Welcome to Bali Crisis Care Foundation . (CCF)
Bali, “The Island of the Gods†is both magical and mythical. This land of volcanic lakes, spectacular rice terraces, stunning tropical beaches, and ancient temples and palaces is an exotic melting pot of cultures and people. Renowned for its unsurpassed architecture, traditional theatre, dance and elaborate religious festivals, the colorful Balinese culture is a dynamic force so alluring and captivating that millions visit every year to experience all that makes Bali so breathtaking and special.
There is another side to Bali. On the North shore of Bali is poverty. Fortunately, there is one safe, skilled, reputable facility villagers can turn to when they need help and have nowhere else to go. It is known as “The Angels of the Community," a non-profit organization called the Bali Crisis Care Foundation (CCF).
HISTORY
CCF has been operating for nine years. It was founded and is directed by Ms. Gloria Goodwin, an Australian woman with a background in Social Services. It started in a small room behind a restaurant with a first aid box and has since flourished into a busy clinic in the village of Kaliasem. Ms. Goodwin moved there when “it was impossible for [her] to ignore the plight of the Balinese people.†She states, “I traveled the countryside of beautiful Bali and found that there was another side of the island that tourists seldom see; the side that hides poverty and sickness, lack of health facilities, education, and medical aid for the poor.â€
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide free medial services, food, and shelter; temporary housing for the homeless; assistance with job placement for the homeless and unwed mothers; finding sponsorship or placement for children; rescuing (in conjunction with the police) children of pedophiles; intervening, family counseling, and a temporary safe haven for abused wives and children; pregnancy and AIDS education; pre and post natal care; educating local school children on pedophilia; trauma counseling; welfare assistance; providing emergency response relief during disasters (bombings, fires, landslides, floodings, etc.); to liaison when needed with Government and local NGO’s, and to be on hand for any other crisis situation that may arise on the North shore of Bali where poverty leaves villagers nowhere else to turn.
THE TEAM
The small female staff (men are welcome) includes (as previously mentioned) the Director, Ms. Gloria Goodwin. There is a very competent and well-trained Balinese Doctor who listens, provides insight, and compassion for her patients. Another fabulous asset is the volunteer Balinese Midwife from a very poor village who delivers hundreds of babies, provides pre and post-natal care, has the unprecedented technique to rectify work botched by unqualified midwives and treats her patients with the most loving spirit and gentle temperament. The ears and problem solver of CCF is the Welfare Worker who provides trauma counseling, finds solutions, and has the amazing ability to double as a nurses aide.
CCF is also fortunate to welcome medical professions who come to Bali from all parts of the world to donate their services. Presently a wonderful ICU nurse is visiting from Darwin and volunteering at the Clinic. There is also a security guard/driver/handyman who keeps everyone safe and a house cleaner that cares for the premises. For those who are paid, which are few, the average salary is $175.00 per month.
TREATMENT
The medical treatment received by patients at CCF is parallel to that of any busy Health Clinic with one exception, all patients receive free care. CCF treats an average of 30 patients per day. The most common medical needs of the patients include: Dengue Fever, Polio, Tuberculosis, Chicken Pox, Typhus, Bronchitis, Severe Burns, Lacerations, Tumors, Broken Bones, Compound Fractures, Cleft Palate Operations, Stitches, Toothaches, Ulcers, Malnourishment, Intestinal Worms, Head Lice, Infections, Birthing, Pre and Post Natal Care, Diabetes, Flu, and Colds.
For those too ill or too far to reach the clinic, CCF will travel throughout Bali in their “makeshift†ambulance to remote parts and transport those who are too poor to afford an ambulance and hospital stay to CCF. For severe injuries that require surgery beyond the scope of what CCF can provide, patients are stabilized and then transferred to a local hospital. Pre and post op time is spent at CCF to keep the hospital costs at a minimum.
NATURAL AND HOMEOPATHIC HEALING
Traditional medicines are very costly in Bali and also very hard to find. Most are not even vaccinated due to lack of vaccines or the high cost, to include: tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, and chicken pox. Therefore, with the help of a visiting homeopathic doctor from England in 2007, CCF learned the art of Natural and Homeopathic Healing. They have a small machine that can make homeopathic medicines quickly and easily in the Clinic. The Clinic now has a thriving medicinal garden, medicinal teas, essential oils and crystals, and can the knowledge to create healing remedies from basics such as strawberries, honey, coconut, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, etc.
FUNDING
How does CCF stay in operation? CCF’s website has a forum where it posts what its current immediate needs are. Because CCF and its work is so well respected by tourists and medical professionals whom have visited, donations always seem to turn up when they are most warranted. Australian, Dutch, and English tourists have been extremely generous with financial assistance. Other generous donations have included everything from children’s clothes, sheets, toys, vanity supplies (toothpaste, soap, etc.), milk powder, pre-natal vitamins, essential oils and crystals (for healing), basic medical needs for wound care (gauze bandages, antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, alcohol prep swabs, etc.).
The Balinese Government recently allowed BURN AID (Rye Pharmaceuticals, Sydney, Australia) into Balli. CCF is now receiving BURN AID (Burn ointment and Tea Tee Oil infused dressings) donations from Rye to treat their numerous burn patients. As of September 10, 2008, Rye Pharmaceuticals announced they would also be sponsoring an ICU or Emergency Response Nurse at CCF!
It is important to note that because Indonesia does NOT follow the same tax guidelines as the United States, CCF is not registered with the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) profit.
