Vita Nova needs support

Vita Nova means new life and was established in 1977 with the Gauteng Cerebral Palsy Association as their continuous main sponsor.

Vita Nova initially cared only for children and adults whose cerebral palsy excluded them from society.

The Constitution of the centre was amended in 1999 to cater for a wider range of disabilities and conditions, with particular emphasis on the needs of the previously disadvantaged local community.

Vita Nova focuses on developing resident’s skills and social interaction at the centre.

All residents are under constant supervision by a dedicated staff that includes full time staff members, a qualified sister, auxiliary nurses and a qualified therapist.

Each hostel has full ablution facilities as well as a TV lounge for the use of the residents and a laundry.

“We also focus on those skills needed for the enjoyment of a happy and meaningful life,” says Michelle Immelman, director of Vita Nova.

Michelle says they provide the children with nappies, clothing, toiletries and bedding.

The availability of funds, suitability and extent of the centre’s facilities are some of the limiting factors, Vita Nova is experiencing.

Most of the residents are abandoned and many of the younger children are from disadvantaged areas.