EMMANUEL DAY CARE CENTRE opened in November 2000, a vision Marie Petersen an ex nurse and community worker had to meet the need in Atlantis for special needs children, covering both intellectually and physically challenged in different degrees. At least 10 of the children suffer from severe cerebral palsy
Our Children
40 registered children and adolescents are from Atlantis and surrounding farm
s and informal settlements. Many of the children are from low income families, most unemployed and single parents. In many cases these children would be left at home, some unattended and with no oversight or stimulus. This Centre offers a safe and secure environment for these children in the community. At the Centre through a feeding programme, therapy, educational activities, health care we are able to bring a sense of meaning and independence in their futures. Daily Activities
Classroom activities include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, craft activities, outside play, and life skill building. Centre Management and Staff
Marie Petersen, a resident of Atlantis for 32 years and who has a vast number of years working with special needs children and young adults runs the Centre. She spent 18 years working with the Wilge Centre for the disabled in the management of challenged children and adults before starting up Emmanuel. Looking after the children are 7 motivated and willing but poorly paid staff of teachers and helpers. Governance
An active Board of Management meet regularly on a monthly basis and is responsible for fiduciary controls of the organisation. At these meetings the Manger reports on the operations of the Centre and presents monthly financial reports. We are accountable to The Department of Health who regularly carry out inspections and table reports. Funding
Emmanuel is a registered non profit organisation. It falls under the agis of the Western Cape Department of Health receiving a monthly subsidy which in no way covers running costs. Emmanuel relies heavily on the help of volunteers and donations from a caring community and service organisations . Without this help and input Emmanuel would cease to function. Future
Having been in an old farmhouse which was totally inadequate for our children, we moved in to bigger and better purpose built premises this year. New premises will enable us to increase our number of children in the day care centre, allow for a small number of residential young adults and, in time, establish a RESIDENTIAL AND PROTECTIVE WORKSHOP where disabled young folk can be taught certain skills as well as earn a small income.
