Much needed major renovations to our Homes are due to begin in early April, and extend over the next 13 months. Our objective is to reconfigure and upgrade our facilities to meet the changing needs of the residents and the long-term sustainability of our organisation.
LITTLE EDEN has been blessed with grant funding from an overseas donor specifically for this purpose. While we are incredibly grateful for this assistance, we must emphasise that we still desperately need continued financial support towards the daily operational costs of providing holistic care for children and adults with profound intellectual disability. Without such continued support, LITTLE EDEN would simply not exist.
“The current tough and uncertain economic climate has led to a decrease in income received by the Society,” said LITTLE EDEN CEO, Mrs Xelda Rohrbeck. “Our financial resources are under immense pressure. Continued support from our long-standing supporters and local community, in the form of financial and in-kind donations and prayers, is what enables us to keep our doors open and provide the level of care our residents deserve.”
Mrs Rohrbeck, who has been in the driving seat at LITTLE EDEN for almost two years, explained that some of the buildings at the Home were erected almost 50 years ago, and were adequate at the time for the smaller number of younger residents. Almost 50 years later, the residents are older (with the oldest resident celebrating his 70th birthday in May) and the majority are in wheelchairs. Their changing needs, protection and comfort became a pressing priority.
The renovations will commence simultaneously at both Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home in Edenvale and Elvira Rota Village in Bapsfontein, and will see the ratio of residents accommodated between the two Homes reconfigured. The upgrades and renovations will create a more spacious environment for residents and will include a medical and frail care facility at the Edenvale Home.
Our overriding priority remains the protection of our residents, the most vulnerable members of society. All improvements undertaken will be underpinned and guided by the LITTLE EDEN Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy.
For more information on the renovations project, or if you would like to make a financial donation or a donation in kind towards this project, please contact Xelda Rohrbeck on 011 609 7246 or ceo@littleeden.org.za.