About ALIVA

ALIVA was founded in 1988 in the Virgin Islands out of a simple but urgent need: children had limited outlets for growth and few resources to support their development. Our beginnings were humble—within the Mutual Homes Community Center, founder Merline Lang organized a summer program for underprivileged children. The program was a success, embraced by families and the community, and soon grew through generous donations and support.

 

After the devastation of Hurricane Hugo 1989, ALIVA relocated to Atlanta, where for many years we served the youth through church-based programs and community outreach. Upon returning to St. Croix, we found that the needs of our young people remained—and in many ways had grown even greater.

 

Today, ALIVA continues with the same passion and commitment that sparked its creation more than three decades ago. We exist to provide safe, nurturing, and empowering environments where children and teenagers can thrive—through mentorship, counseling, education, and community engagement. Our dedication is unwavering, and our mission is clear: To uplift the next generation and help them build a brighter future for themselves and their community.