lProject 100 was formed 17 years ago and currently has 19 active members and with Lady Vereker as honorary president. All members are currently female, however men are welcome to join. lThe mission is to raise the awareness of the needs of the mentally challenged population in Bermuda and to raise funds for the exclusive use for the mentally challenged, or who are now called the learning disabled. lThe definition of 'learning disabled' means a greater than average difficulty in learning, which results in a delayed or incomplete development of a person's mind and presents difficulties in a person's ability to adapt to the cultural demands of society. An example is someone with Down's Syndrome which is not a mental illness. lThis group of people is often referred to as 'the silent minority who are often forgotten by society'.

lProject 100 have funded numerous projects over the years, such as: providing educational grants to assist Bermudians to receive teaching degrees in special education; helping with learning disabled children who require one on one teaching assistance; specially equipped van, gym equipment, the snoozlen room at St. Brendan's and at Windreach.

lMore recently Project 100 has embarked upon an ambitious programme of purchasing group residential homes for the mentally challenged who are still housed in institutional care at St. Brendan's.

lThere are about 47 persons housed at St. Brendan's, additionally there are at least 130 learning disabled persons living with family members, but their respective caregivers are aging. These persons are at risk of being institutionalised when their caregivers can no longer provide for them.

The first group home opened in October 2001 and Project 100's partnership with St. Brendan's has been a successful one. The six clients moved from institutional care have adapted quickly to home life.

lVery recently Project 100 closed the sale on their second group residential home and hope to have the home operational by December 1. However, certain renovations are required so that the new home will be able to house wheelchair confined persons.

lBoth group residential homes allow for 'respite care'. That is temporary home care for those persons who are currently living in their own home environment but from time to time their respective caregivers need a holiday. Without the availability of respite care in these homes, the other alternative is being placed temporarily in St. Brendan's.

lProject 100 is thankful to their corporate friends - without whose support they would not be able to realise their dreams of providing for the basic housing needs of the mentally challenged. Also, special thanks to the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation who have agreed to fund the purchase of the furniture for the new home.

lProject 100's major fundraising drive is the annual gala ball and raffle at Fairmont Southampton Princess on November 23. This year's theme is "All that Jazz". Tickets are $150 each and those wishing to purchase tickets can contact president Judy Panchaud White at 236-4082 or jfwhiteibl.bm.