Hands of Hope

HANDS OF HOPE IS A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO UP-SKILL AND PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT TO WOMAN WHEN THEY LEAVE PRISON

Hands of Hope falls under the auspices of Hope Prison Ministry, an internationally known NGO with a 22 year track record at Pollsmoor Prison. The Hope Prison Ministry was started by Jonathan and Jenny Clayton twenty five years ago and the Hands of Hope sewing project (started January 2012) is just one of the many initiatives of their organisation.

Hands of Hope operates from our Sewing Room where they produce high-end products for clients as part of a skills development and integration projects.

Xchange Connexion

This program, developed by Xchange Connexion and Sharing Our Ubuntu Legacy Western Cape Trust (SOUL), empowers 100 families to actively participate in greening and cleaning Westlake. They collect recyclables like glass, paper and plastics from the streets, river beds and yards. Every Thursday, they exchange their recycling for 2.5kgs of maize meal.

In 2022, we introduced an Xchange Program for the children, where they exchange 10 bottle tops or bread tags for a slice of bread and a boiled egg.

This year, we’re providing learning support for those families on our Program who are struggling with reading and writing. Every Wednesday and Friday we’re providing a safe, fun space for learning and having a hot meal with their family, in exchange for a small bag of recycling.

Hilltoppers

This elderly community group hosts bi-weekly meetings in the hall where they offer community members a safe place to socialise and participate in activities such as board games and movement classes. Refreshments, music, and a healthy lunch is also made available as part of our health and wellness programme.

Gym

A fully equipped Gym is situated in our hall. The community pays a R50 a month for membership. It is managed by 2 members of the community. In exchange for rent the gym offers free membership to the Young Legends Soccer team and to the Kids Bike program.

Instruction and personal training are offered. Other fitness programs also run inside the hall during gym hours. Zumba, dance, and Bootcamp style exercises.

Trauma Room

We have a dedicated safe space for trauma counselling. This room is used by SAPS and other counsellors to see community members that need immediate counselling interventions. These emergencies include rape, domestic violence, grief, and emotional trauma.

Sewing Room

Two women are employed to manufacture items for local NPO’s in the community. These include Tracksuits, Aprons, Chair Covers, Work shirts and other special items. They also do alterations and repairs for nominal fees.

Charity Shop

Donated clothes in good condition as well as crockery, linen and furniture are used for emergency distribution to fire victims and other community needs. Clothes are also sold to the community to raise funds for the Exchange program where the money is used to buy Pap.

Computer Lab

25 computers with Internet access are available to the community through various programs. At present we have a Tutor Centre with 27 high school learners using it on a daily basis. We also run a work readiness program in this facility.