The Source Maverly by JAA

Centrally located on Washington Boulevard inside the Maverly Flowers Park is the community operated MCC Source Maverly funded by the JAA. This Source is something really special for the residents of Maverly and the population of approximately 50,000 people in the surrounding communities of Drewsland, Hughenden, and Glendale. It was developed out of a partnership with the Social Development Commission, the Maverly Consultative Committee (a local cooperative formed from CDCs in the surrounding communities) and Jamaica National Building Society Foundation. The funding was sponsored by the Jamaica Automobile Association to the tune of J$6.5 million. Begun in September of 2008, the Source Maverly opened its doors January 12, 2009. In April 2011, the MCC took over the operations of the Centre and operate it as a community led business.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION & EQUITY

Community participation is critical to the development and success of each Source CRC. Communities will neither own nor take care of the facilities in the centre unless they feel welcome. Therefore, for reasons of sustainability, intense community consultations were held in conjunction with the Social Development Commission with residents, schools and local community groups in the area. Community consultations and work days were planned and executed well as the residents were eager to get The Source up and running. Residents turned out and even cooked on workdays. This sweat equity resulted in the completion of The Source and cleanup of Maverly Flowers Park, which is still maintained up to today. The Source has brought back a sense of community pride and a hope that further development opportunities will come to Maverly because of its introduction and success.

MAVERLY’S SUCCESS

Maverly’s success lies in the fact that it is an oasis for the community and a haven for young boys who would otherwise be occupied had the centre not been there to accommodate them. Between the hours of 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm on week days the centre is abuzz with activity and noise. Teenage boys fill the centre and crowd around the computers excited about the latest games, social networks or just downloading music from the net.

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES & PARTNERS

Since its inception The Source Maverly has been of tremendous service to the residents in and around Maverly, especially in the area of health. In March of 2009 The Source, in conjunction with the Social Development Commission, held its first Health Fair. Participating partners included Ministry of Health, Taxpayer Registration Unit and the Registrar General's Department. Over 250 Residents got the opportunity not only to see the doctors on hand but to get birth certificate applications in and TRN numbers processed, all within the precincts of their community. The Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights sponsored the second Health Fair at the Source in November 2009. They partnered with the Jamaica Red Cross to do free HIV testing, HEART NTA to provide onsite applications for training and certification, Jamaica National Building Society Loans to facilitate on site loan applications. Free pap smears were done and in addition to blood pressure checks, urine tests and doctors visits, residents also got their prescriptions filled on the spot free of charge. This is another example of The Source providing access to business and social services from the heart of the community. These Health Fairs have been so successful discussions are being held to make them annual Source and community events. The Source Maverly has facilitated the Jamaica Constabulary Force and its Community Security and Safety Branch with a post at The Source. Residents get to interface with the police in ways other than reporting a crime or making a complaint. The officers have also started the implementation of their community relations and development programmes for Maverly. The first among these is a youth club which was started in November 2009 with 24 youth members from the community. Meetings are held at The Source on Fridays at 5 p.m. The community has really warmed to the idea of having the police at its centre.