Project Promise, an international non-profit and humanitarian organization is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth on the island of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. In recognition of World Refugee Day, a recent media gathering showcased all the work that has been conducted and that still needs to be done in overall relief efforts.

This June marks the start of hurricane season. Many in the Caribbean are still displaced and day-to-day life is not back to normal. Founded by Resa O’Reilly in 2014, Project Promise has been instrumental in securing generators, food, clothing, beds, and most recently new furniture for families in need. Approaching their fifth year anniversary, the organization has announced a new alliance with Spirit Airlines who will be donating 10 round trip airline tickets and $1000.00 in relief funds. The partnership with Spirit will provide flights for Project Promise youth to travel across the US who will volunteer on a variety of humanitarian issues across the nation.

Resa O’ Reilly, Project Promise Founder

According to O’Reilly, “I felt a sense of responsibility to help children in my community live their best lives. Before creating Project Promise, I worked with youth throughout our community and recognized the many challenges that these children faced. I recognized the need for a holistic program and when the opportunity to create my own organization and curriculum presented itself, I accepted the challenge.” 

From life coaching and personal wellness to academic tutoring, community service, cultural programs, family services and more, Project Promise gives St. Croix’s at-risk youth an opportunity for positive change in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. As O’Reilly said, “In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, members of our community were suffering and Project Promise immediately stepped in to help. We helped our families in need by securing generators, food, clothing, beds, and most recently new furniture. In addition to helping these families with their physical needs, we recognized that emotional and psychological effects of the storm were taking its toll. As a result, in April we launched the St. Croix Trauma Intervention and Relief Project that trained members in the community to become Trauma Informed Life Coaches allowing them to visit hard hit areas and schools to work with residents, and students.”

Next month, Project Promise will travel to South Africa where they will continue their humanitarian efforts to coincide with Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday year.