Executive Summary 2009
I wish to bring all the glory to our Father in Heaven for the privilege given to the Board and the Staff of AMCARE, as we strive to care and develop vulnerable women, men, children, people with disabilities and the elderly in the Communities of Alberton, Edenpark, Greenfeilds, Phola Park, Thina Zonke and Tokoza.
2008/2009 was once again characterized by growth in the services of AMCARE and we were able to provide the following services:
- Social Relief: As our name denotes, we reach out to the food security and material needs in our community. We monthly provide food to 1 500 adults at 5 clinics of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council, 1,500 learners at 3 high schools. We distributed 2,970 fortnightly food parcels to poor and destitute members of our church and community. We have food gardens on our premises and also teach our beneficiaries food gardening to assist them to become self-sustaining. There are 65 such food gardens in the community. We also responded to emergencies such as shack fires, xenophobic violence, etc assisting with food, clothing and blankets.
AMCARE responded to the call by Dr Zola Skweyiya (former Minister for Social Development) to assist with the distribution of Social Relief of Distress during February/ March 2009. 498 applications were taken down and forwarded to SASSA offices for processing.
- Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Services: Injabulo Clinic provided VCT services, testing for TB and other communicable diseases to 881 patients.
- We currently transport patients to Government facilities for ARV medication, but will from November 2009 be included in the health care network by providing a Down-referral ARV Clinic in partnership with Right to Care and the Gauteng Department of Health. We currently make 5 trips per week to the Germiston Hospital for patients to be placed on ARVs
194 Persons who are HIV + are included in psycho-social community services, which include Home-based Care and Social Work to infected and affected persons. We also provide Psycho-social services to orphans and vulnerable children. 47 clients were discharged due to death, moving or part of the Tina Sonke community where we had to stop services.
We were unable to conduct Support Groups due to high Staff turnover.
We are in the process of registering with the HWSETA to provide training for Home-based Care givers in HIV & AIDS. In addition to this we conduct workshops for churches and other NGOs in the basics of HIV & AIDS; Counselling for Non-counsellors and Setting up and registering a HIV & AIDS project. House of Hope Ministries, Katlehong and Amoheleng, Sebokeng were registered as NPOs by Department of Social Development.
- Domestic Violence: We provide community services in partnership with the government and other NPOs. We provide emergency accommodation to 29 women and their children at Hannah House in Alberton as well as 195 women and 143 children at Ikhaya Lethemba in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
- Home-based care for Elderly and disable persons: We provided services to 33 Elderly persons, Persons with a Disability and persons with HIV. Of these 17 clients passed away and 2 were admitted to institutions. 367 Visits to patients were made Clients are made to feel comfortable and their beds are made, linen changed. Other assistance is provided where necessary. Patients are escorted to attend clinics at the Johannesburg-, South Rand- and Helen Joseph Hospitals.
AMCARE hosts the Cancer Association in a custom made day clinic situated on our property for day care services to sufferers and their family members in the community. Referrals from this organization is received and attended to.
- Skills Development: We provide skills training in catering to 25 Domestic Workers. We trained 65 patients in home food gardening.
The usual catering and sewing training was not run die to lack of funds.
We have a bric-a-brac shop on the premises which provides much needed supplementary funding where our government subsidies and donations fall short.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Deacon Dr Vernon van Wyk
CEO |
