In the 1960s a day care centre for children from the Tunapuna region was established in East Trinidad, Macoya.

For a short time, the day care facility served its purpose of child development and community outreach. However, in 1994, the day care centre was remodeled into the Cyril Ross Home – a residential home for children living with HIV/AIDS – to meet a variety of other pressing needs, including the medical, emotional, spiritual and educational needs of young children and teenagers. Owned and operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Cyril Ross Home houses thirty-five (35) children between the ages of 2 and 18 years.

When asked what has been the Home’s biggest milestone in the last five years, Manager Claudia St. Bernard beamed as she spoke about its role in curtailing the number of HIV/AIDS related deaths. “When people ask what sort of impact we’re making, I always mention our role in curbing the number of deaths at the institution itself. The kids here receive anti-retroviral medication every month and it has been making a tremendous impact. It’s good to see a child, come in at an early age and live beyond childhood”

She continues, “We’ve also become a haven for the children who are usually in need of love, care and attention.” In 2011, statistics show that more than 13,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS in Trinidad. Claudia is happy that her home is able to make what she calls a ‘small’ but ‘important’ impact on society.

Even as Cyril Ross continues to make strides, Ms. St. Bernard is looking forward to developing their psycho-social needs even further.  She notes, “With all the care and medicine they receive, many of the residents still need to develop a sense of self-worth, self-esteem and healthy respect for authority. We would like to hire a trained professional, who can manage this for us.”

For the last nine years the Massy Foundation has provided annual grants in support of the NGOs work.