David and Clover Lea and their family, along with so many others in Montserrat, saw a need for a place for our young people to come to socialize and have fun, yet also be inspired and encouraged. A place where they can see positive films and hear and play positive music, both live and otherwise. A place where healthy local fruits, snacks and drinks would be served, along with popcorn on movie nights. So was born the Hilltop Family Centre and Coffee House.
David Lea said that he had the vision for this coming to pass over twenty five years ago when the Leas opened “His Place” Youth Center in Cork Hill. Now the vision has come to pass in a new and even better way with the opening of “The Hilltop Family Centre and Coffee House.”
Over the next few months they hope to establish a Saturday afternoon program for primary school age kids with animated movies, games, puppet shows and fun things to do that will teach respect, manners, self-discipline, etc. Saturday nights will be for the teen and up crowd with movies that will have a positive message and a group discussion afterward.
There is a Ping-Pong table, a Chess table, with the regular games that older kids and adults enjoy. There will also be a small stage with sound system for folks to share their gifts and talents on “Coffee House” night on Friday evenings.
From 7:00 till 11:00 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, there will be special coffees and baked goodies available for sale to all. According to the Leas they hope to create a sort of an internet café feel which will help to financially sustain the whole project. As the Christmas season draws near, they hope to open every morning from Monday to Saturday.
The project is operated under a Board of Directors and members who all work on a volunteer basis. But, the visionaries believe that, “the time may come when we will need to hire a manager to be in charge of opening, closing and overseeing all aspects of the project.”
The members look for other ways and volunteers, to help to raise support for the project. To assist with raising further support, the facility will be available on rent for meetings, etc. on a donation basis. ALL the funds will be used to further the purposes of the Centre.
Everyone is invited to stop in and check out this exciting, new venture as there is something there for everyone. It’s multi-functional…a little something for everyone!
While expressing special thanks to Athill and Nadine Tuitt, “who have helped so much to make this project possible,” public acknowledgement also go for the contribution of Joseph Cassell and LIME, “who are kindly providing free internet service to help in this venture.”
Information provided by Clover and David Lea and the steering committee of Living Letters Christian Outreach
