MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS) — Like a beacon at the top of a mountain, the Flankers Resource Centre in St James continues to shine a ray of hope for residents of the inner-city community it serves, in their search for a better life.

Formerly the Flankers Peace and Justice Centre, the non-profit facility, which was established in 2002, has withstood the test of time to blossom into one of Jamaica’s most recognized social institutions.

It remains central to key stakeholder engagements aimed at enhancing the economic, educational and social development of Flankers as well as elevating self-esteem and pride across the community.

Well over 10,000 persons reside in Flankers, which sits on the periphery of downtown Montego Bay and literally adjacent to the Sangster International Airport.

Demographic data from the Social Development Commission indicate that approximately 60 per cent of the residents are under age 30, which places greater demand on social services.

However, the Flankers Resource Centre has been successfully bridging that gap through the implementation of programmes aimed at improving parenting and life skills, literacy and creating an overall “feel good vibe” for the citizens, some of whom say they have had the misfortune of being told that they live at the “wrong address.”

The centre has facilitated training programmes conducted by the Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF), resulting in a number of residents being certified as mediators.

Additionally, community leaders and even citizens from outside the area volunteer to supervise and participate in a homework assistance programme, adult education night classes (remedial and CXC), computer classes, a skills training programme, a parent education programme, job search assistance, a welfare assistance programme, and an intervention programme for youth deemed at-risk.

Other activities embarked on include: the formation of a marching band; youth and senior citizens clubs; a cultural folk group; a domino club; youth crime watch initiative; and the Flankers Performing and Creative Arts Group, among other initiatives.

Centre Coordinator, Joan Munroe Green, welcomes the level of interventions and engagements that have been facilitated.

She says that the Centre has been making a marked difference in improving the quality of life for the citizens over the years, while creating opportunities, especially for the youth.

“I feel that the Flankers Resource Centre has been creating a positive environment and providing the citizens with the (tools) needed for their empowerment,” Munroe Green adds.

Following its establishment 15 years ago by the DRF with financial support from the then Canadian International Development Agency (now Global Affairs Canada), residents of the community, headed by founding Programmes Coordinator, the late Marilyn Nash, volunteered to assist in staging numerous of accredited training programmes, including the much talked about mediation programme.

Fast forward to 2017, Munroe Green says the Centre, which began as a place where mediation was done, has evolved into a resource centre which is open to everyone resident requiring its wide ranging services.

Munroe Green, who is a Justice of the Peace (JP), says the Resource Centre’s inputs form part of efforts to change any negative public perception about the community as well as open new doors for the citizens.

“Residents of our community have in the past been overlooked for good jobs and other opportunities because they were deemed to be from the wrong address. We are determined to change that stigma and, so far, we have been very successful,” she points out.

Munroe Green further says that the police, civic organizations and corporate companies have been instrumental in the community’s rebranding efforts, adding that “we are now bringing a new thinking to everyone that Flankers is the place to live, work, do business and raise families.”

“The community is also now viewed as the ‘right address’, as a number of our residents are now gainfully employed to reputable companies in various sectors and have been proving to be productive citizens,” she shares.

Munroe Green notes the success stories coming out of Flankers over the last 15 years are indicative of a community whose residents are very proud people.

“Our children have been doing extremely well in the performing and creative arts and have copped several medals in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission competitions.

Additionally, we have a number of university and other tertiary students living here, including PhD candidates, nurses, teachers, members of the security forces and other professionals, who are all proud to give Flankers as their address,” she states.