After 26 years of devoted service, St Luke’s Home of Healing chairperson Sue Rowland has stepped down, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and care.
The 62-year-old’s journey with the facility began in 1998 when she accompanied a friend who volunteered there. She was captivated by what she witnessed, prompting her to become involved and take on various roles over the years.
Starting as a volunteer, Rowland first assisted in the classroom and offered haircuts to residents.
St Luke’s, located 3km outside Stanger on the R74 Greytown road, provides care for people with mental and physical disabilities. Established 78 years ago, the home was originally housed at the historic Kearsney Manor, once the grand residence of the father of South Africa’s sugar industry, Sir Liege Hulett. In 2013, the home was moved to the old Kearsney Hospital owing to the high costs of maintaining the original building.
Today, St Luke’s provides care for 26 residents with various disabilities and accommodates three assisted living residents in a nearby cottage, with two rooms still available for occupancy.
Rowland has played a significant role in developing the annual Christmas Country Fair fundraiser at Collisheen Estate, at which residents sell their handmade items.
In 2020 she took on the role of chairlady, a position that brought immense responsibility. She immersed herself in every aspect of the home’s operations, from nursing care to finances.
Her leadership brought about significant changes, including a reshuffle of the management committee in 2022 and appointing a new accounting firm to oversee the home’s finances.
She navigated the difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact of loadshedding on the home’s daily operations.
Through it all, she said she found joy working alongside passionate and dedicated people.
“The greatest pleasure was seeing the joy and happiness on residents’ faces when they received visitors and family picking them up for an outing or to go home for a few days. All this has taught me to be thankful in all circumstances,” she said.
As Rowland’s husband approached retirement, the couple decided to move to their dream home in Jacobsbaai, prompting her to step down as chairlady.
She leaves St Luke’s in the capable hands of Lisa O’Mant, confident that the home will continue to thrive.
Her legacy at St Luke’s is one of dedication and transformation. She implemented strict care regimes, introduced effective policies and protocols, established improved control over the home’s finances and beefed up security, among other measures.
For those looking to support St Luke’s or to volunteer, extra hands and hearts are always welcome. Contact Lisa O’Mant at 082 336 6238 for more information.
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