The Tribune

A first-of-its-kind for both the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Ty’s Place strives to offer opportunities to those in the community with special needs.

The new bistro, located just south of Queen’s College on Village Road, currently employs 16 such individuals, providing them with jobs in the kitchen, delivery service, ground maintenance, car detailing and hostessing.

Ty’s Place will officially celebrate its opening this Wednesday, which is being globally observed as World Down Syndrome Day, from 6pm until 8pm. Food and drinks will be served.

The inspiration for the bistro came following the death of Ty Bethel, who, following his diagnosis with Down syndrome as a baby, was also diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four.

The Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre offered their support to Ty and his family during this difficult time and a strong bond was formed between them.

Unfortunately, Ty lost his battle with leukaemia in 2015. However, his friends, family and all those at the Centre were determined that Ty’s name would live on.

The Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre began in 2007 as a support group for families living with Down syndrome. In 2011, the Centre was able to begin operations at its first physical location, with three students, one teacher and one volunteer. It grew rapidly, and soon after, added an autistic classroom, followed by an adult programme. In April of 2015, the Centre was able to move to its first “forever home” on Village Road, and now hosts 45 clients in their programme.

In October 2016, the Centre acquired the 100-year-old property behind its headquarters which they renovated and made into the bistro and BBQ venue. When it came to choosing a name there was only one option for all involved: Ty’s Place.

“Ty’s Place is a one-of-a-kind place where the community can come together and see these very special adults in action,” said the Centre in a press statement.

“In addition to the bistro, the Centre is also opening a car wash for the young men to work and clean cars for our diners as they enjoy a nice lunch at Ty’s Place. The adults have been training for over a year for the jobs they are now working in and they are so excited to be working and making their own money, and enjoying the confidence and independence this brings to their lives.”

According to representatives from the Centre, the bistro has been established with the intention of bringing in revenue that will assist with its operating costs, “as many of the clients attend for free, as their families cannot afford to pay. No one is ever turned away from the Centre.”