FOUNDER of The Elder’s Voice, Joanne Mocke Herbst is encouraging the community to help them fulfill their mission to lend a helping hand to the elderly.
Passionate about fighting the plight of the elderly, Joanne explained why this is a cause residents should get involved in.
The Elder’s Voice started in February this year, after Joanne spent months of working with the elderly.
“I came across a large amount of physical, emotional abuse and money extortion from the elderly and frail in our community and I knew that I had to do something,” explained Joanne.
“For months I approached various departments to assist me but did not get much assistance. I realised these old people had no voice. They needed someone to talk for them and bring awareness about the hardships they were facing. It was heart-breaking for me to watch the abuse and suffering and do nothing.”
The Elder’s Voice has been registered as an NPO and is awaiting its final paperwork.
Currently covering the greater Amanzimtoti, Athlone Park, Scottburgh area, the organisation answers calls from further North and South, assisting as best as it can. Joanne explained that The Elder’s Voice aims to assist the elderly at risk, bring attention to unregistered, unlicensed homes that open with no proper care for these elderly and stop the physical and emotional abuse.
This organisation deals with many pensioners living below the poverty line. Those in need are then relocated to registered homes with better living conditions, where they receive transport to clinics and hospitals, wheelchairs, food parcels, bed pans or nappies.
“Currently, I run this entire organisation on my own and I have no funding. I am totally dependent on this community,” said Joanne. “I have volunteers cooking meals. There are so many ways that help and support can be given to this cause. These are the mothers and fathers of our communities. Let’s make a difference.”
The Elder’s Voice desperately needs food, clothing, funds, adult nappies and airtime to respond to emergency calls.
If you would like to assist, send your name and number to Joanne on 079-028-6379.
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