A Strandfontein-based non-profit is marking 10 years of walking alongside families and building hope in under-resourced communities.

HandsandFeet was founded in 2015 to support and strengthen families so that children can grow up safely at home. The organisation works with informal housing communities in Mitchells Plain, including 7de Laan, Plot 9, Oppermans Oord, Masincedane and others.

From six children to hundreds of families

The organisation began as a small early childhood development and family strengthening programme, run in partnership with HOSA NPO, starting with just six children and their families.

A decade later, Hope Family and ECD Centre supports more than 149 children, 262 adults, and 215 families, with a dedicated team and long-term volunteers.

Co-founder Tessa Gardener says the drive behind the work has always been rooted in community and faith. “We wanted to find community-based solutions that help families stay together,” she said. “We also wanted to live out our faith in a practical way.”

A broad approach to family support

Over the years, HandsandFeet has built a wide-ranging approach to helping families. Their programmes cover psychosocial support, recovery coaching, skills training and helping families move towards steady livelihoods.

“We have seen so many lives change,” Gardener said. “Homes filled with more peace and love, families growing stronger and people finding freedom from drugs, gangs, and crime.”

She acknowledges, however, that the road has not always been easy. “When you walk closely with people through difficult circumstances, there are always crises,” she reflected. “But we have learned to adapt, to support one another and to keep going.”

Built on partnership

Gardener says the organisation’s growth and reach would not have been possible without strong ties to local communities, government departments, other organisations and donors.

“This is a story of partnership, collaboration and building together,” she said. “God has grown resilience and perseverance in all of us.”

She adds that the communities themselves continue to inspire the team. “It is a privilege to work with communities who show so much courage and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges,” Gardener shared.

What comes next

Looking ahead, HandsandFeet is focused on supporting sustainable livelihoods, deepening family support and equipping other organisations to do similar work.

“We are still building,” Gardener said. “And we would love more people to be part of that journey.”

As the milestone is celebrated, the organisation is calling on individuals to get involved through ongoing financial support.

“Any amount counts,” Gardener said. “Together, we can continue to build hope and see real change.”

ALSO READ: Local NPO feeds community but struggles with funding