Young women in St Vincent and the Grenadines faced with poverty, or who are the victims of domestic violence, will soon have a safe haven to turn to in their time of distress and despair.

This safe haven will be provided through the non-profit organization known as Esther’s Promise.

Although not fully functional yet, Esther’s Promise is already receiving requests for assistance, so the organization is fully aware of the present situation.

Vice Chairperson/Financial Advisor of Esther’s Promise, Laura Anthony Browne, spoke about the organization in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Saturday, August 13.

Browne, a former Director of Planning, said Esther’s Promise targets young women between the ages 18-25 who are looking for hope.

Speaking about the formation of Esther’s Promise, Browne said “We were looking to create a situation where we gave hope to young women.”

“We want to offer hope to the young women, especially women who are in situations of abuse and who are on situations of distress.”

“We want to provide for them a safe haven, a place where they can find themselves and find solace.”

Browne further explained that Esther’s Promise will seek to create an environment where battered young women not only find a safe haven, but also a place where they can learn a skill, to help lift them out of their difficult situation.

Additionally, persons seeking help and who are attending college will receive the required support.

These students will be given guidance and support through college and also after graduation, they will be helped to secure a job.

Browne sees this assistance as giving the young women grounding, so that they will be able “to stand on their feet and catch themselves.”

The group was formed in 2021 after the volcanic eruptions.

“There was a lot of concern for young women in particular, who were displaced and needed support.”

Browne shared that business executive Shafia London and lawyer Vynnette Frederick

were having early discussions on this matter, and they were also trying to decide how to respond to the situation.

“They got together and decided to contact me, to see if I would be willing to work with them in putting a solution together,” Browne recalled.

More intense meetings began in August last year, with the addition of Dr Jacqueline James Lyttle and Allison Green to the Group.

Early support for the group was also provided by Head of UWI Open Campus Debbie Dalrymple.

Browne said they decided to call the organization Esther’s Promise, based on the Biblical story of Esther who was brave and determined to do what was right.

At present Esther’s Promise is seeking a building to house its organization.

When found, the details of the location will not be made public, as the location will be used to provide temporary housing for women in distress.

Browne said at present “we are just trying to raise our financial profile.”

“We are moving towards our target purposefully,” Browne concluded.

Persons wishing to donate to Esther’s Promise, may to so at the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines, account Esther’s Promise.