Come November 12, Steven’s Ability Centre and Coffee Shop will host an open day and Christmas market.
Members of the community are invited.
The day promises nothing but family fun.
Founder and head at the centre, Mrs Vanessa Dos Santos said various items will be on sale at the market.
The event will be hosted at the centre’s premises along Nicol Road.
“We will sell year-end gifts for teachers, cakes, biltong, fudge, handbags, shoes, candles and jewellery among other items. We urge community members to come through and support us,” said Mrs Dos Santos.
Mrs Dos Santos launched the centre in honour of her son, Steven, who was born with Cerebral Palsy 21 years ago.
She said her son was born dead.
“The umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck too tightly and he could not breathe. At birth he was immediately taken away and was resuscitated. Two hours after his birth, doctors came back and told me he had the condition. While pregnant with him, tests shown that he’d be born with Down’s Syndrome. Steven is also autistic and cannot speak or walk,” said Mrs Dos Santos.
Three years ago, Steven lost sight in his right eye after his retina detached.
Mrs Dos Santos said it was a sad time in her life.
“That’s the other thing, if he’s sick, he is unable to tell us. Sometimes I just wish I could have a conversation with him,” she said.
Through the centre, Mrs Dos Santos gets to touch the lives of other young adults like Steven.
The centre accommodates eight young adults and offers a variety of activities throughout the day.
“We focus on meaningful activities that promote development in a friendly and safe environment that encourages interaction with others on a daily basis,” said Mrs Dos Santos.