Peter Boos’ incredible journey with the Substance Abuse Foundation (SAF) has spanned a quarter of a century. He was instrumental in its creation, critical to its development and passionate about its success. Although Peter relinquished his Chairman’s role at the end of 2020, his name remains synonymous with the SAF. His multiple roles have included founding member, CEO and board member before his five-year Chairmanship.
It’s difficult to capture in words the enormity of Peter’s contribution to the SAF, Verdun and Marina Houses, the clients they have served and, by extension, the Barbadian society. Peter saw an extreme need and put his heart and soul into providing a revolutionary solution. He feels an inordinate sense of achievement for each person who has recovered. His vision was vital to transforming SAF Inc from a non-profit organisation to the first social enterprise in the Caribbean and is a significant step towards SAF’s financial sustainability.
The Early Days
Twenty-five years ago, a group of Barbadians, whose lives had been touched by the devastating effects of drug abuse, formed an informal group to support each other. Out of this adversity came Verdun House, an internationally respected treatment facility that brought hope to those suffering from addiction’s chronic, complex disease. The significant, ground-breaking actions of this group have saved hundreds of Barbadian lives. Peter Boos was a part of SAF from the very beginning when it was just an idea.
It was a massive undertaking in the early days. A suitable location was identified, and then the group had to obtain funding. The property required significant renovations. There were local government regulations and international standards to be met; staff had to be hired and there were many other details. Verdun House, a residential addiction facility serving adult males, opened its doors in October 2000. It was indeed a ground-breaking feat.
Peter is quick to acknowledge that Verdun House would not exist without the Julia & Hans Rausing Trust. “They underpinned the entire project. They have stayed the course.” He is extremely grateful to them for contributing to the annual operating costs for more than 20 years.
2004-2015
Peter had an outstanding business career. As a leader, he was liked and respected by staff members at every level. His overriding concern for the staff’s welfare was well-known. After retirement from the post of Executive Chairman of Ernst & Young Caribbean in 2004, Peter offered to augment the management at Verdun House. As a part-time, unpaid, supervising CEO at Verdun, he brought unparalleled business expertise and his trademark compassion to SAF for eleven years. Says fellow founding member Norman Barrow, “Peter Boos moved Verdun to a different level during his tenure as CEO.” Norman credits Peter with establishing SAF as an efficiently run organisation, with proper financial records that gave benefactors confidence.
Peter stepped down from volunteer part-time CEO in 2015 to make way for the engagement of a full-time paid CEO. He was immediately appointed SAF Chairman. Later that year, Marina House was opened by the SAF for women recovering from addiction. This opening was a momentous occasion in the SAF’s history and a win for the women in dire need of help in our local community.
The Social Enterprise Model
Over the years, SAF and many others serving social needs in Barbados have been extremely fortunate to receive funding from many benefactors, locally and internationally. Peter Boos and his fellow Board members recognised the risks of basing long term sustainability on philanthropy alone. Peter was a firm believer that social enterprise was the obvious route.
This desire to generate revenue resulted in the landmark solar photovoltaic project with more than 500 solar panels installed on six buildings at Verdun. The excess electricity over Verdun House’s usage is purchased by the Barbados Light & Power Co Ltd. It is a significant source of income for SAF. This project would not have been possible without Peter’s leadership and selfless generosity. He donated the first $40,000 towards funding the first 40 panels and took the lead in encouraging support through our green dreams crowdfunding campaign. In addition, to jumpstart the project he underwrote an interest-free, unsecured loan for $500,000. As a departing gift, Peter donated to the SAF the amount outstanding on the loan. His commitment to The SAF sustainability goals has been unwavering.
In addition to the solar project, “microbusinesses” were introduced that produce chicken, eggs, vegetables and baked products for sale to the general public. The microbusinesses supply food to the facilities, provide therapeutic benefit and practical training to those in recovery and earn revenue.
Peter was instrumental in paving the way for the SAF Training Institute. The Institute allows for further revenue generation through the sharing of SAF expertise regionally with healthcare professionals, and others in treatment environments.
The SAF social enterprise model is unique to the Caribbean region and is a fine example for other charities and non-profits. Yet another meritorious achievement for SAF, spearheaded by Peter Boos.
A Truly Fulfilling Experience
Peter is exceptionally proud of their accomplishments over many years at Verdun House and in more recent years at Marina House. He points out that they aren’t facilities that “just cycle you through the accepted treatment program”. His feeling is that what sets them apart is the caring staff who hope that every person who enters will recover. Clients benefit from this genuine hope and passion, he notes. He feels: “Every life has value, and everyone deserves help. Everyone is a diamond; sometimes they just need a little polish to get the dust off.”
He is overcome with pride and a feeling of triumph every time a recovering addict expresses their gratitude to him. He says it means so much to him when he meets someone grateful for the help they received. Just recently, a past client said to him, “You don’t understand how important you are in my life.” Another recent experience occurred while touring a building site. A construction worker started waving at him from high up on a building and proceeded to climb down and come over to him. “I am six years clean!” the man proclaimed, “and I want to thank you.” There are hundreds of stories of recoveries, lives impacted positively, clients re-integrated into society, re-employed and reunited with family.
Stepping Down
As Peter takes a step back from the SAF after “giving birth” to Verdun House 25 years ago, he feels content that the facilities are in a good position. There is no debt, a realistic plan for sustainability, a Board with a wealth of knowledge and a fantastic team. He believes he can rest easy knowing that his successor Peter Williams has the necessary skills and the heart to steer the SAF through these challenging times. Of course, as is the Peter Boos way, he’s already thinking about ways he can still assist, such as helping to find job placements for recovered persons.
Thank You, Peter, from the Bottom of our Hearts
On behalf of the Substance Abuse Foundation, those whose lives have been restored and the people of Barbados, we offer a heartfelt thanks to Peter Boos.
Would you like to help? If you would like to contribute, we accept cash and non-cash donations. No donation is too small. We accept donations of food, toiletries, furnishings, cleaning products, paint….
Email kristina@verdunhouse.com for further details.
If you or a family member need help, call our 24-hour hotline: 246-243-0038 . Learn more about our programs here. charity, non-profit December 16, 2021
Kristina Evelyn 