VIDHS Commissioner Averil George. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George announced on Monday the reopening of the St. John Multipurpose Center.
Speaking during the Gov't House weekly press briefing, the commissioner stated, “This center not only restores vital services, but reinforces our commitment to creating supportive environments where every resident can access assistance when they need it most."
The facility will “serve as a vital hub for programs that meet a variety of needs," she made known. Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and senior services will all be provided from the multipurpose center, with a weekly schedule to indicate which services are being offered on which days. Residents are encouraged to contact DHS for the center's schedule.
Ms. George also announced that the long-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony for the Cruz Bay Head Start facility will occur on November 6. She said the date speaks to the “dedication to early childhood education and a brighter future for our young learners,” adding that the Cruz Bay Head Start facility is one of six under construction across the territory. “This investment is part of a broader vision to strengthen our community by prioritizing the education and wellbeing of our youngest residents,” she stated.
A regional Head Start conference is also underway on St. Thomas, Ms. George disclosed. The event, which runs until October 31, convened 800 visitors from Head Start Region 2, which covers the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, New York and New Jersey. The hundreds of officials currently on St. Thomas will be discussing their shared commitment to supporting and enhancing Head Start and Early Head Start programs, Ms. George said.
