Management and staff at Sister Emma Cottage (SEC) were very excited for the children to receive a long-awaited and well-deserved (Americans with Disabilities Act) ADA van this week for transport. A third of the cost of the van was subsidized by a $25,000 contribution from Alpine Securities.
“Alpine has always been dedicated to helping those in the community that can’t always help themselves; so, we are happy to continue our support of Lutheran Social Services. We are grateful for the opportunity to offer this to the community and excited that it is going to increase the quality of life for so many that are served by this organization,” said Vernon Araujo, director of philanthropy and community relations of Alpine Securities.
Alpine Securities has a long history of supporting Lutheran Social Services of the VI (LSSVI). It has given hospital beds to Sister Emma Cottage in the past as well as monetary donations and boxes of toys to the Queen Louise Home. The blessing of this van has been a year in the making. The children at Sister Emma Cottage are often wheelchair-bound and need special accommodations to be mobile.
“It is a greatly appreciated donation. We are delighted to have a reliable working van at Sister Emma Cottage. It relieves us of any additional anxiety that can come from not knowing if we will be able to get our residents in time to where medical care is available to them.” said Uklyn Hendricks, Queen Louise Home director.
Transportation had proven to be difficult without a van as the children and staff at Sister Emma Cottage were left to rely on public transportation. This often led to late or missed medical appointments and community events. However, with the blessed arrival of the new ADA van, those at Sister Emma Cottage now have the means to travel with ease in a vehicle that is spacious and accommodates their wheelchairs.
“Everybody is excited about the van and to take field trips. We don’t have to wait on the bus to go to doctor’s appointments or worry about it being late. The staff was screaming with joy after seeing the van. We love the color and how spacious it is; the children with their wheelchairs and the staff can all fit. Everyone is very happy and excited. Thank you to Alpine for thinking of us,” said Phillipa Hypolite, Sister Emma Cottage coordinator.
The Sister Emma Cottage (SEC) is a 24-hour facility that provides residential care to children and young adults who have physical and developmental disabilities. It is a sector of the Queen Louise Home for Children, a 24-hour residential foster care for children in the Virgin Islands.
The program is a part of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, which is the largest private child and family services agency in the U.S. Virgin Islands. LSSVI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and an equal opportunity employer.
