In a time of need, tools, resources and a support system are essential to getting back on your feet. Earlier this year, the Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Foundation promised to help at-risk women, girls and their families.
In February, the Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Foundation made a financial contribution to the Mizpeh Halfway House in Sangre Grande. Its name, symbolic of “a place for change,” represents its important humanitarian work. In general, it provides counselling, skill development, rehabilitation, counsellor training community seminars and school outreaches, and can house over a dozen occupants. It also has a dedicated faculty on-site including chefs, caretakers and clerks.
Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Foundation’s total financial contribution to the Mizpeh Halfway House was TT$100,000. This helped to redo the flooring, plumbing, electric, doorways and existing windows at the centre. These renovations were mainly in the living room, kitchen, restrooms, waiting rooms and conference rooms. Reverend Noriega, who established the organisation herself, welcomed Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Foundation staff members and managers into the space as they commemorated the partnership with a prestigious trophy plaque.
Throughout the year, multiple donations of this size and magnitude were made on behalf of Digicel’s Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) programme. The EPIC programme was created in 2016 and specialises in small-scale 6-8 week developmental proposals. These can be either interior or exterior jobs, and previous partnerships have revamped libraries, computer labs and fitness centres. In the four years between 2016 and 2020, EPIC projects have served more than 31,000 citizens throughout the Caribbean nation.
The Mizpeh Halfway House
The Mizpeh Halfway House is both a non-profit and nongovernmental entity situated in north-east Trinidad. It has grown and sustained itself through the help of allies and patrons. In 1995, it received a government grant of TT$50,000. This allowed the centre to open its doors to the public in 1996. Soon after, it became a registered non-profit under the Non-Profit Organisations Act of 2019. Additionally, it was named a Oklahoma Army National Guard Civilian project, which put an expansive addition onto the six-bedroom home.
For more than 40 years, it has helped women going through times of financial, emotional or relationship challenges. Its guiding mission and charitable work was vital during the COVID-19 pandemic when so many around the world struggled to secure everyday necessities, including a roof over their head, proper clothes and nutritional food.
On the Mizpeh Halfway House Facebook, frequent posts are made about its history, the grounds of the property and its global fundraising campaigns. In addition, seasonal posts are made about community engagement events like holiday toy drives. The organisation often uplifts its followers through religious messages of strength and perseverance.