, traditionally opens the holiday season and features a delicious tea, market stalls, crafts, plant sales, entertainment and children’s activities. Funds raised by the PLVC benefit community projects, such as NCVO, the Pines retirement home, Lighthouse School, the Special Olympics and more. The PLVC are always looking for new members and there are many ways to be involved.
Prospect Red Bay Community Group
Email: prospectcommunity345@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/PRBC345
The Prospect Red Bay Community Group meets on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the Seafarer’s Hall on Victory Avenue in Prospect. All residents of Prospect and Red Bay are welcome to attend. There is always a lively discussion on what is happening in the community in regards to policing, garbage collection, litter, landscaping and improvements. They have a very active WhatsApp group which you can ask to join.
Volunteering to Support Prison Rehabilitation
Contact: Ms. Aduke Natalie Joseph-Caesar
Tel: (345) 925 8663 or (345) 640 3000
Volunteers assist in the provision of prison-based programmes and supporting the prisoners’ integration back into society.
YMCA of the Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 926 9622
www.ymcacayman.ky
YMCA is a charitable, cause-driven, non-profit organization that aims to strengthen the community. Operations are directed by their corporate staff, a group of experienced, highly qualified and motivated people. They are also assisted by passionate staff members and a group of committed volunteers.
Church Based Counselling Ministry
Bethesda Counselling Centre
68 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 6575
Email: bethesda@candw.ky
www.bethesdacounselling.ky
Face-to-face, group therapy and online counselling offered for all issue types.