House of Mercy highlights growth and resilience at AGM

The House of Mercy Rehabilitation Centre held its 33rd AGM on April 10 with renewed resilience and hope.

Held at the St Francis Care Centre, they highlighted the House of Mercy’s achievements, financial performance and plans, despite facing financial uncertainty and systemic funding challenges from its main sponsor, the Department of Social Development.

The chairperson Belekazi Mbelle opened the evening by acknowledging the ongoing commitment of stakeholders and supporters.

“Your presence honoured us as we shared our progress and strategy. Our core mission remains: to provide top-quality rehabilitative services and restore self-esteem to those struggling with addiction,” she said.

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Financial turmoil
According to Mbelle, like many non-profits in the sector, House of Mercy faced operational tension in the past year because of national budget cuts that affected grant allocations.

“Relief came when the department paid on time, enabling smooth operations and service continuity. We have courage and focus embedded to exude positive outcomes – and look at us, we are still here!” Mbelle exclaimed.

He reported the organisation grew its assets from R1.3m in 2023 to over R2.1m in the past year.

“Revenue also rose significantly, with the statement of comprehensive income growing from R4.5m to R5.5m in 20224.

“A clean audit confirmed the organisation to be in a sound financial position, and plans are underway to expand fundraising efforts into the private sector to reduce reliance on state funding.”

Improvements
Despite starting 2024 on shaky ground, the centre achieved significant operational milestones.

According to director Monica Mashiane, House of Mercy completed an overhaul of its kitchen costing R342 947, reconstructed the roof, upgraded signage, renovated male corridor tiling and modernised key aspects of its infrastructure to comply with in-patient treatment regulations.

“We renewed our health certificate and, most importantly, our in-patient treatment centre certification. These improvements create a safe, hygienic and dignified environment for our clients.”

She thanked those who are or have been part of the centre’s life. “We could not have done it without you, thank you.”

Global crisis
Social worker for the centre, Shadrick Ranape, said in the past year, they admitted 259 patients to House of Mercy and participating in over 280 educational group sessions.

“Clients struggling with alcohol stay for 21 days, while drug addiction cases receive 42 days of inpatient care.”

Ranape underscored the global crisis of substance abuse, noting the rise of dangerous self-made concoctions that wreak havoc on the central nervous system.

“Our intervention only begins when a patient acknowledges their powerlessness over addiction,” he said.
Board members, sponsors

The AGM also served as a platform to rally new supporters.

Both Mbelle and Mashiane encouraged community members to consider joining the board of management, emphasising the importance of governance and strategic oversight.

“We invite those who share our passion for restoring lives to become part of our mission. We need your ideas, voice, and hands,” they said.

For more information or to get involved with House of Mercy, contact the director’s office on 011 894 4050.

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