Forest Farm is a residential complex which houses persons with Cerebral palsy and special needs –where they receive constant care and minding from Forest Farm’s dedicated staff members.
Forest Farm’s finance and administrative manager Drienie Nienaber shared educational insights on what residents get up to at the home. Tenants spend their time building stimulating puzzles, colouring in, as well as working in the workshop or privately for external companies.
“We can do all kinds of packaging. We need the contracts to come in – they help with the operational cost, which is around R13 000 per month per resident,” said Nienaber. “There is no income except the grant. We fundraise to cover the additional costs.” Forest Farm takes on contracts from external businesses requiring packaging services – which residents at the home sort through and pack in the workshop on the premises. Presently, Forest Farm has two contracts – respectively for packing medical supplies. According to Nienaber, Forest Farm can host as many as 112 people with Cerebral Palsy and special needs.
“We currently only have 69,” Nienaber said. “Only way we will survive is to fill our beds, as we call it.”
According to Nienaber, Forest Farm hosts an annual year-end function where residents voluntarily partake in a concert as a means of fundraising.
“Music is their thing. This year we have a tribute to Abba,” said Nienaber. They commit to practice during the week. They are committed to making it a success.”
Nienaber encourages people to realise that persons living with special needs, and Cerebral [palsy are also just people. Nienaber commends schools like Redhill School and St Stithian’s College for their outreach programmes at Forest Farm.
“You realise other people’s challenges. They’re not disabled – they are people living with disability,” Nienaber said. “People fear the unknown. It’s a wonderful thing schools are doing with their community engagement.”
Nienaber openly welcomes anybody with family members with Cerebral palsy to consider Forest Farm for their care.
“Send us an email, and we’ll arrange a site visit to ascertain the special needs of your loved ones,” said Nienaber.
Details: info@forest-farm.org.za
——————————————–
#ShareASmile campaign Vox Pops
As a part of the Casual Day #ShareASmile campaign, a few residents at Forest Farm Home for Adults with Cerebral Palsy or Special Needs were asked: (1) Who (or what) inspires you to smile; and (2) What makes you feel happier than anything else in the world. Here’s what they had to say.
(1) Yoh, can I choose a role model? I’m gonna go with sports. I love my sports. I get inspired by our rugby team that is this year going to defend their title in France.
(2) Spending time with this girl next to me, Natasha.
(1) Mostly my sister and her kids – and people who really care about us. That makes me smile, when you find people who care.
(2) My Job and my sister’s children. That’s my life. I work for a life coach, I do her admin. I love it.
(1) I am happy all the time.
(2) Mathew
(1) I like to smile only.
(2) I play games and stuff: Computer games as well.
Casual Day is the annual fundraising campaign of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
Already launched, the campaign runs until September 1, which is Casual Day. The theme of Casual Day 2023 is #ShareASmile with Persons with Disabilities.“This theme aims to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with disabilities in South Africa,” says NCPD national director Therina Wentzel. “A smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully, uncontrollable proportions. “In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to purchase Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1, and to wear them with pride on the day. Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where purchases can be made, or to order personalised stickers.
“Casual Day has raised over R404m since 1995, thanks to the wonderful support of members of the public who purchase their stickers from participating retail stores, participating companies, our 600+ beneficiary NPOs and schools that renew their participation every year. The proceeds go to persons with disabilities at schools, homes and workshops represented by the participating beneficiary organisations,” said Wentzel.
Related article:
