Amitabh Sharma, Features Writer

Joan Amin picking eggs in the chicken shed at the Best Care Foundation. - Amitabh Sharma photo

Lincoln Mark Blair, 33, won silver and bronze medals at the Seventh International Special Olympics Summer Games 1987, held in Indiana.

"The silver was for the tennis ball throw and and bronze for the walk race," said Lincoln, his face bright as he spoke of his achievement.

Lincoln's 'home' is a dormitory which he shares with 23 other boys at the Best Care Foundation, off Half-Way Tree Road in St Andrew.

"The children at the foundation were all abandoned at birth," said Margaret Loney, child care manager at the Best Care home. "Some of them have been living there for over 30 years and for them, this is the only home they know."

The foundation, which started in 1972 as Best Care Home, houses a poultry project. "We sell eggs and chicken to the supermarkets," said Loney. "This generates income for us and we use some at the home."

Mentally challenged

Joan Amin is mentally challenged and has been living at the home for 30 years. Her favourite spot on the property is the chicken shed.

Joan feeds the chicken and picks the eggs. "I love to be with the chicken," she said. "I want them to come out and play with me and I always tell them to behave themselves," said Joan.

Joan helps in the day to day affairs of the home. She overlooks the children at the special school, helps with the laundry and also assists the staff in running errands. Joan also has a job which causes her to travel to Barbican. "I pack almonds, fruits and take out orange juice (extracts and bottles orange juice)," she said.

Best Care Children's Home, which houses 49 children, has been working with other organisations to provide skills training and schooling.

Lincoln has been trained in woodwork, but his love lies in sports.

"I want to be a coach," said Lincoln "I want to train the young people in cricket and football."

His hero

Chris Gayle is his hero; he wants to be an all rounder like him. "I try to catch up with the games on television," said Lincoln.

"One of the major projects that we plan to undertake is to build a stimulation centre for the severely mentally retarded children," said Loney.

The proposed project is being partly sponsored by 'Proxy Parents' but they need additional resources to take the project off the starting block. "This is going to cost $400,000," said Loney. "It would be great if someone could come forward and assist with the project."

The home is dependent on donations and assistance from organisations, service clubs and individuals. "Last year, students from the University of the West Indies remodelled the bathroom," said Loney. "This year, they will be refurbishing the laundry."

"One thing we really need is an abundant supply of cleaning agents and sanitising products," said Loney.

The foundation

The Best Care Children's Home was founded in 1976 and in 1984, the St Andrew Junior Chamber established the Best Care Foundation. The foundation has 20 employees, including special education teachers and attendants. They can be reached at The Best Care Foundation, 11 Trevennion Road, Kingston 5. Tel: 960-3620. Fax: 929-6869, email: bestcare@cybervale.com. Website: www.imexpages.com/bestcare.

'Making a difference' is an initiative to highlight the work of service clubs and social organisations in Jamaica which are transforming communities across the country. We invite organisations which are working towards a cause to participate in this endeavour. Contact: amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com