Home-Start SA, based in Western Extension, is currently unable to offer its bereavement programmes and parent-effectiveness training due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as these are delivered in an interactive group setting.
The NPO focuses on early intervention, starting by connecting families to resources and helping them reach their full potential.
Their services include:
• Bereavement programmes
• Home visits
• Play therapy
• Parent-effectiveness training
Browyn Vollmer of Home-Start explained that they had to be conscious of the safety of their volunteers and the risks posed to them when conducting family visits, which resulted in them temporarily downscaling their visits.
“Through the commitment of our child psychologist and implementing strict protocols, we have been able to continue the play therapy sessions and we also redirected our focus when supporting families by looking at their most basic needs of food, warmth and clothing.
“This allowed us to stay in contact with many of them as they visit our premises to collect some essentials and has allowed us to connect and support them.”
Vollmer added that fund-raising, which previously allowed the organisation to expand its reach and contact with vulnerable families, has been impacted as they are unable to run their annual fund-raisers and many of their donors were also negatively impacted financially last year.
“On the positive side though we have received some wonderful donations to our charity shop, which has not only been providing for families but also helps to generate revenue to keep us operational through these difficult times.
“We always appreciate the ongoing support and donations from the community.”
AGM:
The organisation will be hosting its annual general meeting (date to be determined) and is looking for nominations of committed and passionate board members who have a desire to get involved in driving the future of Home-Start SA.
If you are interested in being a board member, send an email at partnerships@homestart.org.za
Residents who would like to contribute towards the good deeds done by the organisation can add Home-Start as a beneficiary of the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card or follow them on social media for updates on programmes or initiatives being run and fund-raising events you can get involved in.
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