Abraham Kriel Childcare faces financial crisis

Six months into its current financial year, the organisation faces a shortfall on budgeted income of R3.6-million.

The 112-year-old organisation will have to make serious decisions about reducing services if the current financial crisis is not addressed very soon.

Abraham Kriel Childcare was established in 1902, as a safe haven for children who have faced abuse, sexual abuse, poverty, HIV/Aids and lack of access to the economy.

Its Benoni-based satellite house, in Northmead, houses 12 boys between the ages of eight and 18 years.

Manager of the Abraham Kriel satellite house Elsie Haywood said their aim is to provide a family set-up for the children to grow up in.

Each house has a house mother and father.

“The aim is for the children not to have to grow up in an orphanage,” said Haywood.

“We take care of them with the vision for them to return to their parents, but the parents then have to correct their behaviour.

“We function like a normal household, just bigger.”

Each child has their own development programme, for the house parents to monitor their strong and weak points and to make decisions on how they can develop further.

Despite having been previously perceived as a white organisation, the organisation as a whole currently has more than 1 000 beneficiaries, of which 76.5 per cent are black, 12 per cent coloured and 11.5 per cent white.

Expenses have been reduced and about R76 000 was saved, but the emergency fund reserves had to be dipped into over the past few months.

The monthly cash outflow will consume the balance of the emergency reserves within the next two to three months, unless urgent help is received.

State funding was cut by R1.2-m.

Despite numerous fund-raising events and the continued loyalty of donors, donations are below budget by R1.14-m.

The usual income from childcare training on behalf of local government has also not yet materialised.

Paul Momsen, the chief executive of Abraham Kriel Childcare, said the current financial situation is ironic, as it comes at a time when outcomes from their services are exceptionally positive.

“We are appealing to all existing donors to consider donations to the core costs rather than the ‘nice to have’ gifts,” said Momsen.

“Sensible and responsible financial contributions could prevent a crisis in the Christmas stocking.”

Haywood said the Benoni house always appreciates donations of clothes, preferably boys clothes; services, such as help with homework, and any household items.To find out more about the organisation, visit www.abrahamkriel.org.

To get involved with Abraham Kriel Childcare, contact Hilda du Toit on 011 839 3058.