MESsage from the Branch Manager
|
|
|
Let me thank all the donors and partners who supported our programmes through our campaigns over the last quarter including; Winterhoop, Mandela Day, Women’s Day and the incredible support throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.
As spring rolls around, people are breathing in warmer air. Everyone seems to be happier. As the weather gets warmer, we might start to forget about people who are still looking for a place to call home.
|
|
|
|
In the freezing cold during winter, it is easier to make room in our hearts for those less fortunate by sponsoring soup kitchens, homeless shelters, join in campaigns to make sure there is enough warm clothes. But what happens in spring? Just because the weather is warmer does not mean the need has been removed. In fact, without all the attention turned to the poor and homeless, they might struggle the most during this time.
You can still help the homeless and the needy to realize brighter futures by doing the following:
- Volunteer: Volunteering your services and skills to the different programmes within MES or a local organisation in your area.
- Give financially: Many people feel uncomfortable giving even a few Rands to homeless people they encounter on the streets, fearing they’ll use the money to purchase drugs or alcohol. MES offers a solution to appease these fears; you can financially support our programmes geared to serve the homeless and vulnerable in the inner cities or you can purchase a meal voucher or shelter voucher which you can hand out to the homeless people you come across or you can sponsor someone a place to sleep or a meal through our voucher system.
- Donate goods – You can brighten up a child’s day by donating clothing or toys you discover in your home during this year’s spring cleaning.
Lastly, my dream is for MES to engage with various skilled people and put those skills to good use by sharing them with the homeless so that they can find work and maybe even a better life. I also encourage our churches and community centres to hire a homeless person to paint, clean, or any other work that might fit. Many homeless people want to work but can't find regular employment.
Regards,
Nicodemus Setshedi
MES Johannesburg Branch Manager
|
|
Upcoming Events
Food Security Month - 16 October 2020
In October 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) declared October as “Food Security Month”. The objective of this declaration was to create a platform for heightening public awareness on issues pertaining to food (in)security in the country.
|
|
Drawing homeless community back into mainstream society
In recognition of the value added by MES to the inner city and homeless community during the Covid-19 lockdown, the Gauteng government has vowed to give first priority of intake in its various internship programmes, funding opportunities and other skills development courses to deserving individuals and graduates based at homeless shelters.
On Monday, the 14th of September 2020, MEC for Department of Social Development (DSD), Dr. Nomathemba Mokgethi, alongside MMC Eunice Mgcina of the City of Johannesburg (COJ) – visited MES’s Impilo shelter for women in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, on a service delivery blitz.
Read more!
|
From homelessness to business booming since lockdown.
In commemoration of Women’s Month, MES Johannesburg has committed itself to acknowledge and empower the women housed at our Impilo shelter through a Tea Party that resulted in business booming.
Friday, 28th of August 2020, became a hive of activity and excitement at the shelter as all our ladies took part in different activities organised by our volunteers, including Hillsong Africa Foundation, Embark Foundation, Mosaïek, Parkview, Johannesburg and Jenny Currie of Baby2mom Egg Donation who came to impart and teach some skills in MES Johannesburg’s Knitting and Crochetting Project for beneficiaries at Impilo shelter for women.
Read more!
|
|
Click below to watch SABC coverage on MEC visit at
our Impilo shelter.
|
|
|
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has vowed to give first priority to graduates housed at homeless shelters for the coming internship programmes.
Pictured left, MEC Dr. Nomathemba Mokgethi, during her visit at Mould Empower Serve (MES)'s Impilo shelter for women in Johannesburg on a service delivery blitz on Monday, the 14th of September 2020.
|
|
|
MES Johannesburg appreciate donors for partaking in #67minutesVirtualChallenge on Mandela Day
As part of the Mandela Day celebrations in this different year of COVID-19 pandemic, MES Johannesburg in partnership with our donor Hyprop Investments held a fundraising pop-up at the Rosebank Mall to raise funds for the severely affected clients at Ekhaya and Impilo shelters for men and women respectively.
With the help of our Joshuas Youth Servant Leadership who brought energy through their flash mob performances, the team was able to sell shelter and meal vouchers to many patronages of the centre. It was also a blessing to have various organisations and individuals donate food, soup, clothes, toiletries, and other necessities as part of their Mandela Day activities.
|
|
|
MES Genesis House for Joshua Youth Servant Leadership lights up after renovations in Johannesburg
As a commitment to seeing young people in the inner city empowered and moulded into responsible adults, our new Friend of MES, Zimazisa Projects came forth to offer their services to renovate the Genesis House as part of partaking in the #67minutesVirtualChallenge for Mandela Day 2020. They did rat fumigation, installation of rat trappers, repairing and painting of walls, floor repairs, installation of new doors, and other renovation activities that will make the MES Genesis House a warm home for the Joshuas.
|
|
|
Locked-down homeless swap the streets for the road of redemption
|
|
|
|
Fear of losing her baby twins during the COVID-19 lockdown gave Mpho Temo the courage to give up life on the streets and reunite with her family.
The 27-year-old from Soweto had been living on the streets of Johannesburg for more than a year before she was taken in by a shelter for homeless people in Hillbrow during lockdown. She was heavily pregnant, reports Times Live.
|
|
Catriona overcomes addiction
Catriona Shaikh left home because she felt like an outcast in her own home in Rustenburg, North West province. She felt she did not belong with her family due to racial issues. She then left home and her two sons because she wanted to experience life on her own. She went back home to look after her mother after she had a stroke, but after their mother passed away, her sister sold the property and that is when she ended up homeless.
According to Catriona, it was her boyfriend who referred her to MES. Catriona was recently hospitalized while at MES Impilo shelter due to health issues relating to alcohol addiction. She was then diagnosed with a chemical imbalance condition. Through the help of MES health staff, she has conceded to taking medication to help her to overcome the addiction and get her health back.
|
|
|
|
Join hands with MES as marking World Homeless Day - 10 October 2020
|
|
|
|
|
Needs list
In order for us as MES JHB to continue with our vision to change the heart of the city, there are few things that we would like to ask assistance with.
|
|
|
Prayer requests
MES is based on Christian principles. We invite you to join us in our prayers and pray for the organisation to be able to deliver on its mandate.
|
|
|
Nation Builder
MES is one of only 16 NPOs in South Africa that has been selected to be a beneficiary of the Nation Builder initiative.
|
|
|
|
|
|
