Nov 15, 2019 | News
What happened … where has 2019 gone? It seems that every year at this time we ask the same question – where has the time gone?
2019 has certainly been a year that overflowed with all sorts of challenges – from blocked drainage systems to late payment of subsidy from the Department of Social Development. Each challenge required a well-executed response that is easier said than done when financial and human resources are already stretched. And then almost in the blink of an eye, it is the end of the year and as we reflect we see how our mindful responses to each of the challenges has resulted in positive outcomes, from cleared drainage systems to intensive advocacy with provincial Department of Social Development on behalf of Child and Youth Care Centres in KZN.
The support received from so many different quarters has certainly kept our spirits high and our focus fixed firmly on our priority; the care and treatment of the children placed into the care of our Centre. When 20 children are reunited with their family and community you can be assured that the child care team has worked with a sense of purpose and determination throughout the year to ensure that the goals of families Care Plans are met.
I am so grateful for the commitment of our Board members who set the benchmark for good governance, for the heart that our staff have for vulnerable children, and for the generosity of our friends and donors.
It is the combined effort of all these wonderful and special people which carried this organisation through 2019. Dare I hope that 2020 is a little less challenging but as successful? Knowing that God’s grace is sufficient, especially when we are at our weakest, is all the encouragement I need!
Nov 15, 2019 | News
Chris Yuill took over as Treasurer of the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre during 1991, and held this position until 2017 when he handed over the reins to Grant Fincham.
Over the years that he served as the Treasurer, and then a general member of the Board, Chris made sure that the finances of the organisation were carefully administered to ensure the sustainability of the organisation. His integrity and attention to the smallest detail resulted in our ability to withstand some challenging financial storms.
It is not only Chris’s astute mind, financial expertise and general knowledge of the workings of this organisation that have made him an invaluable asset, but also his heart for children, concern for staff and genuine love for the Children’s Homes that will be missed.
We are pleased that he will continue to be involved in advising the organisation on a range of matters, as an Honorary Committee Member.
Nov 15, 2019 | News
Early this year, our organisation was amongst many others that were affected by the heavy rain storm. Our reception area was flooded, causing damage to the flooring and some equipment.
Grobank came to the rescue with financial assistance to attend to this need. Thank you to the awesome management and staff of Grobank for being our Partners in Care of Youth and Children.
Nov 15, 2019 | News
Special thanks to the wonderful ladies from the 31 Club for their incredible kindness and generosity to our organisation.
Soon after the children moved into Saunders House, we discovered that the burglar bars that were installed had wide gaps in them that posed a safety threat for our children. In August this year, we appealed to the Club for assistance to adjust the burglar bars, and without hesitation they granted us the financial support to attend to this need. Thank you!
Nov 15, 2019 | News
On Saturday, 2 November we hosted our Annual Friendship Day Programme.
The goal of the programme is to empower our young people and teach them leadership skills. Our young people spent much time practising with assistance and support from our dedicated Child and Youth Care Workers.
The event was a huge success as our children performed a variety of songs, drama and dance. Special thanks must go to Maggie Pelkofer and Madison Seeger, our foreign in-service students from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, for raising a total of R9000 for this event through Go Fund Me, an online fundraising site.
We would also like to acknowledge one of our loyal donors, Mrs. S Madaree, for donating the refreshments for the day.
