JOSH set to change many lives
Seventeen September marked the beginning of a unique effort to change society, in the form of a new organisation - JOSH.
Mary Gillett-de Klerk is the founder and CEO of the Johannesburg Organisation Services to the Homeless (JOSH).
The organisation aims to help and empower the homeless to contribute positively to society. “We want to provide services for the homeless which will enable them to be independent in the long run. Through providing a range of supportive services homeless people can become active members of society,” said De Klerk.
JOSH will function as a social enterprise business. According to Gillett-de Klerk the service will be a self-sufficient enterprise through funding obtained through the sale of hand-made goods and services that form part of the skills training programmes it will offer.
Once up and running an account will be created which people can use to donate funds. The service has partnered with organisations dealing with street children and will be working together with several service providers.
“Not only will we offer counselling, but we will adopt the best practice methods to empower the homeless in their rehabilitation process,” said Gillett-de Klerk.
Gillett-de Klerk is a qualified social worker who has previously worked with a number of shelters. “I have done intense research and am thus hopeful JOSH will be a success. I have spoken to the homeless and know what can help them. Through this service we are hoping to change people’s attitudes toward the homeless, turning a negative into a positive. We know this will create an opportunity for the community of Randburg. This is only the beginning,” Gillett-de Klerk concluded.
