FOOD FOR THE POOR (GUYANA)
Distribution of food and other items at Parfaite Harmonie
Distribution of food and other items at Parfaite Harmonie

– 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE POOR

Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. (FFP) celebrated 25 year of dedicated service to the poor and needy in our country on June 3, 2016.

Bright Horizon Children’s Dorm Project: This project resulted in the completion of a 17 x 50 two storey, concrete structure which is now being utilized as a dormitory for the females residing at the Bright Horizon Children’s Home. This Home has 14 children. Prior to this project, there was only one building which housed the males females and the administrators. They were hard pressed for space. The Home is much more comfortable and a happier place for the children. Food For The Poor(Guy) Inc covered the entire cost of this project which amounted to $7M
Bright Horizon Children’s Dorm Project: This project resulted in the completion of a 17 x 50 two storey, concrete structure which is now being utilized as a dormitory for the females residing at the Bright Horizon Children’s Home. This Home has 14 children. Prior to this project, there was only one building which housed the males females and the administrators. They were hard pressed for space. The Home is much more comfortable and a happier place for the children. Food For The Poor(Guy) Inc covered the entire cost of this project which amounted to $7M

FFP, arguably the largest non-governmental organization in Guyana, commenced operations on 3rd June, 1991 in High Street, Kingston, Georgetown with two staff members, Mr. Leon Davis and his personal assistant. The office was subsequently relocated to 248 Forshaw and Oronoque Streets, Queenstown with one additional staff.
However, because of the great need for essential services for the poor, the organization quickly expanded and acquired the Festival City, North Ruimveldt property of Wray’s Bag Factory in 1995. This building which currently houses all 53 members of staff is complete with a large warehouse. Extensions to the building were done during 2001 and 2002 to accommodate two new departments and the Boardroom. In 2001 as the need for more space arose the “Call-on-Centre on Lombard Street was utilized. In 2012 as the pace of distribution increased the use of the Centre was discontinued.

HOUSING
Over the years being integrally involved in the housing drive FFP Guyana has so far constructed over 3240 housing units, free of cost, for underprivileged families across Guyana. These homes are two-bedroom wooden structures 20ft x16ft. Of the 3240 units, more than 500 homes were constructed as part of eleven villages, seven of which were built for Amerindian Communities on the Essequibo Coast in Region 2.
The other four villages are located at Wong- Tobago and White Water Mabaruma in Region 1 and Saint Cuthbert’s Mission and Swan located in Region 4. Most of the villages are equipped with sanitation blocks, shower enclosures, community centres, schools and water projects.

PROJECTS
FFP Projects Department apart from overseeing the Housing Projects are also engaged in a number of self-sustainable projects which include Wells and Water Projects, Animal Husbandry, Tilapia Farming, Livestock Rearing, Skills Training, Shade Houses and Solar Electrification Projects among others.

OUTREACH & DISTRIBUTION
One of the major activities of the organization is the Outreach Program. Items such as food, footwear, personal care items and sports equipment are distributed throughout the 10 regions of our country as FFP tries its utmost to reach the poorest of the poor of the nation.
Apart from food items, FFP continues to provide medical equipment and supplies, pharmaceuticals, office furniture, students and teachers’ furniture, reading and text books, seeds and agricultural tools on a regular basis to relevant organizations and to those in need.
Several Geriatric Homes are assisted on a monthly basis with needed supplies.
The work of FPP is assisted by local churches, groups, committees and other charitable and relief organizations across the country. They help to ensure that the goods and relief supplies are distributed in a timely manner to those in need and are properly accounted for.

FEEDING PROGRAM
FFP’s School Feeding Program commenced in 2004 and offers an excellent opportunity for enhancing nutrition, improving school attendance and educational outcomes. Presently, more than 460 students of the East La Penitence Primary and Enterprise Primary (Reg. 4), Uele Primary and St. Monica Primary (Pomeroon River), Mashabo (Reg. 2), and West Watooka Primary school (Reg. 10) are daily served a hot nutritious meal, a glass of refreshing juice and a fruit.

The students are also the recipients of monthly care packages, which help significantly in not only sustaining them but also members of their household.

ANGELS OF HOPE
Eleven children’s homes caring for 248 children constitute FFP’s Angels of Hope Program. The homes receive of a monthly supply of food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies. The children are sponsored by overseas donors from the USA.
The homes are namely:- Alpha Children’s Home, Camal Home International, Joshua House Children’s Centre, St. John’s Bosco Boys’ Orphanage, Save R’ Kids Children’s Home, Bright Horizon, Bless the Children, Ruimveldt Children’s Home, A Sanctuary Children’s Home, Children of Promise and Hauraruni Girls Home.

SUPPORT
While FFP Guyana is supported in part by FFP Inc. Florida, the organization itself greatly depends on fundraisers and the generosity of local donors in order to finance its operations and to fulfil its mission as it continues to reach out to the poorest of the poor in Guyana. FFP thanks God for FFP Inc. Florida and the donors both overseas and local who continue to open their hearts to the poor.
The organization needs increased support from local companies and individuals as it seeks to expand its outreach.

MANAGEMENT
One of 17 countries which are associated with Food for the Poor Inc. in Coconut Creek, Florida USA, FFP Guyana is headed by a Board of Directors chaired by Mr. Paul Chan-A-Sue, while the daily operations are managed by Mr. Kent Vincent, Chief Executive Officer. The organization was previously managed by former Executive Director Mr. Leon Davis, who retired in 2012 after serving the entity for 21 years with distinction. There are nine other managers overseeing various departments.

AWARD
FFP was awarded the Medal of Service (Group) by the Government of Guyana in 2011, for the excellent job it continues to do in assisting the poor and less fortunate in our country.

OUTLOOK
The organization has currently outgrown its current premises and is constrained to increase its outreach. However, as it seeks to expand the needed assistance to the poor, four (4) acres of land has been approved for the organization by the Government.
With new premises and more space available, FFP would be able to increase its service to the poor and needy of Guyana.

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