Fun in the sun
Residents of Whitlock's Care Centre in Jansenville recently enjoyed a four-day holiday in Jeffreys Bay. The Sunshine Bay resort, operated by the Holiday Club, proved to be a perfect and safe location for the holiday, offering houses that could accommodate eight people each.
The proximity of the pool, putt-putt course, pool table, and games room with table tennis and various board games and TV screens made it an ideal spot.
Sylvia Arends, the cook at the care centre, prepared plenty of food and cookies in advance.
Fundraisers
Staff and residents work tirelessly throughout the year to make this holiday possible. Everything is done to fill the care centre's savings tin so that they don't have to rely on sponsors or care centre funds. Last year, they raffled a doll, and this year, Amanda Nel of Jansenville generously donated a beautiful hand-knitted blanket. They also run stalls during the year and on pension days, they sell food.
The facility's charity shop provides additional income.
Whitlock Care Centre
Whitlock's Care Centre caters to a broad range of disabilities. Residents range from those who are illiterate and require 24/7 care to those who attended school but cannot survive in mainstream society due to severe epilepsy, bipolar disorder, or the consequences of an accident. “Many of the residents are elderly, with their parents already deceased,” says Hannatjie Whitlock, founder of the facility.
The property is secured with a good fence and sliding gate manned by the staff. It's a spacious double plot with plenty of room, shade and walking space. Whitlock's
Care Centre began in 2015 as a home to support the Whitlocks' own children, Wayne (42) and Graeme (36). The boys require 24-hour care, which is emotionally, physically, and financially demanding. As the Whitlocks grew older, they realised that they needed to find a long-term home for their boys. After much prayer and consideration, everything fell into place and a property directly opposite the old age home in Jansenville, Huis Welverdiend, became available. After discussions with Huis Welverdiend's management, the idea of extending the already established old age home to include the care centre was formed. The new property required extensive renovations and a lot of work before it was suitable for the two boys. Soon, nine residents were sharing the care centre with the Whitlock boys. In February 2017, the care centre became independent from Huis Welverdiend and now operates as a well-organised nonprofit organisation.
Whitlock's Care Centre is a happy and safe home for its 16 residents, with seven fulltime caregivers and a cook. At present, they aim to maintain a maximum of 16 residents to preserve the homely atmosphere. Whitlock Care Centre currently relies on disability grants, support from family members and trusts, and sponsors for funding, because they receive no financial support from the government.
But in the meanwhile, residents and staff have already started working hard for the 2025 seaside vacation. If you want to get involved in the facticity, phone Hannatjie Whitlock on 084 899 1978 or William Whitlock on 072 334 1324.