FOR A FULLER LIFE
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS
WEB EVENT
DATE: 15 NOV 2024
LOCATION: IN FRONT OF WEB
TIME: 7 PM TO 12 AM.
AMBIENTE FELIZ WILL BE PARTICIPATING AT THE UPCOMING WEB EVENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR FOOD.
PLEASE PASS BY OUR TENT AND SUPPORT OUR FOUNDATION BY BUYING SOMETHING DELICIOUS OR MAKING A SMALL DONATION.
CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE
DATE: 30 NOV 2024
LOCATION: SANTA CRUZ 75
TIME: 8 AM TO 12 PM.
AMBIENTE FELIZ WILL BE HAVING THEIR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE AND WILL BE COLLECTING MONETARY DONATIONS WITH THE HELP OF VOLUNTEERS. ALL MONEY RAISED WILL BE ADD ON TO OUR FOOD BUDGET.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
PLEASE REGISTER AT WWW.ARUBAVOLUNTEERS.ORG. OR CALL 5858738 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
NEWS ITEMS
DONATION SUPER FOOD CARES PROGRAM
On July 31, the foundation received a donation of 25,000 AWG from the Super Food Cares Program. The donation is intended to invest in the safety of both clients and employees at both locations. Among other things, with the purchase of a new fire alarm system for the Cas Curason location and emergency response training for some employees of both locations, the foundation wants to be well prepared in the event of an emergency.
The foundation is grateful to all at Super Food who make this program possible on a monthly basis and have already helped so many organizations to achieve their goals. The foundation would also like to thank all those who have made an important contribution to the safety of our foundation with their small donation.
DONATION CHEVROLET GROOVE FROM ASTEC N.V.
On the 5th of July, the foundation received a Chevrolet Groove donation from Astec N.V. The foundation, which itself offers transport to its clients, is very pleased with the donation.
Astec N.V. won the car through the raffle of the Rotary Club during their Fiesta Rotaria. A fundraiser that the company has supported for years. Astec N.V. wanted to donate the car to an organization in the Santa Cruz district and eventually chose Ambiente Feliz.
A huge thank you to Astec N.V. for the donation and support to our foundation.
FUNDRAISING EVENT TO COLLECT MONEY FOR FOOD
The cost of living in Aruba has risen, which means that the foundation now has less to spend with an unchanged budget. In addition, some clients require a special or more balanced diet. That is why the foundation organized a fundraising event where money was collected for food on July the 6th. The event took place in front of the Cas Curason location at Santa Cruz 75 (opposite Huchada). Together with the kind donation of other individuals and companies the total amount of 7500 AWG was raised. The foundation would like to thank all those who contributed. On the 30th of November, the foundation will be organizing another event where money and groceries can be collected.
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
On March 21, 2024, Cas Curason celebrated International World Down Syndrome Day together with volunteers from the Price Smart. On this day, extra attention is paid to people with this abnormality, but also to the people who provide care to them. Down syndrome is a congenital defect associated with intellectual disability, typical external features and sometimes with certain medical problems. It is caused by the fact that the genetic material of chromosome 21 occurs in triplicate (instead of double). Hence the date of 21-3 for 'World Down Syndrome Day'.
The volunteers, who visited the foundation for the first time as volunteers, have done various activities together with the clients. Clients could draw their own "rock your socks", sing karaoke, dance and much more. Our thanks go out to the enthusiastic volunteers of the Price Smart for their efforts and the delicious donations of Ceres juice, pastries and pizza! It was a successful morning!
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND FLAG DAY 2024
On March 18, 2024, Cas Curason celebrated the National Anthem and Flag Day. Clients could enjoy the traditional "caha di orgel" or barrel organ and various activities at both locations.
Our thanks go out to all those who made the celebration so special. On behalf of the clients of Cas Curason, a big thanks goes out to our friends at Domino's Pizza for the delicious pizza, Centro Curason for the donation of rice and salad, Cas di Cultura for the tasty snacks and Mrs. Vivian Maduro for the beautiful flowers. On behalf of the clients of Cas Briyante, a warm thanks goes out to Mr. Arthur Kelly and friend for the entertainment and Zeerovers for the delicious lunch.
The foundation also wishes to express appreciation to Minister Ursel Arends and Marietje Printing for the beautiful t-shirts.
ARUBA DOET 2024
On March 15, 2024, the foundation participated in the largest social event called Aruba Doet.
The social event took place at Parke Arawa where clients of both Cas Curason and Cas Briyante, employees of Ambiente Feliz and volunteers of the DMC De Palm Tours could enjoy a wonderful morning filled with various games, music, swimming and a delicious lunch.
Aruba Doet 2024 would not have been possible without the great efforts of all our volunteers and sponsors. Our thanks therefore go out to the volunteers of De Palm Tours who managed to give the clients an unforgettable morning with their enthusiasm. Our enormous appreciation also goes out to Mr. Lee Croes and Mr. Angel Maduro who have created a cozy atmosphere with their music. A special thank you to our colleague Giandra and family Leon for the preparation of the delicious meal.
Thanks to the Oranjefonds, Seaview Investments, Quick Electrical Services, Parke Arawa and De Palm Tours for their contribution.
OPENING SECOND
RESIDENTIAL UNIT AT
CAS BRIYANTE
With the opening of the second residential unit for people with (severe) multiple disabilities, another important step was taken in the care of these people on 1 April 2022. The second residential unit is intended for clients between the ages of 18 and 55 who are dependent on intensive care. The second residential unit can provide residential care for 8 clients and has a number of new staff members who have joined the existing team. The opening was celebrated with a ribbon ceremony, snacks, drinks, music and a lot of interest in the media.
VISIT FROM THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS TO AMBIENTE FELIZ
On 23 March 2022, the Minister of Social Affairs and Justice, Mr Rocco Tjon, visited both locations of the foundation. This is in the context of further acquaintance and an inventory of the current needs among the subsidized care providers by the government.
Under the guidance of the chairman of the board and the director, the minister first visited the Cas Curason location in Santa Cruz. There, the minister was shown around by employees who presented the vision and mission of the foundation. After the tour, the minister was shown a short video presentation of the foundation.
The Minister later made a visit to the Cas Briyante location in San Nicholaas. There, too, the Minister was given a tour by employees who are responsible for day-to-day care. Both in the residential units and in the daytime activities.
After the tours, the minister sat down with the board and the director and discussed the current needs, wishes and requirements of the foundation. But above all, how this should receive the necessary attention in the near future. The minister would like to see more substance in the cooperation within the social domain and concrete projects derived from the foundation's strategic multi-year plan.
GOVERNOR VISITS CAS BRIYANTE
The Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Alfonso Boekhoudt, paid a working visit to the Ambiente Feliz Foundation on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Upon arrival, Governor Boekhoudt was received by Mrs. Althea Williams-Schmidt (director) and Mrs. Suhail Croes (head of unit Cas Briyante). The welcome speech was given by Mr. Reuben Tjon Sie Fat (board member). The Governor attended a presentation on how to deal with clients and on the activities of the foundation. Subsequently, a tour of the complex took place and at the end of the working visit, a photo was taken in front of the main building.
35 YEAR AMBIENTE FELIZ CELEBRATION
On October 27, 2021, the foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary. The celebration consisted of various activities during the month of October. Both for the staff, the clients and the guests on the day itself.
Among other things, the staff was pampered with a chair massage and an outing on the catamaran. Clients could pamper themselves at the hairdresser, enjoy a delicious breakfast and a bus trip. The day itself was all about partying. In the morning hours a Holy Mass was attended in the Christian church of Santa Cruz. Afterwards there was a coffee morning, where clients of daycare center Briyo di Solo also paid us a visit. In the evening, clients, employees and guests could enjoy music accompanied by our friends from The Hot Ones band.
In the month of October, the foundation also presented its new logo and announced the new names of both locations. This was done during a press conference. The logo symbolizes a house where people come together to support each other. The colors yellow symbolize the message of trust, joy, optimism, growth, and having the strength to realize sustainable care together.
OPENING LOCATION CAS BRIYANTE
On September 10, 2021 at 10 am, the new Cas Curason location was officially opened at Palisiaweg 100 in San Nicolaas. A location specially designed for people with (severe) multiple disabilities who benefit from intensive care.
In the presence of all the guests, the Prime Minister, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes, cut the ribbon. Former Minister of Social Affairs, Mr. Glenbert Croes, was also present. Like Mrs. Wever-Croes, he gave a short speech in which they expressed their joy about the realization of high-quality care for the target group with multiple disabilities.
While enjoying a snack and a drink, guests could enjoy steel pan music provided by Mr. Nico Connor.