The Centre for Counselling Addiction Support Alternatives (CASA) has issued an urgent call for greater financial support from corporate Barbados as the organisation marks its 25th anniversary of service to Barbados and neighbouring Caribbean islands.
Speaking at a special church service at St Leonard’s Anglican Church, Senior Counsellor and Coordinator of Services at CASA, Sherryl Griffith, expressed gratitude for past support but is concerned about the organisation’s ongoing financial challenges.
Griffith shared that while CASA continues to provide critical services to individuals and families battling substance abuse, mental health issues, and other social challenges, the organisation finds it difficult to secure adequate funding.
“CASA is still struggling to get assistance from corporate Barbados. All we’re asking for is that sponsorship be afforded to the organisation on a regular basis to ensure we can adequately and effectively continue to offer the excellent quality of service to our residents and Caribbean neighbours when the need arises,” she said.
CASA, located on Westbury Road, has provided counselling, rehabilitation, and outreach services for 25 years.
It relies heavily on donations and grants to continue its mission. The organisation receives a quarterly subvention from the government and charges a nominal fee for its services.
Griffith lamented that these sources alone struggle to meet the growing demand for CASA’s programmes.
“CASA is still standing strong and giving excellent and valuable service to our young people and adults across our republic,” Griffith stated.
CASA’s services include individual and family counselling, drug testing, non-medical detoxification, and mental health support, along with youth programmes and community outreach initiatives.
Griffith recognised key contributors, including the Sandy Lane Charitable Children’s Trust and the Maria Holder Charitable Trust, who have sponsored the organisation’s youth programmes for several years.
Griffith made an impassioned plea, “Help us to help our fellow man and ensure a healthy, safe, and happy environment in which we all reside.” (LG)
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