Our services to the mentally challenged adult consists of two main programmes:

Programme 1:  The provision of residential facilities to 156 men and woman

They reside in three hostels under the care of 5 housemothers (caregivers) who are responsible for their psychological and physical welfare.

The residential programme also includes the provision of 3 daily meals, a laundry service, a clinic service and daily transport to medical services and for personal purposes.  Twenty-two staff is involved in the care giving programme. (Clinic - 2; Kitchen - 7; Cleaners and Laundry - 8; Housemothers - 5)

Programme 2:  The provision of protective workshops

The 156 residents and 48 day workers work in one of eight therapies.  Each is occupied in a craft according to his / her abilities and skills.  This training, placement and production are done in close relationship with an occupational therapist.  Work is seen as therapy and great care is taken to train the disabled to his / her maximum potential and to place them in the correct therapy.  They take great pride in their products and abilities.

There are 8 therapies in production:  Bakery, woodwork, toys, contract work, textile, pottery, silk screening and farming.  The products manufactured are sold to the public.  Much detail is given to the quality and marketing of products.  The daily services of an occupational therapist is available.  We also provide a bus service to 48 day workers to work in the workshops.

The staff involved in this programmer are 8 instructors and 12 assistants, 1 occupational therapist and 1 driver.

Additional services

•  Administrative services
Provided by a director, deputy director and 3 administrative staff.  This also includes the financial management of each individual.
 
•  Recreation
They participate in an annual Inter-Centre athletics championship.  Eight are members of marathon clubs.  We organise recreational evenings on a regular basis.

•  Transport
Daily transport of day workers and transport to other medical services.

•  Psychological Services
Provided by a volunteer.

•  Centre Choir
Trained by a volunteer and perform on invitation.  A CD of their music is available.

•  Exhibitions and Open Days
Members of the public can visit the Centre during office hours and buy products.  About 40 exhibitions in Bloemfontein and rural areas are held annually which is well supported by public.

•  Various cleaning up operations
In conjunction with Pick 'n pay

•  Occupational Therapy
University students in Occupational Therapy do part of their training at the Centre

•  Contract Work
We do various contract work for businesses (Packing, sorting, etc.)

•  Networking
We network with other welfare organisations and are members of:
      - Consultative Forum of Welfare Organisation
      - Social Development Forum for people with disabilities
      - Federal Council on People with Disabilities, Office on the Status of Disabled Persons, Office of the Premier.