Local NPO fuels life-changing work in Eersterust

What started from giving out a few meals to a group of people on the street has blossomed into a multi-faceted initiative that tackles social issues facing Eersterust residents.

The Dynamic Life Changers Foundation was established in 2017 by Bashan Jacobs.

Jacobs explained that when he started the foundation, he was dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate.

“I used to buy food for about 17 homeless people in Villieria, however, over time, the number started increasing. “

At first, the foundation would do feeding schemes around Eersterust and Villieria.

Jacobs said, however, he realised there was a huge need for food donations in the communities.

“The food drives resulted in a number of underprivileged families being helped.”

He said the organisation team comprised passionate people and volunteers from diverse backgrounds who dedicate their time to uplifting the lives of others.

As they did their community outreaches, they would pick up many issues in communities, resulting in the implementation of other projects.

“We started including projects such as the gender-based violence programme, which assists victims and those affected by violence.”

He said a programme for drug rehabilitation is helping fight addiction in the community.

“I was also a drug addict in my early 20s. This programme is important and has been shown to have a positive impact on the youth.”

Jacobs said the foundation has programmes for underprivileged school children.

“The school items and annual matric ball drives are aimed at providing support for those parents and guardians who can’t afford to provide the most essential parts of a learner’s life, a uniform and celebrating finishing high school.”

He added that they run sanitary pad drives and a skills bridge programme for the youth to improve their expertise.

“We aim to create an environment wherein youth will be guided, moulded, and skilled to enhance their sense of responsibility, maximise their individual and collective energies for personal development, as well as the development of a broader society,” said Jacobs.

He reflected on how far the foundation has come and how blessed he feels to have been working with people who understand the mandate of the foundation.

“We started from nothing, and we would pitch in where we could, although it was hard sometimes. God kept us strong, he knew he had a plan for us.”

He said the foundation has now opened other branches in Mamelodi and Nellmapius.

“I will forever be grateful for the volunteers who always make time to engage with and support families and individuals that benefit from the foundation.”

One of the beneficiaries, Gita Snyders (55), expressed her gratitude to the organisation and shared her experience with the staff.

She said her first encounter was when she took her son, who was addicted to drugs, to them as she needed clothes for him.

“There were no questions asked, no investigation done. All I did was meet them face to face, and there was this strong connection between us. I felt free and could talk about my problems, and no judgment was made, they took me in and made me feel like I was family.”

She said they helped her keep her family dressed and made it possible for her to live again.

“They are the mothers and fathers of Eersterust. You mention rehab, they are there to assist, you don’t have food to feed your children, they are there for you.”

She said the passion and compassion shown by the founder and staff are a blessing.

“My wish for the foundation is to find more sponsors as it is growing bigger and bigger,” she said.

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