The Avalon Home for the Disabled in Dewetshof is a home away from home.
The home is the legacy of Mr Murrogh De B Nesbitt who lost both his legs at the age of 13.
He spent his life fighting his handicap and made it his lifelong mission to bring hope and inspiration to disabled people.
The home strives to restore dignity and usefulness; dependency and despair is replaced with purpose and vision.
This is done through interaction with social workers and part-time occupational therapists.
Ms Nhlanhla Jordan, a manager at Avalon, said the home is the only home some of the residents have.
“We have residents who have been living in the home for more than 20 years. Avalon is their only home and we make sure they always feel safe and at the same time, provide for all their needs to make sure life is comfortable for them,” said Ms Jordan.
Avalon provides basic care 24/7, as well as emotional support to the residents.
The residents receive three meals a day with a laundry service, occupational therapy, transport to doctor’s appointments and clinic visits, transport to shopping centres, social and recreational activities and an opportunity for employment in a sheltered workshop.
According to Ms Jordan, the home has not being doing well over the past few years.
They have outstanding electricity bills, toilets and showers that need to be fixed, the building is old and needs to be refurbished and a number of other issues that need money in order to be attended to.
“We are a non-profit organisation. Our funding comes from social grants from the department of social development, fees paid by the residents, collections at shopping malls by residents and donations from companies, individuals, churches and schools.
“Some of the big sponsors have stopped donating. Money from the few sponsors we still have is used for the most important things,” said Ms Jordan.
One resident’s daughter, Ms Jamie-lee Mayer, said the home has been wonderful to her father who fell sick three years ago and needed full-time care.
“We placed my father at Avalon because we did not have the money to put him in a home where they had everything he needs. The home does so much for the residents but there just aren’t enough resources to cover all the needs.
“The home is in desperate need of medical supplies as well as food, toiletries, renovations and many other things,” said Ms Mayer.
The home currently has 43 residents and will host a Christmas party on December 5. The home asks residents to assist with donations.
The donations can be dropped off at Avalon, which is located at the corner of 11th Avenue and 10th Street in Dewetshof.
For more information, phone 011 616-3203.
