WHO WE ARE
Facilitators of Change
At Friends of ROA, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Our core mission is to improve lives by facilitating and supporting projects in the areas of education, community health and wellbeing, health, and environment. Through our partnerships with community organizations, partnering with non-profit organizations, government entities, educational institutions, medical and environmental agencies, we are able to realize change, provide hope, and improve lives.
WHAT WE DO
Partner with others, Initiate with Compassion
Friends of ROA actively seeks to provide programs that meet the unique needs of the community of Roatan and the Bay Islands. Whether it's support of a meaningful community health and safety initiatives such as providing infrastructures to bring clean water to a community or providing safety equipment to our firefighters, in kind support in education, development of vocational programs for young adults, medical supply drives, or funding a community awareness program, we are here to partner and support the mission. Our inspiration is facilitating hope, positive change for the people who make Roatan the unique community it is.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
“Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just illusions.” --Michael Jordan
SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY SAFETY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
At Friends of ROA, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing the challenges community organizations face. We saw a need for improved safety gear to help our firefighters perform their jobs more effectively. Determination and concerted fundraising efforts resulted in an in-kind donation of almost $100,000 to provide new equipment to the Firefighters of Roatan.
A HELPING HAND, IN-KIND
There are times when it just takes a small contribution to change a life. Friends of ROA was contacted about Nicole, a public school making the transition to private school as the result of a scholarship, and her hard work. The only things she needed to start school. It may seem small, but we were able to provide her a computer that would facilitate her entry into private school. She continues at Bay Islands International School with success this 2021-2022 school year!
SCHOOL SATCHEL SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
The effects of COVID 19 on the island have been profound. An economy almost entirely dependent on the tourism industry, many families have struggled since March, 2020. Just this year, FOR has donated more than $15,000 in kind to help people get back on their feet.
PROVIDING RUNNING WATER TO COMMUNITIES
Friends of ROA is dedicated to stepping up our efforts in supporting infrastructural initiatives on Roatan. Currently we are working with communities in Sandy Bay's Balfate, building running water infrastructures to provide running water to individual dwellings. We have begun our pilot project, and are committed to continuing to bring clean running water to various villages of the Sandy Bay Colonia (el Balfate).
EMPOWERING YOUTH
Through partnership with educators and various community organizations, we provide opportunities to students, young working adults, and teachers. Whether it be helping a scholarship recipient find a computer to allow her to attend school, or sponsoring English classes for working youth to improve communications with clients and future vocational opportunities.
WAYS TO HELP
At Friends of R.O.A, we know the decision to donate or provide in-kind donations is very personal for each individual and family. Our programs aim to empower individuals to help through, volunteerism, donations, and in-kind support. A registered 501c3 organization, Friends of ROA seeks to foster community connection and give a hand to the people of Roatan where it is needed most.
