Discovering your purpose

FINDING your purpose in life or actualising your calling seems to be an elusive undertaking for many. However Nici Hornby, a local social worker leapt to her calling in 2009 when she and her husband, with the Empangeni Methodist Church and Christian Social Services started the Crossroads Teen Centre.

Raised in a German farmer’s community close to Paulpietersburg, Nici began her life journey abroad after matriculating, and studied Social Work when she later returned to South Africa.

‘After I completed my studies, I joined my sister in what was planned to be a one-year stay in Empangeni,’ said Nici.

Her stay was extended and Empangeni became her home, where she lives in with her husband and two children.

Crossroads Teen Centre, is a non-profit organisation which focuses on assisting teenagers within the community with various issues through Christian-based recreational, social and educational programmes, projects and activities.

In an attempt to address teenagers’ concerns in the Richards Bay and Empangeni area, Nici and her husband Leigh with a combined effort of the Empangeni Methodist Church and Christian Social Services, conducted a research on 3500 teenagers to try and identify their needs.

The findings showed that there were no services or facilities available in the community to assist teenagers overcome various issues in a safe, controlled environment.

‘Crossroads has been a dream as well as a calling for me,’ said Nici, who has been the Centre Manager at Crossroads for four years.

Nici’s season as Centre Manager recently came to an end, as she believes it’s time for a new season with bigger challenges.

‘To get to know these teenagers, see them grow into beautiful, respectful and ambitious young adults made every challenge faced, worth it,’ said Nici.

Nici is now a counsellor at Empangeni High School, where she worked prior to her role at the teen centre. She is still on the Crossroads board and will continue to try and make a difference there.

With Crossroads being a non-profit organisation, the financial challenges grow with each bout.

If you would like to provide financial assistance or are perhaps interested in being a volunteer, please contact the Crossroads office at 035 7725823 or email info@crossroadsteencentre.co.za