Due to lockdown, client intake at Mercy Haven remained a concern as it struggled to maintain maximum monthly client capacity in its safe house.
This was revealed during Mercy Haven’s 2019/20 virtual AGM on November 21.
According to the centre manager, Maria Pereira, during the lockdown social workers were restricted from visiting clinics and police stations where mostly they get their referred clients from.
“Now with the easing of the lockdown regulations, our social workers will go out to the public and continue their work as normal,” Pereira said.
To keep their clients safe during the pandemic, Pereira said they introduced stringent hygiene and nutritious meals to boost their immunity, as well as recording daily temperature readings.
Pereira stated a number of clients who they have reached out to have obtained learnerships or domestic worker opportunities, while others have started their own craft-making businesses.
Pereira expressed her excitement that other clients were also reunited with their families after many years of being away from home.
Meanwhile, the safe house also welcomed the services of a psychologist who offers counselling to the staff and clients every Thursday.
The centre manager shared that Mercy Haven has undergone extensive renovations during the past year such as repainting all the bedrooms in the House of Magdalene.
“Brand new bed sets and curtains were put in all the bedrooms, as well as varnishing the wooden floor. Offices of the social worker and auxiliary worker were moved into the main house to centralise the administration function. Waterproofing was completed at the food storeroom and the skills centre floor was tiled and its walls were repainted,” Pereira said.
According to an audited financial statement, Mercy Haven’s revenue amounted to R1 910 278 compared to the previous year revenue of R1 165 267. For donations they received R469 698 compared to last year’s R136 086.
Presenting the financial report, Keamogetswe Kuypers, who is the treasurer, highlighted that with the help of donations they have maintained a good financial status all thanks to donors.
Furthermore, Mercy Haven’s chairperson, Daryl Gabin, said although a review of the financial results of Mercy Haven showed the organisation managed to stay afloat during the last financial year, some challenges in achieving long-term sustainability remain.
He stressed that the organisation is still in need of donations to keep its doors open.
During the meeting, board members also bid farewell to Mandla Mkhize who headed the human resources position. Mkhize was hailed as a dedicated team player who made sure he comes up with solutions to every problem he encountered. His position now stands vacant.
Samke Lempe from Hlela Advisory was re-elected as auditor for the next financial year.
Mercy Haven offers emergency accommodation for abused women and children.
To donate you may send an email to info@mercyhavenubuntuhouse.co.za or call 010 444 0109. You can also visit their website at www.mercyhavenubuntuhouse.co.za
Also Read: Mercy Haven to hold AGM on November 21
Also Read: Mercy Haven women and their children copying during the lockdown
