Little Angels have big dreams for the future. The Somerset West NPO is a residential care facility for about 17 children with profound and severe intellectual and physical disabilities.
Now 17 years in existence and operating from a humble abode in Bridgewater, Somerset West, the board and management have launched a campaign to bring much-needed relief to their staff and children through the construction of a brand new facility.
But the NPO relies heavily on donations and now has the enormous task of raising millions of rands – but it’s hopeful and has its fingers crossed that the journey will be one that ends in success.
Delving a bit into the organisation’s history, Operations Manager Tanya de Jager and chairperson Marisa von Brandis recalled that the “home” started in 2005 with just two children, and enrolments steadily increased as they moved around in search of the right premises.
In 2009 it eventually moved into the current premises, which used to be a house, and is centrally located in relation to other important amenities, such as the hospital – a vital convenience, as children sometimes have to be rushed in an emergency. ?
“All the children at Little Angels require 24-hour, highly specialised care and support as a result of their severe disabilities,” said De Jager. “The majority of the children suffer from multiple medical conditions, and our devoted staff of 21 are absolutely amazing in taking care of them around the clock.”
She added that renovations and maintenance at the home have maxed out, and it makes financial sense rather to break it down and rebuild.
The home has a licence to provide residential care to 17 children, some have been privately placed and others by the court. They do receive a state subsidy but this barely covers running costs.
“We have become the mother, father and primary caregiver to these children, De Jager pointed out, “all of whom are wheelchair bound and all of them have to be assisted in the bathroom.
“These children know what’s happening around them, they know that they are being well cared for and they’re happy.”
Von Brandis said the fact that 21 people are employed here is proof that homes such as this contribute to the economy, and the fact that they are based in Somerset West is a much needed relief to many in the community.
“We provide a safe, secure and loving home to children who would otherwise have nowhere to go. We are not an institute or facility, but a loving home.
“Our staff work really hard to maintain our status as a ‘green light NPO’, and our staff are really our everything and we are immensely grateful to have them. It is thus important for us to ensure they are well looked after.”
She added that the initial plan to expand was proving too costly and an alternative premises would impact staff access.
The current facility is aged and wearing, the walls cracking and water leaks dot the property. Passages are too narrow for easy wheelchair access and there’s only two baths and no shower, adding to the daily challenges.
“Our location is very important and it is a blessing to be located close to the hospital, so we decided that we want to remain on this property. We have a lovely design that would provide the children with a better place for their ease and comfort, but now the task of getting this project off the ground begins”.
They now need only final approvals from the City and before the real work begins – finding the funding, upwards of R7 Million rand.
“During the past two years funding has been a struggle due to the impact of Covid. But the community has always somehow or the other supported us, and we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to reach our target”.
Little Angels also has a donor wall for sponsors of more than R1 000 and will appreciate any help they can get, be it in the form of cash donations or building materials or labour.V To find out more and to get involved visit www.littleangelshome.co.za or email operations@littleangelshome.co.za
