Mercy Haven’s AGM highlights achievements, challenges and strategic future plans
On a more positive note, the organisation welcomed a new board member who will serve as an operations manager, now boasts a fully-fledged social worker, and will be opening its newly revamped main house on October 4.
Despite the tough economic times, Mercy Haven, an NPO that serves as a refuge for women and children fleeing abusive homes, continues its crucial work to protect and help victims from across Boksburg and surrounding areas rebuild their lives.
On August 16, board members and guests gathered in St Clare’s Hall at St Dominic’s Catholic Church for the organisation’s AGM, which featured a packed agenda – reflecting on challenges faced, successes, and the road ahead for the sanctuary.
The agenda included financial reports; reports from the chairperson, centre manager and HR; appointment of an audit firm, and a presentation that provided an overview of significant events from the past year, the current state of the facility, and outlined how the team intends to shape the future of the centre.
Chairperson’s report
The chairperson, Daryl Gabin, shared some positive news and challenges about the centre, which he described as more agile and resilient.
“We have not been receiving funding from the Department of Social Development, but with the dedication and commitment of all involved, we did an excellent job this past financial year (2024/2025) in that regard.”
However, Gabin pointed out that due to insufficient funding during the financial year in question, they were forced to make unavoidable financial choices – including letting some staff members go. These included some of the cooks and an auxiliary social worker.
“I’m happy to announce that the main house has been fully renovated to the extent that it’s going to be like a brand new house. They are now busy with paintwork.
“Mercy Haven is always grateful for each board member and the skills, experience and commitment they bring to the organisation. That’s our calling.
“On behalf of the board, please allow me to express our sincere gratitude to the management and staff for their dedication, service and many sacrifices you have made to ensure the continued growth of Mercy Haven.
“Our sincere gratitude also goes out to the Franciscan Order, Sisters of Mercy, our auditor Hela Incorporated Registered Auditors, and all our donors and volunteers who have continually supported Mercy Haven over the years.”
Independent auditor’s report
The independent audit firm’s Tebogo Lempke took the board through the audited finances for the 2024/2025 financial year.
He gave the organisation’s financial performance the thumbs up, saying that in their opinion, the financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the organisation.
However, Lempke pointed out that as part of the auditing processes, there is a concept known as the ‘going concern’ principle, where the auditor assesses whether an organisation can continue operating for the period of 12 months from the issuance of the financial statements.
When it comes to Mercy Haven, the auditor said, while the results show that the going concern does not raise eyebrows, financial interventions are needed to replenish the funds available to help the organisation continue to maintain a healthy bank balance into the next financial year.
The report found that as of the issuance of the financial statements, the organisation was holding about R740 000 cash-in-hand.
This means, in the worst scenario where the organisation is unable to secure any funding during this current financial year, the money (R740 000) available in the bank account is only enough to help Mercy Haven meet its obligations for nine months after the date of the financial statements.
“In simple words, the going concern is not an issue at this stage, but if nothing changes or no funding is coming along within a year, then it may become a problem.
“The fact that there is a significant balance in the bank gives the organisation some cushion. This year, looking at the bank balance, there is still significant amounts of money that can be deployed over the next year to run the cause. So for yourself, the priority is to ensure that additional funding is secured.
“Judging from your performances and track record of good financial management over the past years, we are hoping that the funding will get secured to prop up the financial position of the organisation to have a healthy balance to cover the next financial year (2025/2026),” explained Lempke.
The auditor emphasised the importance of deploying the available money with a lot of financial prudence, because when compared to the bank balance from the previous year’s going concern assessment, the current balance shows a significant drop.
The organisation’s annual expenses amount to about R1m, which works out to around R80 000 per month. With the current balances, in the absence of receiving a cash injection or any income, the organisation will need to cut expenses down to at least R60 000 per month to be able to have enough to run for over a full year.
“It’s a question of tightening the belt and working hard to secure more funding. These proposals will have to be expedited.”
Much-needed boost
On a more positive note, the organisation welcomed a new board member, Rudy Pinheiro, who will serve as an operations manager and will contribute his civil engineering expertise towards the facility.
“My wife Tania has been involved in the board, and we have previously assisted the centre with organising a Christmas drive.
“With my engineering expertise, I want to be part of the board to give my input back to the community through Mercy Haven. I will take it as my mission to ensure that maintenance and safety of the centre is up to spec.”
The centre now boasts a fully-fledged social worker, and will be opening its newly revamped main house during an open day to be held on October 4.
Performance
The centre has, despite staff shortage over the past 12-month period, served 144 beneficiaries, which, however, shows a decrease from the 206 the previous year.
All these services are heavily reliant on donors and sponsors, as the centre has been battling to secure government funding.
“Our benefactors have provided us with much-needed help, and my heartfelt thanks for their continued sponsorship,” said Maria Pereira, centre manager.
Sought support
This much-needed facility needs your support to secure sustainable funding needed to ensure the sustainability of its services to its beneficiaries in the long term.
Therefore, any financial support to help keep the operations sustainable would be much appreciated.
In addition to the necessities and an emergency or a temporary safe roof over a woman or child’s head, the centre is where trained staff members provide victims with the building blocks they need to begin a new life, away from their abusers.
On that account, the centre needs more volunteers who can assist with the introduction of skills development programmes for the beneficiaries, such as computer skills, to help beneficiaries rebuild themselves.
While the facility was blessed with the renovation of the main house, the other two smaller sections are in desperate need of maintenance.
Also Read: Community unites to support Mercy Haven
