"Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands has announced that Dean Doeling of Using Sports for Social Change is the fourth recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on October 1.

Although Dean Doeling lives in Beaverton, Oregon and works for the Nike Corporation, he has made a profound impact on the children of St. John since establishing Using Sports for Social Change in June of 2008. A frequent vacationer to St. John, Mr. Doeling noticed the lack of sports equipment available to the children of St. John as well as the lack of recreational facilities. He decided to establish Using Sports for Social Change to provide the needed equipment and to develop and assist with sports and fitness programs for the St. John community.

In the last two years, Mr. Doeling has established strong relationships with the Department of Education, the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, and the St. John Community Foundation in order to pursue his dream to "focus Virgin Islands youth through sports and fitness, giving them the confidence they need to set personal goals, achieve their aspirations and create opportunity for themselves, their family and their community." The result has been over one thousand pieces of sports equipment donated to the schools, parks and other local youth programs. In 2009, the first annual "Just Play Field Day" event was held for children from two to 18. The second "Just Play" event will be held on October 11, 2010.

In nominating her brother for the Community Award, Robin Doeling-Posen wrote, "Dean's latest efforts have been concentrating on finding new donors, volunteers and expanding this year's 'Just Play' event that is scheduled for Oct. 11th, 2010, to reach and touch the lives of over 200 kids this year! He truly is creating a lifetime of memories for these kids that no one else has ever dreamed of doing or ever bothered to carry thru!"

Congratulations to Dean Doeling, fourth recipient of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands' Community Award Program of $1,000!

"Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands announced that the recipient of its first $1,000 Community Award is Beulah L. Wilson, Director of the Nana Baby Children’s Home, Inc., in Annas Retreat. The award was announced on August 20, 2010.

Ms. Wilson, who at 75 has been Director since 2006, oversees the full operations of the Home, which cares for over 80 children annually from newborn to 12 years of age. Children are referred to Nana Baby Children’s Home because they have been abandoned, abused, neglected or lack custodial care. In nominating Ms. Wilson for the Community Award, Tina Brunt stated,” I am struck each time I visit the Home of the incredible effort it takes on the part of Ms. Wilson and her staff and volunteers to meet the needs of the children who are neglected, abandoned and in need of care. I have been inspired by Ms. Wilson to be a more attentive mother and more understanding of the dire circumstances that many of the children of our community have to face.”

Congratulations to Beulah L. Wilson, first recipient of Southland Gaming’s Community Award Program of a $1,000 grant!"

Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands has announced that Scott Bradley of My Brother's Workshop is the second recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on September 3.

Mr. Bradley is the co-founder and driving force behind the non-profit organization, My Brother's Workshop, established in 2008 to provide paid training in basic building skills to economically disadvantaged youth. In space donated by the St. Thomas Reformed Church, Mr. Bradley teaches construction skills to young men aged 16 to 24. Since the program began, over 48 young men have participated in training and over 80 percent have either gained employment or re-enrolled in school. In nominating Mr. Bradley for the Community Award, Tim Abraham stated, "Scott has saved lives in U.S.V.I. Specifically, he has turned the lives around for dozens of young men to help them be a positive part of the community."

Congratulations to Scott Bradley, second recipient of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands' Community Award Program of $1,000!

The management of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands announced that Arlene Monaghan of Clear Blue Sky, Inc. is the third recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on September 17.

Mrs. Monaghan is the founder and Executive Director of the Clear Blue Sky Clubhouse, a day program for people with mental illness. The Clubhouse offers a safe and nurturing environment for people with mental illness, allowing them to participate in their own recovery through working and socializing with others. The program provides activities that help members redevelop their sense of self-worth, confidence and direction. Clear Blue Sky started in 2005 and operates out of Mrs. Monaghan's former residence on Princesse Gade.

Mrs. Monaghan also established Karen's House, which is an assisted living residence for up to three men and three women. Karen's House is designed to provide a safe transitional environment for individuals moving from restricted psychiatric programs to independent living.

In nominating Mrs. Monaghan for the Community Award, Luz A. Moron explained, "She has always felt that even the most severely disabled psychiatric client has value and potential for making some contribution to society. She knew that having 'someplace to go, something to do, and someone to see' are of incalculable value to those who are mentally ill and that participation in the various programs at the Clubhouse develops confidence."

Congratulations to Arlene Monaghan, third recipient of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands' Community Award Program of $1,000!

Shaine Gaspard of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands announced that Dilsa Capdeville of Kidscope, Inc. is the fifth recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on October 15.

Ms. Capdeville, who holds a master’s degree in social work, established Kidscope, Inc., in October of 1997, based on her vision of a child advocacy center serving the community of St. Thomas and St. John. The services for children who have suffered abuse, neglect or sexual molestation include counseling, crisis intervention, forensic interviews, mentoring and social service referrals. Kidscope provides a comprehensive and child-friendly atmosphere for ill-treated children. Since its establishment, Executive Director Capdeville and the staff of Kidscope have served over 800 children in crisis and their families.

Recently Kidscope has expanded its services to include a Marriage and Family Program, Women’s Empowerment Groups, after-school programs, and a Bereavement Camp for children who have lost a parent or family member from violence. All programs are designed to build self-esteem and confidence, and guide children, women and families through healing and personal growth.

In nominating Ms. Capdeville for the Community Award, Child and Family Therapist Kimberly Forrester stated that Kidscope focuses “on getting the child’s needs met as quickly as possible.”

Congratulations to Dilsa Capdeville, fifth recipient of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands’ Community Award Program of $1,000!

The management of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands announced that Dwayne Maduro, President of the J.U.I.C.E. Flag Football Camp, is the sixth recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on October 29.

Mr. Maduro was one of the founders of the non-profit organization, established in 1997 to mentor boys and girls through the fundamental lessons and skills of football. The acronym JUICE stands for “Joint Unity In Children’s Education” and is based on emphasizing a respect for authority, honesty, integrity, citizenship, sportsmanship and teamwork. Over the summer, the organization partnered with the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation to produce the first Junior Flag Football Summer League for children from seven to 15 years of age. More than 100 children have participated in the overall program, which also regularly includes clean-up projects at schools and beaches.

Mr. Maduro explained in the application for the award that “being able to reach out to children through the sport of football has helped to deter several of them from going down the wrong path.” He added that “we are reaching our community’s youths at a critical time of their lives, even if it is one child at a time.” The $1,000 award will be used to expand training and assist in purchasing additional equipment for camp participants.

Congratulations to Dwayne Maduro of J.U.I.C.E. Flag Football Camp for receiving the Community Award of $1,000 from Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands!

Shaine Gaspard of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands has announced that Cheryl Francis, Founder of Stop the Bleeding Foundation, is the seventh recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on November 12.

Ms. Francis, wife of Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis, established Stop the Bleeding in 2008, to promote a “message of healing, education and peace” among the young people of the Virgin Islands. She launched a partnership with experienced community activists to develop initiatives to reduce violence in the community. To date, the organization has produced locally and nationally- recognized anti-violence public service announcements, held Youth Summits, and created the annual Neosoul Music Festival. The 2009 and 2010 festivals combined music and the arts to spread a message of non-violence, perceiving that positive behavior among young people can be influenced through words, music, lyrics, and artistic expression.

Janeen N. Lofton, co-chairperson of the St. Thomas-St. John Chapter of Stop the Bleeding, nominated Ms. Francis for the Community Award. She stated, “Mrs. Francis of STB deserves this award as this organization has made great strides aiding youth awareness that gun violence is not the solution.”

Congratulations to Cheryl Francis of Stop the Bleeding Foundation for receiving the Community Award of $1,000 from Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands!

The management of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands announced that Lydia Francis, Project Coordinator of the Blue Ribbon Campaign and District Manager of the Foster Care & Adoption unit of the Department of Human Services, is the eighth recipient of a $1,000 Community Award. The award was announced on November 26.

Ms. Francis has been coordinator of the Blue Ribbon Campaign, a foster parent recruitment and community educational activity that takes place in May, since joining the Department of Human Services three years ago. Under Ms. Francis’ leadership, in 2010 the Blue Ribbon Campaign was expanded to include musical and dance performances by local school groups and church organizations, as well as participation by community partners. Each performance was preceded by a plea for support of foster care services in the Territory.

Ms. Francis is passionate about the children in the foster care program, approximately 53 monthly in the St. Thomas-St. John District. She explained, “The children that we serve in foster care come from all walks of life, all races and all areas of our community. So in essence we serve all children because we never know which child may come into care at any point in time and we have to always be ready to provide appropriate homes and services that cover the many languages, lifestyles and academic abilities of our children.”

Congratulations to Lydia Francis of the Blue Ribbon Campaign for receiving the Community Award of $1,000 from Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands!

Roland Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Youth Lifeline America, is the ninth recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. Shaine Gaspard announced Mr. Williams' selection on December 10.

In 1999 Mr. Williams founded Youth Lifeline America, after completing eight years in the National Football League and winning the Super Bowl. Based on the premise of "Teaching Life Skills Through Arts, Entertainment & Sports," the organization produces summer football and life skills camps, goal achievement workshops, internships and celebrity outreach tours throughout the United States to provide motivation and opportunities for young people. Mr. Williams has produced two of these programs in the Virgin Islands, and most recently organized Toys for Life, the largest toy giveaway program in the Territory. Thousands of activity-based toys were distributed to elementary school students on all three islands during the week of December 6.

In nominating Mr. Williams for the Community Award, YLA Affiliate Janeen Lofton stated, "Mr. Williams of YLA deserves this award as his organization has made great improvements in the fabric of this community by giving young men direction and instructing all on the importance of an active lifestyle." His commitment to the young people of the Territory and the country are inspiring and unprecedented.

Congratulations to Roland Williams of Youth Lifeline America for being a recipient of Southland Gaming's Community Award of $1,000!

Joe Aubain, President of the Humane Society of St. Thomas, is the tenth recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. The management of the company announced Mr. Aubain’s selection on December 24. He is the last recipient of 2010, but there will be 15 more recipients announced in 2011.

Mr. Aubain has been President of the Humane Society for over eight years and has been a member of the Board of Directors for 11 years. It has been his mission to establish a new facility for the Humane Society, namely the Humane Care Campus nearing completion on Weymouth Rhymer Highway. The campus includes larger and more modern holding facilities for the island’s abandoned, abused and neglected animals, as well as an education center to teach children kindness and caring for all living things. Mr. Aubain has worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality, despite limited support from the community, and solely on a volunteer basis.

Mr. Aubain was nominated for the Community Award by fellow board member Cara Jo Hinton. In describing the reason behind her recommendation, Ms. Hinton stated, “Joe has invested so much of his personal life to this cause, I truly know no one else more deserving of such an award and recognition. Joe has not only changed the life of the animals on St. Thomas, he has made it possible to change the lives of our children as well.”

Congratulations to Joe Aubain of the Humane Society of St. Thomas for being a recipient of Southland Gaming’s Community Award of $1,000!

Dr. Alfred O. Heath is the 11th recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. Shaine Gaspard announced Dr. Heath’s selection on January 7. He is the first recipient to receive the award in 2011.

Dr. Heath is a well-known man around the community, with an outstanding record of service as a physician, humanist, philanthropist, flight surgeon, musician, and former Commissioner of Health. What is perhaps not so well-known is that Dr. Heath has been providing assistance to the people of Haiti for a number of years, primarily in the area of medical care. In the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck Haiti in January of 2010, he became more deeply involved and opened a relief center, in conjunction with the Haitian Association of the Virgin Islands, to collect supplies for the Haitian people. He flew several missions into the country, using his private plane, to carry medicine and supplies. During one trip, he performed more than a dozen surgeries on the injured.

Dr. Heath has been described as a "Renaissance man" because of the breadth and depth of his interests, talents and skills. In May of 2010, he received the Humanist Award from the Virgin Islands Humanities Council because of his contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. In nominating Dr. Heath for the Community Award, his friend Ann E. Barbel extolled Dr. Heath’s "talent, accomplishments and contributions which we find quite amazing. He is now 80 years old and still practicing medicine…."

Congratulations to Dr. Alfred O Heath for being a recipient of Southland Gaming's Community Award of $1,000!

Kayyon Harley of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor is the 12th recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. The management of the company announced Ms. Harley's selection on January 21. She is the first employee of the Government of the Virgin Islands to receive an award.

Ms. Harley is a Labor Veterans Employment Representative with the department, but to the people she serves, she is so much more. She provides extensive personal services to her clients, the Territory's veterans of military service. Currently she works with over 50 registered veterans and an additional 100 non-veterans in the District of St. Thomas-St. John, assisting them with job placements and referrals, outreach programs, preparation of resumes and similar documents, and assistance with federal and local veterans programs. In the 12 months she has held this position, her accomplishments have included initiating and enforcing a "Hire Vets First" program, achieving the highest job placements for one period in her department, organizing the annual Veterans Job Fair, and speaking at the 2010 Veterans Day activities.

Ms. Harley was nominated for the Community Award by one of her clients, Beverly P. Esau-Bridgewater. Ms. Esau-Bridgewater stated in her nomination, "As a veteran, I have personally experienced and benefitted from Ms. Harley's knowledge, creativity, determination, dependability, program services and unwavering support. In essence, Ms. Harley is trying to revive the spirit of patriotism to our beautiful Virgin Islands." She went on to explain that "Ms. Harley has efficiently utilized the various programs and services available in her capacity as Veterans Representative to be a source of emotional, organizational and informative support to me, during what I'll easily classify as the lowest period of my human existence."

Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands is proud to bestow the Community Award of $1,000 on Ms. Kayyon Harley for her work with our Territory's veterans.

Arthur and Linda Starr of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the U.S. Virgin Islands are the 13th joint recipients of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. Shaine Gaspard of the company announced this selection on February 4.

Rabbi Starr and his wife Linda established the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the U.S. Virgin Islands in March of 2010 to assist local children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. In the 10 months since the organization has been in existence, it has granted wishes to six children. Most recently, on January 27, four-year-old J'Len Ford was the group's latest "wish" recipient when he became a police officer, like his father, for one day. Dressed in a new uniform with a badge, he arrested "Terrible Tom" Bolt at Yacht Haven Grande. Later that day, J'Len's heroic act was recognized by Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. at Government House. Making this young child's wish come true required the joint cooperation of government agencies, businesses and individuals.

Arthur and Linda Starr were nominated for the Community Award by Dee Baecher-Brown, President of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Ms. Baecher-Brown stated in her application that the Starrs are "working to make our community a better place, harnessing the volunteers and financial resources in our community to provide opportunities for our children."

Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands is proud to bestow the Community Award of $1,000 on Arthur and Linda Starr for their work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the U.S. Virgin Islands and children with serious illnesses.

Jose Camacho of the Amazing Youth Drum Corp. is the 14th recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. The management of the company announced Mr. Camacho's selection on February 18.

Mr. Camacho founded the AY Drum Corp. in May of 1999, for the purpose of engaging young people in a positive activity that would steer them away from drugs and gun violence and at the same time teach them discipline and musical skills. He has worked with dozens of young people since that time. Under Mr. Camacho's leadership, the male and female members of the group perform marching drum routines punctuated with elaborate dance and steps. Because of the group's precision and skill, it has performed in countless local parades and at other public events. In 2006 the AY Drum Corp. won the championship at the Soualiga Drumfest in St. Maarten. Last August, the group was invited to perform at Disney World, where hundreds of spectators cheered the performers on.

By way of explanation, concerning the success of the program, Mr. Camacho stated that AY Drum Corp. shows "that young people can do positive thing in our community and lives."

Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands is proud to bestow the Community Award of $1,000 on Jose Camacho for his work with the Amazing Youth Drum Corp. and the young people of St. Thomas.

Raquel John-Baptiste of QLR Quality Services, Inc. is the 15th recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. Shaine Gaspard of the company announced Ms. John-Baptiste's selection on March 4.

Ms. John-Baptiste established QLR Quality Services in February of 2008 to provide home health care and other services to the elderly, infirm, those with limited mobility, and those recovering from serious medical situations. Regardless of income limitations, QLR works with these individuals to ensure that they maintain a certain level of independence, receive the care they need, have healthy meals, and live in a safe and clean environment. In 2009 Ms. John-Baptiste's organization established a partnership with the Department of Health to assist even more families and individuals with their home health needs. QLR staff members include qualified nurses, certified nursing assistants, trained home care aides, and staff trained in First Aid and CPR response. QLR Quality Services is a non-profit organization that is able to provide these services through the generosity of donations, grants and contributions.

In recommending Ms. John-Baptiste for the Community Award, Senator Shawn-Michael Malone stated, "I am not affiliated with QLR, however I have seen the need in the community for services like what QLR provides, as well as the improvement in the quality of life that can be made if these services extend to more in the community."

Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands is pleased to bestow the Community Award of $1,000 on Raquel John-Baptiste for establishing a program to help the most vulnerable people in our community - the elderly, the sick, and disabled. Congratulations to her!

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 070-16-02 is the 16th recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Community Award Program of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands. Shaine Gaspard of the company announced the decision on March 18.

This is the first organization to receive the prestigious Community Award and accompanying grant of $1,000. The St. Thomas Coast Guard Auxiliary was nominated by Rosemarie Moscia, an instructor and assistant security liaison with the group. The St. Thomas branch of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was established in 1980 and is a lead volunteer agency for Homeland Security. Staffed exclusively by volunteers, the organization receives no funding from either the Virgin Islands or federal government. The members of Flotilla 070-16-02 donate their own time and equipment, including watercraft and airplanes, to promote safety and security in the waters surrounding our islands.

For the last three decades, the volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary have promoted boating safety for owners and operators of vessels; provided educational sessions on navigation, weather and communications; participated in search and rescue missions on the water and in the air; conducted vessel patrols; visited area schools with information about the United States Coast Guard Academy and its summer program; and conducted daily radio watches to monitor the Marine Channel. Each of these programs is currently in operation. In addition the organization is in the process of refurbishing a vessel for use in its safety and rescue programs.

Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands is pleased to bestow the Community Award of $1,000 on United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 070-16-02 for its long-term and current contributions to the well-being of residents and visitors engaged in water activities around St. Thomas and St. John. Congratulations to this fine organization!