Shumeez Scott Foundation

The Shumeez Scott Foundation was established in 2018 in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, and focuses on empowering individuals with Down Syndrome and other special needs. The foundation motivates and assists individuals to become self-sustaining by providing workshop, work opportunities and enhancing their social lives.

“Through various community service activities, such as outreach food schemes, visits to orphanages, and clothing drives, we uplift and integrate these individuals into society, showcasing their unique skills and abilities.”

Founded by Shumeez Scott, who has Down Syndrome, the foundation embodies her life’s motto: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

The foundation works actively to break the stigma around the capabilities and social inclusivity of those with special needs. By raising awareness and promoting professional rehabilitation, the foundation aims to integrate these individuals into society as respected and appreciated members.
Great effort is put into highlighting the message that those with disabilities can use their abilities to make meaningful contributions, while encouraging society to value and respect their potential.

How you can help:
The foundation humbly requests assistance with the daily sustaining of its workshops’ materials, baking and cooking ingredients, equipment, petrol and maintenance.

Contact details:
Tel: 071 443 6014
Email: [email protected]

Winners Park Football Club

Winners Park FC provides youth with a positive focus, keeping them off the streets and encouraging team building and participation. Training four days a week at Harry Gwala High School in Makhaza and playing in league matches or tournaments on weekends, the club develops individual and team soccer excellence. This engagement helps members grow both on and off the field.

By channeling the passion many have for soccer, Winners Park FC addresses the challenges faced by youth in Cape Town’s impoverished communities. The club not only improves their soccer skills, it also boosts academic performance and keeps them from following in the wrong footsteps, contributing significantly to their overall well-being and future prospects.

How you can help:
Immediate help is sought for a feeding programme during the winter months, football equipment and a community-based motivational speaker to support the young players who often arrive at training and matches without having eaten a decent meal.

Contact details:
Tel: 081 538 3273
Email: [email protected]

JAP AESTHETICS COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Jap Aesthetics is an organisation committed to feeding disadvantaged communities throughout Cape Town with essential meals and offering support. Over recent months, it has made significant strides in aiding these communities through various initiatives, including feeding schemes and fundraising efforts.

Its plan is to provide regular meals to multiple disadvantaged communities each month, while delivering on its core objectives of community service, youth development, road safety education, and providing tailored assistance to those in need.

How you can help:
As Jap Aesthetics strives to accomplish even more, they would appreciate any contribution, food items, in-kind, or otherwise.

Contact details:
Tel: 061 968 9500
Email: [email protected]

National Rescue for Poverty & Drugs

Founded in 2014, National Rescue for Poverty & Drugs (NRPD) addresses poverty and substance abuse in underserved communities, particularly in Mitchells Plain. The organisation empowers individuals and families to break the cycle of hardship and achieve self-sufficiency, and by providing comprehensive support and resources, including educational programmes, job training, and addiction recovery services, fostering sustainable change.

The organisation offers after-school programmes to keep children engaged, alongside feeding schemes to combat malnutrition. By addressing the root causes of poverty and addiction, NRPD promotes self-sufficiency, healthy lifestyles, and personal growth. NRPD’s mission extends beyond immediate relief to create long-term solutions that uplift entire communities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community well-being.

How you can help:
The greatest current needs of the National Rescue for Poverty & Drugs are transport, building materials, and labour volunteers. Addressing these needs will significantly enhance the organisation’s ability to deliver its services effectively and expand its reach to more individuals and communities in need.

Contact details:
Tel: 068 2891580
Email: [email protected]

Read to Rise

Read to Rise is dedicated to promoting youth literacy in under-resourced communities across South Africa. Founded in 2013, the organisation aims to foster a love for reading among young children by providing them with their very first book. Through engaging and interactive class programmes, specifically tailored for learners in grades 2 and 3, Read to Rise ignites a passion for reading. These programmes use storytelling and vibrant discussions to create an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.

The organisation believes that a love for reading can transform a child’s educational journey, enhancing their interest in school and leading to improved academic performance. By collaborating with the 47 primary schools in Mitchells Plain, Read to Rise works to create a supportive environment that values literacy. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of reading reach as many children as possible, fostering a generation of young readers equipped for a brighter future. Through its dedicated efforts, Read to Rise is making a lasting difference in the lives of countless children, one book at a time.

How you can help:
To continue their impactful work, the organisation requires books and stationery donations and learner sponsorships.

Contact details:
Tel: 071 876 6608
Email: [email protected]

Empilweni Place of Healing

Empilweni is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children, adolescents, and families in underprivileged communities through mental health support. “Our wellbeing programme focuses on providing counseling and group psycho-support for over 1 900 vulnerable individuals in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, including children, parents, and teachers. Additionally, our OVC Programme extends support to 5 106 children and families, offering guidance on HIV/AIDS, Gender-Based Violence, and family issues.”

Through its programmes, Empilweni aims to provide essential mental health support and training tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family, fostering resilience and empowerment within communities.

How you can help:
Empilweni requires office furniture and equipment, toys, stationery, printer cartridges and sanitary packs for girls.

Contact details:
Tel: : 021 361 7062
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.empilweni.org

Bhabhisana Baby Project

The first 1 000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their development and future success. UNICEF highlights that proper care during this period directly impacts a child’s growth, learning, and ability to overcome poverty. However, children with developmental delays often lack access to necessary early intervention, due to barriers in the public health system, exacerbating their challenges. Bhabhisana Baby Project aims to address this gap by advocating for early intervention and providing interdisciplinary therapy to babies with developmental delays.

“Our vision is to empower families and enable children to reach their full potential within their communities. Operating in Athlone and a satellite office in Mitchells Plain, with an outreach to broader areas, our immediate priority is securing funding to sponsor therapy sessions, ensuring every child receives the specialised care they need to thrive.”

How you can help:
Bhabhisana Baby Project is in urgent need of baby foods, such as purity foods and cereals, nappies, baby clothes, ranging from 3 months to 2 years, blankets, and toys for stimulating development such as bubbles, cars, picture board books, balls, and toys suitable for children under 2 years old.

Contact details:
Tel: 082 924 2965
Email: [email protected]

UBUNTU ARTS DANCE & THEATRE

Based in the vibrant community of Mitchells Plain, Ubuntu Arts dance & Theatre is a beacon of creativity and empowerment. With satellite centres in surrounding areas like Khayelitsha and Nyanga, it extends its reach to over 2 000 children and adults annually from low-income communities.

Ubuntu’s mission is rooted in providing accessible arts education, while nurturing creativity and fostering cultural understanding. Through its diverse range of programmes and workshops, Ubuntu offers transformative experiences that transcend the stage.

By encouraging self-expression and cultural exploration, it aims to empower individuals to discover their unique talents and identities. Moreover, Ubuntu is dedicated to promoting overall well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging community engagement.

How you can help:
Ubuntu Arts dance & Theatre need innovative painting supplies to fuel their creative expression, non-perishable foods, costumes for performers in their dynamic shows, printing resources to spread their message, and a video projector to enhance the workshops on using art for social change.

Contact details:
Tel: 064 950 1896
Email: [email protected]