Shelter is a godsend to many women
YEOVILLE– shelter helps women to take back their lives.
By Busi Vilakazi
The Frida Hartley Shelter for destitute women and children is a home away from home.
Situated in Yeoville, the home takes in homeless women and their children who have endured neglect, abuse, trauma and homelessness.
“We shelter individuals who have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. We help young homeless mothers looking to kick-start their lives and individuals who are going through financial difficulties. We help them get back on their feet and help them find jobs to rebuild their lives,” said Cheryl Hlabane, the shelter manager.
The shelter is a non-profit organisation that depends solely on donations and sponsors.
“We receive no financial aid from the government. We depend on sponsors and fund-raising to keep the centre running,” said Hlabane.
The home is a vision of Frida Hartley from London who came to Johannesburg and opened the home.
The shelter has been in existence since 1923.
The women and children who stay at the shelter are referred by the police and social workers.
The shelter’s aim is to empower women by providing accommodation, psycho-social support, employment and training.
The shelter also provides nutrition and childcare to the children housed at the shelter with their mothers.
“We have a day care facility in the centre to assist the mothers while they build their lives. This allows the mothers the time they need for job hunting. We aim to enable mothers to regain their dignity by becoming independent of the shelter, in order to adequately support themselves and their children,” said Hlabane.
The women are allowed to stay for three to six months but if they are not back on their feet, they can stay longer depending on the situation.
“We are a support system. We don’t turn anyone away. If a mother still needs our help, she can stay until she is back on her feet and we still offer support even after she has left the home,” said Hlabane.
The shelter’s services include free job-skills training, accommodation, three meals a day, monthly toiletries, counselling, life skills training, entrepreneurial skills training and referrals to workplace employment and further psycho-social support.
The shelter will be having a Christmas party on December 9 and requested the community to donate presents.
“Christmas is a special time and to some, we are the only family they have. We try to do something special for the mothers and children to make Christmas special for them.
“It can be a toy or toiletries for the women. It’s the thought that counts,” said Hlabane.
Contact Hlabana on 011 648 6005 or email to Cheryl@fridahartley.org
