By Grace Q. Bryant
The 19th Street Parliament, a community-based gathering committed to social responsibility and advocacy, recently made a significant impact at the Center for Rehabilitation and Reintegration (CFRR) and the Journey Against Violence Rehabilitation Center.
The initiative held over the weekend was led by Speaker Valerie Jones-Pelham and the group visited both facilities to deliver essential items, including 30 bags of rice, mattresses, toiletries, and oil; as part of their annual outreach initiative.
In her heartfelt address, Speaker Jones-Pelham reiterated the Parliament’s commitment to helping the less fortunate, despite their own limited resources.
“We didn’t have much, but we know that ‘little becomes much when God is in it.’ This is from our hearts,” she said.
She encouraged the residents to remain hopeful and resilient, stating, “Transformation is possible. Respect your authorities, hold onto hope, and remember that with God, everything is possible.”
The visit offered encouragement and hope to residents who face immense challenges on their path to recovery.
Joshua Milton Blahyi, Executive Director of the Journey Against Violence Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Barclay, expressed deep gratitude for the donation.
“You emphasized that this is small, but it is not small at all. Acts of kindness like these are rare, and we wholeheartedly welcome and appreciate this blessing. Everything you’ve provided will be used for its intended purpose, directly benefiting these children,” he expressed.
Blahyi also highlighted the difficulties faced by many of the residents, who have been abandoned due to their struggles with addiction.
“Parents are often afraid that their children will harm others, but your kindness shows these young people that they are not forgotten,” he added.
Residents of CFRR shared personal stories and reflected on their struggles with addiction, emphasizing the need for continued support.
Patience P. Mulbah, a resident, described the intense challenges of overcoming addiction, referring to it as a “demonic habit” that is difficult to escape.
“Seeing people like you gives us hope. We pray that you continue to help not just us but others in need,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for the support provided by the 19th Street Parliament, emphasizing how their care and generosity give hope to those battling addiction.
She highlighted that many people in similar situations have been abandoned, but the group’s efforts demonstrate compassion and encouragement.
Mulbah prayed for the Parliament’s continued strength and urged them to keep supporting not just current residents but others in need, including those still struggling on the streets.
Jameslu M. Tucolon also thanked the Parliament, sharing her gratitude for their visit and donations.
“People outside the system don’t understand what we’re going through. Addiction is a disease, and we need continued support to overcome it,” she said.
She emphasized that addiction is a misunderstood condition, affecting the psychological and physical well-being of those suffering.
“Many people fail to comprehend the struggles of addiction”, he explained, urging the Parliament to maintain their commitment to helping residents and others in need.
She also expressed hope that their support would continue, recognizing its vital role in uplifting those working toward recovery.
Client Nathalia Ballah expressed gratitude for the support provided by the 19th Street Parliament and reflected on the challenges faced by youth, including the damaging influence of peer pressure and addiction.
She highlighted the negative impact of associating with the wrong peers, which can derail one’s future, and emphasized the urgency of addressing drug abuse among young people.
Ballah called for continued support, noting that many lives are being lost daily to these issues.
She concluded with prayers for the Parliament’s success and encouraged them to sustain their efforts to combat the growing crisis.
Miliett King Kangar, Executive Director of CFRR, commended the Parliament for their generosity. “This is a huge donation, and we are deeply grateful. These are our first batch of female residents, and the support we receive from groups like yours ensures that we can continue this critical work.”
Kangar emphasized the importance of helping those affected by addiction, regardless of personal connections noting, “You don’t have to have a child suffering from addiction to be affected by it. This work impacts all of us.”
The 19th Street Parliament has been active for over a decade, taking on various community projects, including installing road signs and building wells hand pumps among others.
George Tennessee Nimely, a founding member, reflected on the group’s journey. “We started with small projects, and now we are impacting lives. Our work with rehabilitation centers is particularly meaningful because these are the future leaders of our country.”
As the Parliament concluded their visit, they left behind a powerful message of hope, resilience, and transformation.
Their gesture was more than just a donation; it was a reminder to the residents that they are valued and capable of change.
They continue to inspire with its commitment to community upliftment, demonstrating that compassion and unity can address even the most complex societal challenges.
The group’s outreach initiative underscores the transformative power of compassion and collective action, reinforcing their commitment to uplifting communities and fostering hope for a brighter future.
