ABOUT THE HOME
The Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home (TVMH) , is a renowned institution dedicated to providing care and support for children with physical and mental disabilities. Named in honor of Thelma Vaughan, a compassionate advocate for the disabled, the home was established to continue her legacy of service and commitment to this vulnerable population. It offers a nurturing environment where children receive not only medical care but also educational opportunities and therapeutic support to enhance their quality of life.
The home is equipped with a range of facilities designed to meet the specific needs of its residents. These include specialized classrooms, physiotherapy rooms, and recreational areas where children can engage in various activities that promote physical and cognitive development. The staff at the Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home comprises trained professionals, including nurses, therapists, and educators, who work collaboratively to create individualized care plans for each child. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the children’s well-being are addressed, fostering a sense of independence and self-worth.
Community support plays a vital role in the operation and sustainability of the Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home. Local organizations, volunteers, and donors frequently contribute resources and time to assist with the home’s programs and initiatives. Fundraising events and awareness campaigns are regularly held to garner public support and ensure the continuation of services. Through these collective efforts, the Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home continues to be a beacon of hope and a pillar of support for children with disabilities in Barbados, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and compassion.
The Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home was opened during April 1971 on lands at Glebe Land, St. George, owned by the Anglican Church. It was first institution for physically disabled children in Barbados offering 24-hour residential care and was named in honour of Thelma Vaughan, a social worker in Barbados from the 1940s to the 1960s.
It started with four residents but as the numbers grew, expansion was necessary in 1975 the Accommodation block was added. Further expansion came in 2003 with the construction of the Francis Blackman Building- named after a former chairman- which offered semi-independent living to adult residents. Since then, the Home has expanded its portfolio of services to offer respite care to children who are physically disabled. It is envisaged that this need will outstrip the that for fulltime residential care since parents and guardians are now more likely to opt for part-time rather than full-time residential care for their children or guardians.
Aspirations of the TVMH
The Home aims to provide a place of love and security for physically disabled people and to enable them to develop to their fullest potential despite their particular disability.
The Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home is an associate member of the Barbados Council for the disabled.
ABOUT
Thelma Vaughan: Stepping in Front
Thelma Vaughan was the wife of Hilton Vaughan, a distinguished person who was a former Minister of Government without portfolio, as well as Attorney General and Editor of the Barbados Reporter (a local newspaper).
Thelma Vaughn distinguished herself and carved a niche for herself beyond the shadow of her politically illustrious husband. After leaving school, Vaughan commenced her teaching career at St. Paul’s Girl’s school. She soon resigned from the profession and shortly after joined the Barbados Welfare Limited. In 1944, she went to Jamaica where she became involved in the second social welfare course organized by Professor T.S. Simey who at that time was Social Welfare Officer of the Colonial Development and Welfare Organization.
Upon her return to the island, Vaughan worked mainly in the parish of St. Andrew but gave her time freely to similar welfare committees in other parishes throughout the island with special emphasis for day care services for children. In 1946, just two years after leaving the teaching profession she was awarded a Scholarship to the London School of Economics (LSE) where she obtained the Diploma in Social Science. She returned to the island in 1948 and one year later was appointed to the post of District Officer when the social welfare department was created.
Hers was a rapid rise given the relative lack of mobility for women during the period. After acting in the post of District Officer for a mere nine month she was promoted to Senior District Welfare Officer following the departure of Ms Betty Arne in 1950. After a decade, her appointment was finally confirmed effective September 25th 1960. After a storied and successful career in education and later, the social services, Vaughn died on March 10th 1966. The Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home, established in 1971 with Violet Baird as its first Matron which is situated at the Glebe in St. George is named in her honor. Today the home caters to children and adults with both physical and development challenges ranging from age 3- 18. In addition to being the wife of Hilton Vaughan she was also the sister of the late Daphne Joseph Hackett.
The Thelma Vaughan Memorial is a lasting testament to the legacy of Thelma Vaughan.
Credit: Sylyan Spooner, The University of the West Indies.
The Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home is an associate member of the Barbados Council for the disabled.
