The under construction Serenity and Transformational Centre, a rehabilitation facility in Isenembe, Tongaat, is appealing for donors and sponsors to assist with the continuation of the project which is slowly grinding to halt due to dwindling funds.
The project commenced shortly after the April floods, however progress has been slow due to the non-profit organisation relying on donations and sponsorships for construction funds. Director and Public Relations NPO Specialist, Arlene Cairncross, said the organisation was formed by active and involved South Africans who have experienced the negative impacts of addiction directly or indirectly. She said: “We aim to help recovering addicts achieve their full personal, social and economic potential and ultimately become an active and valued part of our society once again. It is our mission to ensure that the holistic approach we have adopted ensures greater success rates in helping people back on their feet.” Cairncross said through their empowerment and skilling programmes, they create independence and foster active citizenship. “We aim to create safe platforms of awareness and engagement so as to expose the overarching social and economic impacts of drug and alcohol abuse, on individuals, families and society as a whole,” she said. The organisations halfway house facility serves as a safe space where the recovery process unfolds.
They offer counselling, individual and group therapy, which are used during the 30, 60 or 90 day in-house programmes. “We aim to create practical solutions for recovering addicts, within an environment conducive to understanding their mental space and emotional needs. “We create awareness around the stigma of addiction, its impact on GBV and the importance of acknowledging when life has become unmanageable. We use sport and engagement to foster positive focus and greater awareness of drug abuse, she added. Cairncross added that the organisations construction project team is made up of industry experts and community stake holders such as Rajan Pillay, Tongaat Civic Association and Gift of the Givers. “The need for this facility is urgent and it can only be achieved with the support of local businesses and government. The building and land has been generously sponsored by Priyesh Lekha and Family,” she said.
The organisation hopes that businesses and the community can assist them by sharing their Facebook page with friends and family, spreading awareness on the stigmas caused by addiction. “We would also be grateful towards those who would be able to assist us with donations such as goods and services, cash or kind, the need is always great. Donate previously loved clothes, household items – non-perishable food items or sponsor a recovering addict. Our building projects need material and service providers. Lastly we would love to partner up, volunteer your time in any of our construction projects. “We need mentors, positive role models and skills transfer,” said Cairncross. For more information on Serenity and Transformation Centre, you can find them on their website www.serenitywellness.co.za, send them an email on Info@serenitywellness.co.za, or alternatively give them a call on 079 380 0028.
