Centre in Eersterust aims to be a way out for ‘broken women’

A centre focusing on educating women on gender-based violence and drug abuse officially opened its doors in Eersterust on Tuesday, February 1.

Founders of “House of Hope” Dr Jacobus Nomaooe and his wife, Pastor Erica, noticed the need among women, not only in Eersterust but in the surrounding areas of Pretoria.

A volunteer and a woman who faced first-hand experience with the above-mentioned problems, Feloma Arendse, is geared to send women out with the necessary equipment.

The centre currently houses seven women – the youngest being 17 years old and the oldest resident being 52.

“The volunteers involved with the centre each have a heart and a passion to make a difference in the women’s lives,” said Arendse.

Arendse went through the programme herself, after becoming involved with drugs.

“I became involved with the wrong circles of friends and it forced me to some extent to end up on the wrong path.

“My parents kicked me out of the house, rejected me and disinherited me.

“I was on drugs for four years and one day I realised I needed urgent help.”

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Arendse said that no parent gave birth to a drug addict – and that is also what the centre stands for.

“I no longer knew which way to go.

“The Lord has done incredible work with me. I have told myself many times that I should not be here today, but the Lord had an incredible plan for me.

“I am here today to share my life story with women and motivate them that there is a way out, no matter how deep you are trapped in a hole,” she said.

Women arriving at the centre are heartbroken.

“Some of these women were raped, molested and are addicted to drugs.

“They are scared and vulnerable and struggle to trust anyone. Our role as volunteers at the centre is to regain their trust and to create a haven for women.”

She mentioned that it brings so much joy in her heart to see how the programme makes a difference in the lives of women.

“Most of us can easily remember a time when someone treated us harshly – these are often painful memories.”

They aim to house more than 15 women soon.

“I have made many sacrifices in life to work through the programme, but I do not look back one day. Drugs can destroy a family, a person.

“However, we need the community to assist us – whether it is a financial contribution or items such as food or toiletries – it makes a huge difference.”

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