OUR MISSION

Our Enduring Commitment to Justice

Nurturing Futures and Restoring Hope

"Welcome to the Credo Foundation for Justice. For many years, we have been a haven for the most vulnerable and marginalized children and young people in Trinidad and Tobago. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal, grow, and reach their full potential.

We strive to provide not just shelter, but also the tools, support, and opportunities these young individuals need to become productive, responsible, and law-abiding citizens. We are committed to offering a pathway away from the streets, away from abuse, and towards a future filled with hope and dignity."

YEARS OF SERVICE

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history

The Credo Foundation for Justice (CFJ) was founded in 1993 by the Holy Faith Sisters to create awareness of social injustices and to seek to analyse and to address them.

In response to a study on Children at Risk commissioned by the Government, we began work with children on the streets in 1994.

Credo Foundation for Justice is a non-profit, non-Governmental Organisation affiliated with the Holy Faith Sisters. In collaboration with other stakeholders, we are committed to identifying and responding to social injustices faced by the most vulnerable and marginalised in society.

We currently provide accommodation for thirty-two socially displaced young persons, in our two Residential Development Centres at Credo Drop-In & Development Centre for boys and Sophia House, an empowerment centre for young girls at risk.

We also run drop-in programmes on Nelson Street offering:

A safe place with educational, developmental and recreational activities for the youth and children of this notoriously dangerous area in East Port of Spain, as an antidote to the perceived need to join the culture of gangs, crime, drugs and violence.
Programmes to empower parents and guardians to help them create a more nurturing, developmental family and community environment.

FIELD TRIPS

For kids who've been uprooted by conflict a field trip isn't just a day out—it's a chance to be a kid again. It's an opportunity to trade textbooks for real-world exploration and to discover new passions in a safe, supportive environment. These trips break down the walls of routine and worry, giving displaced children the space to learn, laugh, and simply be.

TEAM BUILDING

Building a team isn't just for the workplace—it's for creating a family. In a group home, team-building activities are a chance to turn residents into teammates, helping them learn to trust and rely on one another. From shared challenges to collaborative projects, these experiences build communication and problem-solving skills, and most importantly, they create a sense of belonging and mutual support that helps everyone thrive.

WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES

PROVIDING A SECOND CHANCE

1

Residential Care and Shelter:

Credo Foundation operates residential development centers, such as Credo Development Centre for Boys and Credo Sophia House for Girls, offering safe accommodation for up to 32 young people. These centers provide a secure environment away from the dangers of drugs, crime, gangs, and abusive situations, serving as a critical refuge for children placed there by the Children's Authority and Children's Court.

2

Education and Skill Development:

A core focus is on the educational development of their residents. This includes facilitating access to formal schooling, providing remedial services, and offering life skills training. They are supported by initiatives like the IGT After School Advantage (ASA) program, which equips their centers with computer labs and digital learning resources, ensuring children have access to technology and STEM education opportunities for homework and online learning.

3

Holistic Development and Counseling:

Beyond basic needs and education, Credo Foundation emphasizes the holistic well-being of the young people in their care. This involves providing counseling to address emotional and psychological needs, fostering self-awareness and leadership skills, and promoting healthy social development through recreational therapy and integrated developmental programs. They work to cater to the mental, physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children.

4

Family Empowerment and Community Outreach:

The Foundation works to strengthen family life and, where possible, reconcile children with their families. They also operate a drop-in and outreach center, providing a safe space with educational, developmental, and recreational activities for children, teenagers, and adults from vulnerable communities. This outreach extends to engaging with families in crisis and at-risk families, aiming to prevent social displacement and foster positive community engagement.

september QUOTE

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6