Bahamas Lotus (BL) - Who We Are
Bahamas Lotus is a Nonprofit Organization established to provide assistance, training, and resources for the growth and development of individuals and families. BL provides support services and assistance with employment, economic needs, social needs, psychosocial needs, personal enhancement, and family development for individuals living throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Bahamians living abroad. Our mission is to build resilient individuals and families by helping them reduce risk traits and use protective factors and interventions to empower themselves and produce stronger families and safer communities.
Did you know the Lotus flower has a life cycle like no other flower? With its roots based in mud, it submerges every night into murky river water, and undeterred by its dirty environment, it miraculously re-blooms the next morning without residue on its petals. The lotus flower is born in water, grows in water, and rises out of water to stand above unsoiled. Like the Lotus flower, the volunteers, families, and communities that may become recipients of Bahamas Lotus services will rise out of their vulnerable and marginalized conditions to tap into their gifts, elevate their circumstances, and collectively advance their environments. Here at BL we are Building Resilient Communities, One Child, One Person, One Family at a Time.
Bahamas Lotus (BL) - Who We Are
On Monday, November 16th, 2020, Bahamas Lotus (BL) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) #366 was officially granted Non-Profit status under the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Non-Profit Organizations Act 2019 (No. 25 of 2019 Section 7). Bahamas Lotus, formerly called Gapseed, was founded on July 5th, 2018. BL began its work by assisting individuals with filling out forms, writing resumes, and providing financial support for groceries and educational supplies. Following Hurricane Dorian and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahamas Lotus services expanded, providing support/aid with employment, economic, social, and self-development.
Bahamas Lotus Objectives
The Organization is designed for individuals and families who need assistance and guidance to strengthen social, cultural, and economic progress. BL intends to achieve its mission by the following:
- TO PROVIDE basic goods such as food boxes, school lunches, supplies, clothing, and vouchers.
- TO OFFER financial skills, training, and strategies to assist individuals and families with budgeting and provide help with wage management.
- TO FACILITATE application process for individuals and families to access assistance from government and private entities with funding for utilities, rent, home repairs, childcare, medical, clothing, uniform, and burial needs.
- TO SEEK external funding, Locally and Internationally, from various International Organizations to support BL’s overall mission/vision.
- TO CREATE and teach developmental training programs for youth and adults.
- TO PROVIDE administrative assistance and negotiations for persons seeking emergency and permanent housing and to assist families with landlord/tenant issues.
- TO PROVIDE emergency relief and assistance to individuals and families of The Bahamas during any catastrophe or natural disaster.
- TO SEEK gratis legal assistance for persons needing help with matters regarding child custody, child support, immigration services, violations of the law, and victim's rights.
- TO PROVIDE skills in the areas of parenting, family non-violent communication, child development, infant care, healthy living, self-discipline, problem-solving, family conflicts, and child well-being.
- TO PREPARE adolescents and young people to experience successful transitions to adulthood and enable them to use various support networks and connections available within the community. Bahamas Lotus Centre will offer mentorship resources for young people with disabilities, those who lack traditional family support, live alone, are homeless, and have become pregnant.
- TO STRENGTHEN individuals and family protective mechanisms, including:
i. parental resilience,
ii. social connections,
iii. economic empowerment,
iv. psycho-social supports in times of need,
v. knowledge of parenting and child development, and
vi. social and emotional competence for children.
Our Impact and SDG Commitment
SDGs We Impact
For Bahamas Lotus, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that align with our mission and work include:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Bahamas Lotus improves overall health and well-being by addressing mental health and wellness, particularly in underserved agricultural communities.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality: Through their initiatives, they promote gender equality by empowering individuals and families, including women and girls, and addressing specific needs within their programs.
- SDG 4: Quality Education: Their educational and skill development workshops align with this goal by providing training and resources to enhance knowledge and skills.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Bahamas Lotus works to reduce inequalities and support marginalized groups by targeting underserved communities and focusing on those affected by trauma and disasters.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Their community wellness events and support services aim to build safer, more resilient communities and contribute to sustainable development at the local level.
- SDG 13: Climate Action: Bahamas Lotus supports climate action and resilience by promoting sustainable farming practices and addressing the impacts of climate-related disasters.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: They work with various partners to enhance their impact and effectiveness, fostering collaborations that support achieving these goals.
Our Programs ad Their Impact Our Programs and Their Impact
At Bahamas Lotus, our programs are designed to address key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Here’s how we align our initiatives with specific SDGs and the positive impacts we’ve achieved.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Programs:
- Community Food Bank: We gather and distribute food donations to those in need, ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
- Psychosocial & Wellness Support: Offers seminars, recreational programs, and health information to support mental and physical well-being.
Impact:
- Success Story: A single mother in Nassau, facing challenges in providing healthy meals for her children, received consistent support from our food bank. With our assistance, she could access nutritious food and reduce her family’s stress about food security.
- Testimonial: “I am so grateful for the food bank’s support. It has made a huge difference in our lives, and my children are healthier and happier.” – Kassie Wcould., Food Bank Beneficiary.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Programs:
- Training Programs: We provide training sessions to enhance personal development, advocacy, and family support skills.
- Community Garden: Offers educational opportunities about food growth and environmental stewardship.
Impact:
- Success Story: A young woman who participated in our training programs developed skills in financial management and secured a stable job, transforming her family’s future.
- Testimonial: “The training I received was life-changing. It gave me the confidence and skills to pursue my career goals and support my family.” – Dianna W., Training Program Graduate.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Programs:
- Seedlings Place: Provides coaching and support for women and mothers to optimize their health and well-being.
- Family Development Support: Offers specialized services and referrals for women and men.
Impact:
- Success Story: A single mother of three transformed her family's health through the Seedlings Place program. She learned to prepare healthier meals, improving her family's well-being and inspiring others in her community to embrace better nutrition.
- Testimonial: “Seedlings Place program helped me prepare healthier meals for my family. I’m grateful for the support and knowledge that made a real difference in our lives .” – Lillian F., Seedlings Place Participant.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Programs:
- Social Services & Financial Support: Assists individuals in applying for benefits and accessing financial advisory services.
- Professional Development Support: Provides job search assistance and skills workshops.
Impact:
- Success Story: A young man from a low-income background received job search help and financial planning support, leading to stable employment and economic independence.
- Testimonial: “The support I received was invaluable. It gave me the tools to improve my financial situation and build a better future for myself.” – Jerome J., Professional Development Support Client.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Programs:
- Community Garden: Encourages local food-growing and environmental awareness through community-managed gardens.
- Sustainable Communities Initiative: Focuses on creating eco-friendly and resilient communities.
Impact:
- Success Story: A community garden in a Nassau neighborhood became a center for social activities, educational workshops, and healthy eating, fostering a more robust community spirit.
- Testimonial: “The community garden has brought us together and taught us the value of sustainable living. It’s a beautiful addition to our neighborhood.” – Detrix H., Community Garden Volunteer.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Programs:
- Sustainable Communities: Focuses on environmental sustainability, including clean energy and disaster-resilient housing.
- Community Gardens: Implements climate-friendly gardening practices.
Impact:
- Success Story: The gardens use rainwater harvesting and composting, promoting sustainable agriculture practices in response to climate change.
- Testimonial: “The practices we’ve learned from the garden initiative have not only improved our local environment but also inspired other communities to take action.” – Mckenzie., To enhance program impact, work with organizations such as Akhepran Ambassadors, Gapseed, and the Ministry of Health Community Gardens Participant
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Programs:
- Collaborations with Partners: To enhance program impact, work with organizations such as Akhepran Ambassadors, Gapseed, and the Ministry of Health.
- Community Engagement: Leverages partnerships to broaden our reach and effectiveness.
Impact:
- Success Story: Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we launched a health initiative that provided critical resources to underserved populations, improving overall community health.
- Testimonial: “Our partnerships have been instrumental in achieving our goals. The collective effort has multiplied our positive impact in the community.” – Ariel D., Partnership Coordinator.
Partnerships and Collaborations
At Bahamas Lotus, we recognize the power of collaboration in achieving our mission and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our partnerships with diverse organizations and institutions play a crucial role in enhancing the impact and effectiveness of our programs. Here are some of our key partners:
- Akhepran Ambassadors and Akhepran International: These organizations are instrumental in teaching children from grades 1-12 to become conscientious citizens and proactive global leaders, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership from a young age.
- Bahamas Disability Adventures: Partnering with this organization helps us support individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can access opportunities and resources for an inclusive and fulfilling life.
- Business Institute Empowerment: This partnership helps us empower individuals with business skills and knowledge, fostering economic growth and self-reliance.
- Civil Society Bahamas: Working with this group strengthens our advocacy and community engagement efforts, amplifying our voice and impact in addressing social issues.
- Gapseed: Our collaboration with Gapseed enhances our ability to provide inspiring content and motivational support, driving personal growth and community development.
- Seedlings Place: This partnership focuses on providing plant-based and healthy lifestyle coaching to busy, progressive women and mothers, helping them optimize their health and well-being.
- Teen Life Skills Services (TLS Services): TLS Services supports our initiatives to equip young people with essential life skills for personal and professional success.
- Ying 'N Yang Solution: By collaborating with this organization, we can gain innovative strategies and business acumen, which will help us optimize our operations and drive sustainable growth.
- Ministry of Health (Bahamas): Our work with the Ministry of Health supports public health initiatives, improving health outcomes across the Bahamas.
- Ministry of Agriculture (Bahamas): Partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture enables us to integrate sustainable farming practices and agricultural education into our programs.
- Ministry of Social Services & Community Development: This collaboration helps us address social issues and provide comprehensive support to underserved communities.
These partnerships enhance our ability to deliver impactful programs and services, ensuring that we make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.
Sustainable Practices
At Bahamas Lotus, sustainability is integral to our operations and programs, reflecting our commitment to long-term impact and responsible practices:
- Eco-Friendly Operations: We prioritize reducing our environmental footprint by implementing energy-efficient systems, minimizing waste, and using sustainable materials in all our facilities and projects.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Our Lotus Community Gardens use organic farming techniques, promote local food production, and support biodiversity. We encourage sustainable practices such as composting and water conservation.
- Green Initiatives: We engage in community education on sustainability, including workshops on environmental stewardship, recycling, and green living.
- Disaster Resilience: We design and promote disaster-resilient housing and infrastructure, focusing on sustainable building practices that withstand natural calamities while minimizing environmental impact.
- Partnerships for Change: Collaborating with like-minded organizations, we support and amplify sustainability efforts across various sectors, enhancing our collective impact on environmental and community well-being.
These practices ensure that Bahamas Lotus meets today's needs and preserves resources and opportunities for future generations.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up to hear about what Bahamas Lotus is up to.