(U.S. Virgin Islands)- Attorney General Denise. N. George is pleased to announce that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has once again adopted two families as a participant of the Adopt a Family program through the Family Resource Center (FRC) of St. Thomas. Employees purchased Christmas gifts and personal care items for the families and presented them on Wednesday, December 10th .
Elma Braithwaite, DOJ Victim Services Coordinator said staff members are always willing to give. “DOJ staff was presented a wish list and they were more than happy for the opportunity to participate once again as this is our 4 th year in the program. Christmas time is all about spreading Christmas cheer,” said Braithwaite.
The staff was presented with a suggested gift list that included items that promote play, family togetherness, outdoor time, as well as hobbies. Information on the age of the children, clothing, and shoe sizes were also included with their wish lists. The staff also had the option to give a monetary donation.
The V.I. Department of Justice partners regularly with the FRC on many programs. The FRC is a non-profit agency that assists victims of violent crime, families in crisis, domestic violence, and sexual assault. They offer counseling programs, a shelter, and more to clients. Attorney General George said, “I am so happy that we were able to participate once again in the Adopt a family program with the Family Resource Center. Christmas is all about giving and I am so proud that we have such a giving staff who always enjoy bringing joy to the families through their donations.
I commend that giving spirit demonstrated by so many of our employees.” “We are so excited that the Dept. of Justice has partnered with us once again. We have several families we serve and around this time of year, we want to be able to give as much as possible. It is always nice to receive help especially during this pandemic, so the need was big, and we are grateful said Anya Stuart, Executive Director of the Family Resource Center. Our clients, staff, and board members are very thankful, and the family is very happy to receive the gifts that will enable them to have a happy holiday.
“We really appreciate the donors that are helping during the holidays. In the healing process, during difficult times we need to alleviate stress, along with counseling and therapy. This gives everyone something to look forward to, it’s one less stress to worry about,” said Child/Youth Therapist, Cacki Barrett. Family 1 consists of a 2-year-old girl, a 1-year-old boy, and the second family, 15 and 14-year-old girls. Although the wish list contained information for the children, gifts were also purchased for the parents of each family.
Call the Family Resource Center Inc. for more information at 340-776-3966.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2021
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340)774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: Sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov