OUR STORY
In October 2010, Hurricane Tomas tore through the island of St. Lucia, leaving behind landslides, floods, and devastation. Homes, schools, and entire communities were battered, and in the hardest-hit southern regions, families faced a staggering loss of resources and hope.
For Veronica, this disaster struck not only her homeland but her heart, which compelled to act. Using her own funds, Veronica gathered essential supplies and, with a few loyal friends, delivered school materials to children who had lost everything and food hampers to families struggling to survive.
In a time of despair, they brought comfort, hope, and the assurance that they were not alone.
This heartfelt response became the foundation of KALBAS . Today, KALBAS honors its humble beginnings by reaching out with kindness, love, and sustainable solutions—one family at a time. But there is still so much to be done.
Join us in this mission of hope and resilience. Your support allows us to continue uplifting families and building a stronger, more compassionate St. Lucia. Stand with us as we turn compassion into action, and together, let’s bring lasting change.
SERVICE IMPACT
Inspired by her mother Veronica’s dedication, Samenthur joined this mission with a shared heart for service. Together, they transformed Veronica’s personal acts of kindness into the KALBAS Charitable Foundation, building a structured, far-reaching initiative to uplift St. Lucia.
What began as a simple effort to help has grown into a foundation of resilience and empowerment. Today, KALBAS stands as a beacon of hope, addressing urgent needs in food security, health equity, and education. Driven by Veronica’s compassion and strengthened by Samenthur’s vision, KALBAS has become a powerful force for change—uplifting lives and sowing seeds of hope for a brighter, sustainable future across St. Lucia.
Join us in this mission. Your support fuels our commitment to lasting impact, helping us reach more people and create stronger communities. Together, we can build a future where every St. Lucian has the resources they need to thrive.
Meet Our Team
Samenthur Neptune-Blake
Samenthur is a dedicated minister and educator, bringing her passion for teaching and leadership to her local church. Before her ministry, she served as a middle school teacher in Los Angeles’s inner cities, where she connected deeply with students facing challenging circumstances, inspiring them to overcome obstacles. Later, as an elementary school teacher in Winter Park, Florida, and a speech-language therapist in Orlando, she continued her mission to support and uplift young minds.
Her early commitment to service was shaped by her post-college internship with AmeriCorps, where she worked on both local and global initiatives with HOPE Worldwide. This experience strengthened her dedication to creating lasting, positive change—a commitment that now drives her work with KALBAS Charitable Foundation, bringing hope and resources to her homeland and beyond.
Veronica Lesmond
Veronica has devoted her life to compassionate service in the health and service sectors. Guided by her Christian faith, she cares for the most vulnerable, from comforting the elderly to nurturing the sick. Her work is a calling, driven by empathy and a steadfast belief in the power of love and compassion. Veronica’s commitment has left a profound impact, inspiring all who know her and strengthening her community through a lifetime of faith-filled service.
Roger and Debbie Martin
Since KALBAS Foundation’s beginning, Roger and Debbie Martin have been unwavering pillars of support. With hearts shaped by years of missionary work, they were instantly drawn to KALBAS' mission to uplift the people of St. Lucia. Their commitment runs deep: they have generously shared their resources, prayers, and encouragement at every step. Roger and Debbie’s loyalty and faith have been essential to KALBAS' growth, empowering the foundation to bring lasting hope and sustainable change to the island. Their partnership remains a cornerstone of KALBAS' ongoing impact.
On Island Team
The Local Team is the driving force behind KALBAS Foundation's mission in St. Lucia. This group of dedicated volunteers—Helen, Veronique, Joshua, Diana, and Beryl—balances their own demanding lives as farmers and laborers while delivering essential food to schools, shut-ins, and families in need.
More than volunteers, they are neighbors and friends, deeply connected to the lives of those they serve. With a unique understanding of their community, they make sure KALBAS’ support reaches those who need it most.
Guided by compassion, they go above and beyond, bringing hope with every delivery—nourishing children, supporting families, and caring for the elderly. Helen, Veronique, Joshua, Diana, and Beryl embody the mission of KALBAS Foundation, selflessly sharing kindness and love, even in the midst of their own challenges.