The Family Life Centre held its 75th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its Parkwood offices on October 4.
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The AGM reflected on a year marked by resilience, growth, and commitment to its mission of strengthening families and communities in the face of numerous challenges.
The centre’s chairperson, Henry Sebata, explained that financial stability remained a work in progress. “While we are no longer in the dire position we were in four years ago, we are still navigating a tough landscape. Revenue for the year declined by 11% compared to last year, a reality that compelled us to make difficult decisions. We ended the year with a deficit 74% higher compared to last year.”
Sebata added that the situation underscored the importance of diversifying their funding sources, especially government funding.
Executive director of the Family Life Centre Jennifer Papers said 2023 came with financial uncertainty as the Department of Social Development (DSD) clamped down on many organisations deemed, ‘non-compliant’, causing delays in funding and chaos across the NPO sector.
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“The start of 2024 was not much better as we entered the year with an unstable funding crisis causing many organisations to shut their doors and many vulnerable beneficiaries displaced. We are honoured to have partnered with The South African Counsel for Applied Psychology (SACAP), The University of South Africa (UNISA), and Wits University in providing a home for over 70 social work and psychology students to complete their practical experience with us.”
Papers thanked the National Lottery for coming on board and making it possible for the centre to their achieve goals, and the George Elkin Trust and the HB Hagart Trust for their continued support to ensure the centre reached the most vulnerable sectors of society.
Papers noted that the need for mental health services and employee wellness increased tremendously, seeing a desperate need for their organisation to expand into other communities and increase their human resources to meet the need.
“The numbers we reached over the last year speaks to this overwhelming desperation for mental health support of many individuals struggling with substance abuse, low self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, and families with conflict, etc. These are the daily social ills The Family Life Centre tries to combat through our programmes, but it is impossible to do it alone.”
Sebata unveiled the new vision statement. “A globally recognised organisation that understands the unique needs of all our clients. A specialised service provision that caters to everyone, family, and community efficiently, effectively, and with precision.”
The new mission vision reads: We remain committed to excellent mental health services offered by expert professionals. We are inclusive of all our diverse groups including individuals, families, and communities.
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