Gordonia in desperate need of help

Central Gauteng Mental Healthy Society’s Gordonia Rehabilitation Centre, a non-profit organisation in Bertrams is pleading for donations from the community and businesses.

Gordonia is a home in Bertrams for adults who suffer with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities such as severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorders. The centre is licensed to cater for 75 residents and also allows those living in the community to participate in the programme on a daily basis.

“The main aim of the home is to prepare the service users to ultimately be reintegrated into society, either with their families or as independent members of the community,” said Bhengu Shongwe, the organisation’s service manager.

She said the home is facing difficult times and needs financial assistance. “The home has not been maintained in years. We are overstretched financially and cannot afford to meet the home’s needs. The money we receive from residents does not even cover the costs of running the place.”

The programmes at Gordonia involves a protective workshop, general housekeeping duties, basic and life skills training, group therapy and individual counselling. The residents receive three meals a day with transport to and from doctor’s appointments and clinic visits.

“The toilets and showers need to be fixed, the building is old and needs to be refurbished, curtains and beds are needed for the bedrooms and furniture for the workshop,” added Shongwe.

As a non-profit organisation, their funding is derived from social grants from the Department of Social Development, fees paid by the residents and donations.

“We have a charity shop where people can bring us old clothes and household appliances to sell,” she said.

Donations can be dropped off at Gordonia, at 42 Berea Road, Bertrams.

Details: Bhengu Shongwe 011 614 6855; 071 401 2691; bhengu@witsmhs.co.za

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