Frida Hartley Shelter in Yeoville has taken a modern approach to the empowerment of abused women and in doing so, it is changed the system with lasting results.
Opened in 1922 by wealthy socialite Frida Hartley, the shelter is a safe haven for women who seek sanctuary from abusive situations.
Those walking through the doors of the shelter look at the home as a foundation from which they can rebuild their lives.
“The women at Frida Hartley have escaped dangerous situations. But regardless of what their reason for leaving was, they all have one thing in common, they want a better and brighter future,” said operations manager at Frida Hartley, Cheryl Hlabane.
Frida Hartley is currently home to 25 women and 16 children who will stay at the home for anywhere from three to 18 months.
During this time, each woman will undertake a personal journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
“We go beyond giving the women short-term solutions to their problems. We do not teach them bead work and hand out food parcels before sending them on their way. We find sustainable long-term solutions for each woman,” said Cheryl.
When a woman arrives at Frida Hartley Shelter, she is interviewed to find out what direction she wants to take in her life.
Studies are then aligned with her individual aspirations and the home ensures that she is financially supported on her journey.
This approach has proven to be an undeniable success and the home boasts an impressive 85 per cent success rate for women and has produced, among others, a lawyer, a business manager, a number of marketing executives and countless entrepreneurs.
This year alone, three women have graduated and went on to find permanent employment.
“Those who left have bought their own houses and apartments. We helped the women attain their learner and driver’s licences and by the time they leave here they are ready to buy their own cars. We place much of our focus on preparing women for their new lives.
“After a woman has completed her studies and landed her very first interview, we call on our sponsorship from companies such as Rage to dress the women for their interview. Everything from clothes to shoes and even handbags is taken care of to ensure that she looks and feels her best,” said Cheryl.
Apart from essential skills development, each woman is also taught the essence of stable financial management.
“We teach women to save, budget and plan for their future,” she said.
Children are placed in schools, they are clothed and they are well fed. This ensures that the children are raised in a healthy environment.
“Frida Hartley is a sisterhood and a family. Those who have moved on, still return regularly to offer skills training. They join in for family lunches and offer support to those who are now where they once were. We have an alumni group where women who have left use where they are today to help someone else entering the system,” said Cheryl.
Aside from taking in abused women, the shelter also works closely with a number of children’s orphanages in Johannesburg.
“We take in women who have grown up in the system because when they turned 18 they are no longer able to stay in children’s orphanages. They have nowhere to go and they have no skills to get on their feet. Inevitably, they will land up on the streets and this is where Friday Hartley steps in. At Frida Hartley, we give these women the same opportunities as the others,” Cheryl said.
For those who have passed through the doors of Friday Hartley, the shelter is more than a cold building, it is and will always be a home and a place where they have a family.
How you can support the shelter:
Those wanting to support Frida Hartley Shelter are encouraged to call the home to find out what they need at that particular time.
How businesses can help:
• Staff training and development
• Computer training
• Administration and receptionist courses
• Bursaries
• Entrepreneurial training
How individuals can help:
• Visit the shelter
• Read to the children
• Re-gift unused spa vouchers
• Take a woman for lunch
• Spend time with residents at the home
