A safe place to turn to
Dealing with the massive need from abused women and children in the West Rand, Cross Connect Community has opened it's House Nehemiah to help mothers get back on their feet.
Where do you go when you have nothing left?
Who do you turn to for help when you and your child have lost everything? Where can you find a safe and nurturing environment if you’ve fallen victim to gender-based violence?
The Cross Connect Community Outreach (CCCO) works with thousands of destitute or otherwise struggling people on the West Rand, with the greatest need often in single-parent households. Often women with children who have no means of earning an income and worse, who have been subjected to terrible violence and often feel broken and lost, approach them for help.
CCCO has been caring and helping these women as best they could, but was in desperate need of a place where some of them could be accommodated.
On August 1, the CCCO finally opened the doors of their House Nehemiah and, within a week, a woman came asking for help. After an interview to determine her and her children’s needs they were taken in, given beds, food and now receive regular counselling.
“Two other families are on their way and by next week we should be filled up,” explained Kyle Tolman, CCCO founder. “We’re also in the process of registering the house as a CYCC (Child and Youth Care Centre), which is a children’s home.”
The house itself is divided in two; the main, larger house and the fully equipped garden flat at the back. The main house is for the women and their daughters, whereas the flat has room for the boys. Both are supervised by gender-appropriate caregivers.
There is room for 18 people, and has multiple bathrooms, two kitchens, a living room, study space with internet access and computers for school children, a braai area for special days hosted by CCCO, and a large yard for which they still need play sets. Depending on the situation, the space can be moved around to suit different needs. This touches on a serious issue in the area as there is a large shortage of space not just for women with children, but orphaned children too.
“When they arrive here, we do a full screening with the family to find out their history, where they come from, if they have any issues that they bring with them, and if anyone is pursuing them. Then, for every family we have a plan depending on what they need to successfully transition in three months.” Their goal is to help the women get a job in the first month to allow them to save up a deposit for a flat to become self-sufficient. At that point, CCCO will check in on them and help with basic food and other items for another few months through their Esther Project. Because of the sheer scale of the project, CCCO is consistently in need of help. Currently they’re in dire need of a second vehicle, specifically a kombi to transport children to school and to deliver goods. To help CCCO, or if you or someone you know is in need, contact CCCO on 010 100 0075.
