Mercy Haven to reopen its doors soon
Mercy Haven provides emergency accommodation for abused women and children.
With a new board in place, Mercy Haven will soon reopen its doors to abused women and children.
This follows the facility’s shutdown 14 months ago after the Gauteng Department of Social Development withdrew funding.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Mbangwa Xaba, the centre was shut down due to non-compliance.
“The department warned the board at the time to comply with the regulations in accordance with functioning as an NGO, otherwise the department would be forced to withdraw funding. Unfortunately, they failed to comply and the facility was shut down,” said Xaba.
Based in the Boksburg CBD and run as an NGO, Mercy Haven, which operates under the auspices of the St Dominic’s Parish Church, provides emergency accommodation for abused women and children.
The women are taken in at the centre and provided with basic needs, such as nutrition, primary healthcare, clothing, education and developmental assistance, and where possible reunited with their families.
Daryl Gabin, the new chairman, said, “The new board consists of about nine members who took over from the previous board in December 2017.
“Our initial plan was to open the centre on April 1 but because of financial constraints, we will open around May.
“Renovations to the centre will begin next week and we are happy that the Gauteng Department of Social Development is again funding the centre.”
Gabin highlighted that during the time that the centre was closed they had several break-ins and had to resort to hiring a security guard to look after the premises day and night.
“We are excited to reopen the centre so that we can once again serve the community and provide peace and security to destitute mothers and their children who don’t know where else to go.
“Our team of caring, committed individuals will assist victims through holistic programmes to promote healing and empowerment and which will enable them to rebuild themselves and reclaim their lives.”
Xaba said the Department of Social Development is also excited and pleased to announce that Mercy Haven will be reopening soon.
“We are pleased they have resolved their issues and have a new board. We are confident the new board will deliver on its commitment to mothers and children in need.”
Anyone interested in contributing to the sustainability of Mercy Haven and its activities can email darylg@sevenstars.co.za
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