Empowering & Changing Lives Through One Family Programme

We’ve heard it so many times before: life can change in an instant.

A sudden illness, loss of income, or unexpected life event can shift the course of a family’s future, bringing challenges that might affect not just finances but confidence, independence, and overall well-being.

Recognising these realities, the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs does its part to continue supporting vulnerable households through the One Family Programme, an initiative designed to empower individuals and families by addressing the many factors that might influence their quality of life.

Perhaps what separates this programme from other traditional assistance programmes is the fact that One Family takes a holistic approach, focusing on building resilience and self-reliance rather than just dependency.

According to Family Empowerment Officer, Shaneen Kennedy, the programme is centred around helping individuals build futures. “For me, it really comes down to sustainability in people’s lives. When we work with families, we are not just looking at social issues, we are also looking at economic stability and how we can help persons build a future where they are able to stand on their own two feet.

“The One Family Programme is not about simply giving someone assistance for a short period of time. It is about ensuring that when we leave that household, the family has the tools and the confidence to move forward independently,” Ms. Kennedy said.

A Holistic Approach to Empowerment

The One Family Programme examines multiple aspects of a participant’s life, while recognising that these challenges are often interconnected.

Senior Family Empowerment Officer, Damali Daniels, explained that the programme addresses these realities through a comprehensive framework.

“The One Family Programme looks at what we call the seven pillars of a person’s life. When one area is affected, it often impacts the others as well. For example, if someone does not have access to education or employment, that may affect their housing situation or their income. So, the programme works holistically to ensure that all those areas are addressed. It’s like a life plan, where we work alongside families to help them move toward a better standard of living.”

Ms. Daniels added that her passion for the programme is rooted in her own experiences. “For me, what drew me to the One Family Programme was the idea of empowerment. Growing up, I did not always have everything that other people might have had, and that made me want to be in a position where I could help others build better lives for themselves. The One Family Programme encourages people to become self-reliant. It is not about creating dependency, it is about guiding individuals and families so they can achieve their goals and create opportunities for themselves.”

Changing Perceptions Around Disability

A key focus of the programme is supporting persons living with disabilities, while also encouraging broader inclusion across society. Ms. Kennedy stressed that the programme focuses on ability rather than limitation.

“When we work with persons with disabilities, we do not see them through a medical lens. We see them as individuals with strengths, talents, and potential. Just like anyone else, they have abilities and goals, and our role is to help them recognise those strengths and use them to achieve what they want in life.”

“The One Family Programme is not about simply giving someone assistance for a short period of time. It is about ensuring that when we leave that household, the family has the tools and the confidence to move forward independently.”Family Empowerment Officer, Shaneen Kennedy

She also noted that more can be done to improve accessibility and inclusion across Barbados.

“There are still many businesses that are not wheelchair accessible, which means that persons who use wheelchairs cannot easily enter those spaces. In terms of employment, there are also many qualified individuals with disabilities who are willing and able to work, but the workplace environment may not always accommodate them. So, there is definitely room for improvement to ensure that no one in the disability community is left behind.” 

Ms. Daniels agreed, adding that opportunity is key. “There are persons with disabilities who have the qualifications, the drive, and the willingness to work. What they need is opportunity. If we provide that opportunity and create environments that are inclusive, they can contribute just like anyone else and become self-sufficient.”

A Journey of Resilience

For programme participant Tonia Holder-Springer, the One Family Programme has been a source of strength during one of the most challenging periods of her life. Four years ago, she underwent an above-knee amputation after complications related to blood clots.

“It all started about four years ago when I had my left leg amputated above the knee. At the time, it was really hard. There were days that were good and days that were bad, and mentally it was very challenging, but I managed to come through it. Even though I had lost my leg, I did not see myself as a disabled person at first because I still felt able-bodied in my mind and my family still treated me the same way,” Ms. Holder-Springer stated.

Over time, she said, she had to adjust to a new reality. “Coming into the One Family Programmehelped me a lot. It changed the way I look at life and helped me see things from a different perspective. The programme does not just give you things, it helps shape you and your household and encourages you to see better in yourself.”

Ms. Holder-Springer emphasised that the programme goes beyond providing material support. “TheOne Family Programme is not a programme that just gives you things freely. The social workers want you to see better in yourself and to do things for yourself. When people see you helping yourself, they will help you. It helped me become more independent and develop a better mindset towards life,” she stated.

She also highlighted the importance of the relationships formed through the programme. “My social workers have been amazing. From the first time we met, we connected. They were down-to-earth, supportive, and always willing to help find solutions. It is not just them doing their job, it feels like a real relationship and a support system, and that has made a big difference for me,” Ms. Holder-Springer said.

“Coming into the One Family Programme helped me a lot. It changed the way I look at life and helped me see things from a different perspective. The programme does not just give you things, it helps shape you and your household and encourages you to see better in yourself.”One Family Programme participant, Tonia Holder Springer

Empowerment lives at the heart of the programme. Many of the officers who work within the programme, see the job as an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and describe the experience as both meaningful and rewarding.     

Ms. Kennedy noted that even small impacts matter. “Even if I just make a difference in one person’s life, that is enough for me, because I know that I have made a difference.”

Ms. Daniels echoed that sentiment. “That one difference might mean something big for someone else that you might not even realise. At the end of the day, we are empowered by the work that we do.”

One Family Programme is Building Stronger Communities

The programme’s focus on empowerment, inclusion, and long-term stability continues to play an important role in the strengthening of families across Barbados.

The initiative prides itself on addressing not only the immediate needs of families, but also the underlying factors that can affect their overall wellbeing. This initiative continues to help individuals build more resilient and independent lives.

For participants like Tonia Holder-Springer, the programme represents more than support – it represents a pathway forward. And for Barbados, it is a reminder that when families are empowered, communities grow stronger. (PR/GIS)