Onward onto Leading - Why NiNa Exists

Some girls learn to fight for air before they learn to dream.

“I’m in the dark waiting for the light… It’s time to see.” (Amanda Gibbs).

They’ve lived in “suffocating cages” (Amanda Gibbs), learned to cry over mistakes they did not make, and practiced being “strong” long before they felt safe.

They’ve been programmed by survival—home, work, try again—and asked to “just be grateful,” even when support dries up at 18 and the world says, you’re on your own now. They know the ache of moving from a place where everything is decided for you to a place where almost nothing is provided to you. They know the sting of loneliness that follows trauma, the pull of cycles they didn’t start, and the quiet, fierce choice to believe they can be more.

NiNa exists for these girls—young women in State and Foster Care across the Caribbean who are on the brink of adulthood and deserve more than the bare minimum. NiNa equips them with the skills and confidence to navigate the real world with dignity: financial literacy, entrepreneurial tools, leadership, and self-value—so they can stand on their feet, not fall through the cracks.

The Gap We’re Closing

When a girl ages out of care, the challenges compound quickly: unstable housing, limited income, untreated trauma, and little sense of belonging. Without a bridge, too many disappear into statistics. With a bridge, they step into endless possibilities. NiNa’s Transition and Intervention work is that bridge. It is practical and healing-centered support that lowers the likelihood of girls vanishing into cycles of neglect and abuse.

“Don’t force—flow. Don’t chase—attract. Don’t wish—become.” (Avonelle Reid).

What does that look like, tangibly?

Housing support. So “where will I sleep?” isn’t the loudest question in the room.

Workshops & mentoring. So a CV, a budget, a pitch, and a plan become real.

Licensed counselling & group sessions. So trauma is named, processed, and healed.

Education & entrepreneurship pathways. So income can be created.

This is not a quick fix:

“People don’t change overnight—but I’m gonna start from today.” (Amanda Gibbs).

That’s the NiNa promise: consistent, practical, compassionate steps that turn survival into leadership.

“Sometimes our journey may feel lonely… but that’s when we should feel more empowered to continue and never give up.” (Avonelle Reid).

Throughout this blog we have taken the words of the girls who have been supported by NiNA. We urge you to recognise that these aren’t slogans, they’re survival notes. They’re the internal scripts of girls who have been hurt and are still choosing to rise. NiNa nurtures that spark—turning I will try to be strong into I am grounded, skilled, employed, housed, and healing. Program sessions, mentorship, and community experiences help them name their worth, build income, and design a future where their voices lead.

Why Your Donation Matters Today

Every contribution goes directly to the front lines of transition: securing safe housing, providing counselling, funding workshops, and mentoring that helps girls cross the bridge into independence. Your gift isn’t abstract—it becomes rent, therapy hours, seed money for a small business, transportation to class, a laptop for school, or groceries for the month.

NiNa is building a generation of resilient, empowered female leaders—girls who transform pain into purpose and loneliness into community. With your help, they don’t just survive; they lead.

Justine Ram - NiNa Volunteer