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\u201cCareways is about just that – ways to show care,\u201d says Barbara Taljard, a parent of a long-standing member of Careways. \u201cThe value of the organization in the lives of its members is paramount to their ability to thrive because they thrive on feeling cared for, for who and what they are, without prejudice or condescension. There\u2019s something truly special in being able to care for each other. It makes life more meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Careways was established, in 1997, by a group of parents of intellectually impaired children, to provide facilities for them within the community. In 2000, Careways was registered as a non-profit organization and for almost 12 years volunteers from KwaNdengezi Methodist Church have run a second workshop every Wednesday. Sadly, this workshop recently stopped due to transportation and the costs involved in getting members from A to B.<\/p>\n Apart from a small monthly grant, there is very little allocated in the national and provincial budgets to provide for the needs of this group of special people. The result is that private groups and organizations are depended upon to provide most of the nurturing and care.<\/p>\n The success of the organization can not only be measured by the contentment of its members and their respective families, but also by the many incredible milestones that have been reached. Careways boasts two Olympic achievers, Peter Lundy (swimming) and Charles Phillips (gymnastics), both of whom defied the odds\u00a0of\u00a0Down Syndrome in their relative sporting fields.<\/p>\n By providing a stimulating atmosphere and offering a variety of activities and outings to those attending, the NPO has set the bar high when it comes to encouraging self-esteem and helping its members to socialise, develop friendships with peers and ultimately find their place in society.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes the only thing your students need most has nothing to do with what\u2019s on your lesson plan,\u201d says Tina, who encourages the public to pop into the workshop at 4 Parklane, Kloof any time during the week to see what happens at Careways.<\/p>\n One of the organisations biggest dreams is to establish a permanent home where members will be secure when their families can no longer care for them \u2013 the idea is lifelong care in residential facilities, respite care and eventually frail care as a long-term objective. They have raised a certain amount towards this project, but still have a long way to go.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2023\/03\/FreshshootsCareways42-400x267.jpg\")
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