The Village VI Partners in Recovery team, one of the Virgin Islands’ only residential treatment facilities for individuals battling addiction, opened its doors last Friday for an open house. The event not only raised awareness about addiction recovery services but also celebrated stories of hope and transformation.
According to Brandy Brookes, prevention coordinator at The Village, the open house is a vital opportunity to connect with the wider community. “The Village is one of the only residential treatment facilities for people who are dealing with addiction in the territory,” Brookes said. “We’ve been around the longest, and as a nonprofit, we pull in residents from all over who need care. It’s important for people to know that we’re still here and continuing to serve.”
The Village’s Sion Hill location houses approximately 20 residents at any given time, providing around-the-clock care and support. In addition to its residential program, the organization has expanded its prevention and outpatient treatment services, particularly for youth ages 12 to 25. “Our prevention program is newer,” Brookes explained. “We go to schools and teach students about behavioral health so they can make better decisions and hopefully avoid addiction in the future.”
The open house, held in partnership with Senator-at-Large Angel Bolques Jr., brought together community members, government officials, and former clients. Brookes expressed gratitude for the senator’s support. “Senator Bolques came to our first open house two years ago and encouraged us to continue. This year, he helped with sponsorships and made sure we had what we needed to host this event,” she said.
Bolques also praised the courage of those in recovery. “I am proud of you. It takes a huge amount of courage, determination, and perseverance to decide that you are ready to change your life,” he said.
Sen. Clifford Joseph and Sen. Kurt Vialet were present, and acknowledgments were also given to Sen. Novelle Francis Jr., in recognition of their continued advocacy for recovery services.
Among the guest speakers were Government of the Virgin Islands Administrator Sammuel Sanes, Police Chief Uston A. Cornelius, and Damian Lang, a representative from the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, who shared a personal story about his brother’s journey through The Village. “He spoke about how addiction impacted his family and the power of recovery,” Brookes recalled.
Another moving testimony came from Jamila Russell, who spoke about being the daughter of someone who successfully completed treatment at The Village. “Her mother has been sober for 17 years,” Brookes said. “She shared how her mother was able to become the parent she never had—it was a very emotional and powerful moment.”
Former client Maxwell Peters, who recently completed his treatment, also addressed the audience. He is now employed at The Village as a houseman, providing mentorship and maintaining structure for current residents. “It’s inspiring to see someone who has come full circle,” Brookes said. “He knows exactly what our residents are going through.”
Brookes emphasized that while the event celebrated recovery, it also highlighted the ongoing challenges nonprofits face, particularly around funding. “Most nonprofits in the territory are severely underfunded,” she noted. “We’re providing services that often fill the gap where government programs don’t exist. Despite limited funding, we continue to serve those most in need,” she said.
Through the open house, The Village received donations of food, hygiene products, and household items, and even secured a new dryer to replace one that had broken. “Businesses and community members really came through for us,” Brookes said. “Someone even volunteered to host art classes with our residents, which is the kind of community involvement we love to see.”
Looking ahead, The Village hopes to expand its programs and restore services for mothers with children, a program previously offered but paused due to a lack of funding. “Many women don’t seek treatment because they worry about what will happen to their kids,” Brookes explained. “We’re working to change that.”
Brookes said the open house was a reminder that everyone can play a role in supporting recovery. “Not everyone can work in this field, but there are always ways to give back,” she said. “Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or just spreading awareness, every bit helps someone on their journey to recovery.”
The Village VI Partners in Recovery provides residential substance use treatment and prevention programs designed to meet the unique needs of adults and children. Services include safe residential care, one-on-one and group counseling, aftercare support, relapse prevention strategies, substance use prevention and education, job readiness and educational counseling, family and parenting support, youth life skills programs, and youth outpatient treatment.
For more information, contact Treatment Director Carita Stevens-Gumbs at 340-244-1396 or email carita.stevens@westcare.com.
