MES Kempton Park celebrates World NGO Day
Celebrating the success of the shelter and the impact it has on the community, MES Kempton Park takes a look at their journey.
On February 27, as the world celebrated World NGO Day and Mould Empower Serve (MES) Kempton Park took the opportunity to highlight the essential role NGOs play in strengthening communities and fostering compassion.
The organisation called on individuals, businesses, and government bodies to continue supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change.
World NGO Day aimed to acknowledge the invaluable work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in transforming lives and restoring hope.
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One such initiative making a significant impact in Kempton Park is the MES Kempton Park shelter, which has been providing support to the homeless since its establishment in 2010.
Lorna Wridgway, branch manager of MES Kempton Park, said NGOs are vital resources for communities, especially in times of need.
“NGOs are a meaningful resource for communities to tap into during hard times.
“They provide services based on existing needs and work to uplift people’s standard of living and quality of life.
“For many, they offer a lifeline, providing access to basic needs and support that are essential for survival,” Wridgway said.
The MES shelter was founded to address the urgent need for safe and dignified accommodation for homeless individuals.
Over the past 14 years, the shelter has not only provided a place to eat and sleep but also paved the way for reintegration into society through holistic services aimed at empowering residents.
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Since its inception, the community has embraced the shelter, contributing to its growth and development.
Today, the shelter boasts significant improvements and expanded services that ensure dignity, stability, and support for its residents.
“A shelter helps bridge the gap between homelessness and the chance for someone to become employed and active in society again,” Wridgway added.
The impact of the Safe Space at MES Kempton Park has been profound.
Since its opening, 4 963 individuals have benefited from its services, with 628 people successfully reintegrated into society.
The shelter provides 37 safe sleep spaces each night, offering more than just a bed, it provides holistic support such as counselling, skills development, job readiness, and spiritual care.
Recognising the ongoing needs of vulnerable individuals, MES Kempton Park also launched its Families at Risk programme in 2011, distributing food parcels to families in need in the inner city of Kempton Park.
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This initiative continues today, offering essential assistance to those facing hardship.
“We’ve seen individuals stay for just a week, needing help to return to their hometown, family, or studies, while others have stayed longer, gaining new skills and qualifications through learnerships or short accredited courses that enhance their job prospects,” Wridgway said.
The GROW Work Readiness Programme was introduced to equip individuals with the skills and opportunities needed for employment.
The programme has already yielded many success stories, with former beneficiaries finding long-term stability through work and training.
“Anyone staying at our shelter has access to psychosocial support and healthcare services to help them transition from homelessness to reintegration,” Wridgway said.
