(CMR) Frank (Bud) Volinsky, who has worked selflessly to build The Bridge Foundation, was awarded by Her Majesty the Queen with an Honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding contributions to the Cayman Islands.
Governor Martyn Roper said it was a pleasure to congratulate Mr. Volinsky, a US citizen who for eleven years has selflessly worked to build The Bridge Foundation from just an idea to an essential stakeholder in the continuum-of-care for those Caymanians released from prison or treatment from Caribbean Haven Residential Centre.
“Bud’s work has touched the lives of many people in Cayman and offered them a route out of addiction. I look forward to presenting him with this honorary award,” Mr. Roper said.
Mr. Roper pointed out that Mr. Volinsky established halfway houses that provide supervised transitional housing exclusively for those offenders with underlying substance abuse issues. It is here where addicts can learn the tools of recovery and begin their journey back into our community.
Residents who successfully complete the Bridge six-month program are given the chance to seek employment at Beacon Farms. Mr. Volinsky was also instrumental in creating this farm which serves as the “second step” in the rehabilitative process. It is a drug-free, active agricultural production facility offering educational and vocational opportunities.
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