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  • (441) 296-0016
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Champions Program

Program Overview

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
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The GSP Champions Program provides essential tools and resources to biological children who have lost a parent due to gun and gang-related homicide. As the only entity in Bermuda that specifically supports this demographic, our goal is to ensure these children grow into healthy, functioning adults who have healed from their trauma. Our comprehensive approach includes both critical and therapeutic services designed to address symptoms of grief, loss, and trauma. Children from newborn to 18 years old.

History

The Champions Program was founded by Dr. Gina Spence-Virgil following the tragic loss of her son-in-law to gun violence in 2010. Witnessing the profound impact on her daughter and grandson, Dr. Spence-Virgil discovered a significant lack of local support. She collaborated with Comfort Zone, the world's largest bereavement camp for children and families, to establish Bermuda's first Grief Awareness Conference. This initiative laid the foundation for the Champions Program, which has since supported over 75 of the 88 recorded children and families affected by similar tragedies .

Forms of Support

Individual Counseling: Personalized therapy sessions for children.
Family Counseling: Supportive therapy for the entire family unit.
Case Management: Comprehensive management of each child’s unique needs.
Grocery and Pharmaceutical Vouchers: Financial assistance for essential needs.

Educational Financial Aid: Support for school expenses and educational needs.
Extracurricular Activity Scholarships: Funding for participation in extracurricular activities.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much, it was desperately needed, especially with me being the only one working in my house and being a single mother. It is helping me carry this burden on behalf of my family. More importantly, thank you for your prayers. They were timely and much needed."
Champion A
Champion A
"Thank you for the support and prayers. It is much appreciated. The assistance with groceries and medicine saved me from so much stress. Some days are good and some days are bad, but today is good because of GSP. Thank you so much."
Champion B
Champion B
"Thank you so, so much for your prayers and support. Your team is so sweet and kind. I feel so safe confiding in GSP about my struggles. Words can't express the depth of my gratitude for GSP. Thank you!"
Champion C
Champion C
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Program Structure

MAKE A DONATION
BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Prevention

Grief and loss education, awareness training, and workshops.

Intervention​

  • 24-hour on-call crisis response for immediate support to the scene or location of the children left behind following a traumatic loss.
  • Therapeutic counseling and case management services.

Stabilization

  • Emergency housing for temporary affordable accommodation.
  • Financial programs for basic needs (food, shelter, clothing).
  • Scholarships and sponsorships for summer camps and pro-social activities .

Program Goals

  1. Host Champions Weekend Retreats: For both children and their families.
  2. Monthly Financial Support: Continued provision of financial aid for food and medication.
  3. Staff Expansion: Identify and address staffing needs to enhance the clinical team.
  4. Secure Multi-Year Sponsorships: Establish long-term partnerships with sponsors and donors.
  5. New Program Initiatives: Roll-out two new supporting activities/programs to support program growth .

Successes to Date

  • Free Services: All program services are provided free of charge due to generous donations.
  • Support Provided: Over 50% of children and families affected by gun violence have received support.
  • Firsts in Bermuda: Sent Bermuda’s first child and surviving parent to Comfort Zone Camp in Boston, hosted the first Children's Grief Awareness Day, and launched the first eight-week grief recovery program for adults and parents .