Friends of the Care Project at a Glance

Creating Opportunities. Changing Lives.

Since 2011, Friends of the Care Project has supported children, young people and adults with disabilities across Antigua and Barbuda through specialist education, therapy, family support and lifelong opportunities.

Who We Are

Established - 2011
Founder & President - Mrs Annette Carey MBE
Chief Executive Officer - Mrs Janine Darling
Principal - Mr Raphael Robinson
Centre Manager - Mrs Kate James
Ministry Accreditation - Special Needs Education Provider (Zone 4)

Our Patrons

• His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams

• Her Excellency Lady Sandra Williams

• Ambassador Calvin Ayre

Our Board of Directors

• Mr Junior James

• Mr James Richards

• Dr Kwasi Tonge

• Mr Jason Tiwari, LL.B (Hons), L.E.C., C.Dir., Attorney-at-Law

• Mr Paul Carey

• Mr Hiram Morrisey

What We Do

• Specialist education for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (18 months–10 years)

• Community Outreach for children with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Adult Outreach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and mental health needs

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children attending the Friends Development Centre

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Sensory integration

• Autism support

• Nursing support

• Family support

• Functional literacy and numeracy

• Advocacy and Community Programmes

Our Vision

To provide a lifelong pathway of support, ensuring that every child, young person and adult with a disability has the opportunity to learn, develop, participate and live with dignity.

Meet the Team

ANNETTE CAREY, MBE - FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF FRIENDS OF THE CARE PROJECT

When Friends of the Care Project was established in 2011, it began with a simple belief: every child and adult with a disability deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, be included and live with dignity.

What began as a vision to support a small number of families has grown into an organisation providing specialist education, therapy, outreach services and lifelong opportunities for children, young people and adults across Antigua and Barbuda. While much has changed over the years, our purpose has remained constant: to place each individual and their family at the heart of everything we do.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, partners, donors and the many families who have placed their trust in us.

Together, we have built more than a charity—we have built a community where people are valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

As we look to the future, our ambition is to continue expanding our services so that no individual is left behind. Through the development of our Middle-Level Programme, Early Intervention Baby Unit, Therapeutic Sensory Garden, Intellectual Disability Forum and Community Food Bank, we are building a stronger foundation for future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Friends of the Care Project. I hope this report demonstrates the impact of our work and inspires you to join us in creating a more inclusive Antigua and Barbuda, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Annette Carey MBE

Janine darling, ceo OF FRIENDS OF THE CARE PROJECT

Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to learn about Friends of the Care Project.

Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the resilience, determination and achievements of the children, young people, adults and families we support. Their journeys remind us that with the right opportunities, encouragement and specialist support, barriers can be overcome and potential can be realised.

Since joining Friends of the Care Project, I have been inspired by the passion of our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, partners and supporters. Together, we are creating an environment where individuals are valued, families are supported and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.

None of this would be possible without the generosity and collaboration of our donors, government partners, charitable foundations, businesses and local community. Your support enables us to continue transforming lives and building a more inclusive Antigua and Barbuda.

Together, we are creating opportunities, changing lives and building a stronger future for the children, young people and adults we support - today and for generations to come.

Janine Darling

Chief Executive Officer

Know the Journey

Our Journey in Numbers 2011 – The Beginning

Friends of the Care Project was established to improve opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

2012–2015 – Building Foundations

• Friends Development Centre established

• Individual Education Plans introduced

• Specialist therapy services expanded

2016 – A Permanent Home

Secured a 99-year Crown lease at Holberton Hospital Campus, creating a long-term base for specialist disability services.

2017–2020 – Growing Our Reach

Community Outreach expanded, increasing access to specialist support for families across Antigua.

2021–2023 – Supporting Every Stage of Life

Adult Outreach expanded to provide lifelong learning, independence and community participation.

2024 – Strengthening Partnerships

Family support services grew, alongside closer collaboration with government, healthcare professionals and community organisations.

2025 – Planning for the Future

Plans completed for the Middle-Level Programme, Sensory Garden, Adult Outreach Centre and Community Food Bank expansion.

2026 – Creating New Opportunities

Development of the FOTCP Intellectual Disability Forum, a specialist curriculum informed by UK practice, and continued expansion of services.

Looking Ahead

Our vision is to expand specialist services, strengthen partnerships and ensure that every child, young person and adult with a disability has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our vision is already becoming a reality. The young man featured here first joined Friends of the Care Project as a toddler. Now in his twenties, he has grown alongside our organisation into a confident and increasingly independent young adult. Despite significant physical disabilities, his journey demonstrates the life-changing impact of early intervention, ongoing support and believing in a person's abilities rather than their limitations.

"Every journey begins with a single opportunity. With the right support, potential becomes possibility."

Our Work Matters

Every Person Deserves the Opportunity to Thrive

A disability should never define a person's future. Yet for many children, young people and adults in Antigua and Barbuda, access to specialist education, therapy and ongoing support remains limited. Families can face uncertainty, financial pressure and the challenge of navigating services while ensuring their loved one receives the support they need.

At Friends of the Care Project, we believe ability should always be recognised before disability. Every individual has unique strengths, talents and potential. With the right support, opportunities and encouragement, lives can be transformed.

Our approach extends beyond education and therapy. We provide a lifelong pathway of support that empowers individuals to develop independence, confidence and life skills, while ensuring families receive the guidance and practical assistance they need.

By working in partnership with families, healthcare professionals, educators, government and the wider community, we are helping to create a more inclusive society where people with disabilities are valued, respected and given every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Every milestone matters. A first step. A first word. A new friendship. A new skill. These achievements may seem small to others, but to the individuals and families we support, they represent life-changing moments and a future filled with possibility.