Brother’s legacy inspires Guyanese-born navy veteran’s mission to support domestic violence survivors

A brother’s encouragement to do more for her country, Guyana, inspired the creation of Carl’s Care, a non-profit organisation that provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence.

Founded in 2006, the organisation is driven by husband and wife Alexander Simmons and Dr. Michelle Simmons, who collectively served in the United States Navy for more than 55 years.

Dr. Simmons said the organisation was inspired by her late brother Carl, a schoolteacher who died in a vehicular accident. While he had always encouraged her to do more for her homeland, it was during her doctoral dissertation on Guyanese women who had experienced domestic violence that she felt compelled to take action.

The stories shared by the women she interviewed convinced her that more needed to be done, even as she acknowledged the important work already being undertaken by other organisations in the field.

Although she left Guyana at age 19, Dr. Simmons said she has never forgotten her roots.

“I am first and foremost Guyanese,” she said, explaining that her decision to focus her dissertation on Guyana stemmed from a desire to give back to the country where she was born and raised. She visits Guyana twice each year.

At the time she began her research, Dr. Simmons had already served 23 years in the U.S. Navy. Her work, however, extends beyond Guyana. After earning a doctorate in counselling and psychological studies in 2021, she began working with incarcerated women at a correctional facility near her home in Suffolk, Virginia.

While Carl’s Care has made a significant impact in Guyana, it has also extended its reach to Africa. Dr. Simmons said the organisation has undertaken substantial humanitarian work in Kenya and Uganda.

“We have contributed greatly to the education of minors, particularly young women who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education due to cultural norms that often lead to early marriage,” she said.

Each August, volunteers travel to Kenya on an annual mission trip, carrying donations including clothing, shoes, sanitary products and school supplies.

“These items are distributed to individuals and families working to overcome and transcend the effects of domestic violence and other life challenges,” the co-founder explained.

In Guyana, Carl’s Care has directly impacted the lives of approximately 300 people through outreach and support initiatives designed to improve quality of life and provide hope to those in need.

Volunteers travel to Guyana twice each year to distribute school supplies to students. The organisation also provides free therapy to qualifying individuals, with six recipients currently receiving counselling services.

The organisation’s work in its local community recently earned recognition from the City of Suffolk, Virginia, an honour Dr. Simmons described as especially meaningful.

“While we are children of the Most High God and believe our ultimate purpose is to serve His Kingdom, it is both encouraging and humbling to be recognised by the city in which we live for the work being done to serve, support and uplift our community,” she said.

She added that the recognition serves as a reminder that “even small acts of service can have a lasting impact,” and motivates the organisation to continue helping others both locally and internationally.

First doctor sponsored

Among the organisation’s many success stories, one stands out for Dr. Simmons.

This year, a young woman in Uganda whose studies were supported by Carl’s Care successfully completed medical school. Representatives of the organisation will travel to Uganda in November to witness Dr. Faith Epodoi receive her degree.

Dr. Simmons explained that Dr. Epodoi approached the organisation for assistance in 2021. Carl’s Care subsequently funded a significant portion of her tuition and educational expenses throughout her studies.

“We are extremely proud of her accomplishment and honoured to have played a role in helping her achieve this important milestone,” Dr. Simmons said.

A remarkable journey

Dr. Simmons said her current achievements are a far cry from where she began.

When she joined the U.S. Navy, she enlisted as an undesignated seaman — the lowest pay grade for an enlisted sailor without a designated military occupation. Early in her career, her duties included collecting garbage aboard ship.

Twenty-three years later, she retired as a senior naval officer.

Along the way, she earned master’s degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies and Counselling Psychology. In May this year, she completed her doctorate.

A former student of St. Rose’s High School, Simmons said she remains proud of her humble upbringing in Bagotstown. She grew up in a family of eight and is the youngest of six children.

She recalled that her older brother Carl, an Agricultural Science teacher, consistently encouraged her to pursue higher education and strive for excellence.

Today, she is also the mother of four adult children.

Drawing on her experience working with survivors, Dr. Simmons advises victims of domestic violence to seek help as soon as they recognise they are being abused.

“The abuse never gets better and it never ends. You will never be able to change the abuser unless he or she wants to change,” she said. “Find a way to tap into the resources that are available to you; get yourself out of the situation.”

She noted that men can also be victims of domestic violence, though many are reluctant to come forward.

“We have men who are being beaten by their wives. That is a reality, but we don’t talk about it. A man wouldn’t want anyone to know that his wife beats him, but it is real, and I have served survivors who are men,” she said.

Future plans

Looking ahead, Dr. Simmons said Carl’s Care plans to increase community involvement through educational programmes focused on mental health awareness and domestic violence prevention among young people in Suffolk, Virginia.

She also continues to volunteer with the Virginia Telemental Health Initiative (VTMHI), a statewide programme that expands access to mental health services for uninsured, underinsured, low-income and medically underserved residents.

The initiative was established through a partnership involving the Virginia Telehealth Network, the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the University of Virginia Health and other state partners.

Carl’s Care can be contacted at 757-541-0905 or via email at [email protected]. Additional information is available at Carlscare.com.