The Whitlock’s Care Centre was started as a home to support Wayne (42) & Graeme (36) Whitlock, William & Hannatjie’s two mentally handicapped sons. They had previously attended a special school in Oudtshoorn for a few years (Wayne was there for six years and Graeme only for a year), however, in 1995 they were both moved back to the farm permanently. The ‘boys’ required (and still do) 24-hour care
which can be emotionally, physically and financially very demanding. William & Hannatjie realized as they self were getting older they needed to look into options for a more ‘long-term’ home for the boys. Sadly, it became obvious that homes for adult mentally handicapped (or special needs) people in South Africa are VERY few! Specially if they need care 24/7. Many prayers and careful consideration let to events falling into place. A property directly opposite the Old Age Home in Jansenville was in the market… After meeting with the Old Age Home management, the idea of an ‘extension’ to the already well established and reward winning Old Age Home was formed. The “new” property needed lots of renovations. A lot of TLC, money and long hours of work went into the old building before the Care Centre was in an acceptable condition to call it ‘home’ for the two boys. Very soon there were 13 residents sharing the Care Centre with the Whitlock boys. The Care Centre as establishment broke away from the Old Age Homes’ schedules and now runs as an independent, well-organized Non-Profitable Organization. Whitlock’s Care Centre is a happy, safe home for these 15 residents with 7 full time caregivers and a cook. We are trying to keep it a home and are not prepared to go bigger than 15 residents at this stage. At the moment we are relying on “Disability grants” and are not getting any other financial support from the government. Our dream is for the Centre to become a well-known home for people who need special care between ages 19 – 60 in the Eastern Cape. ANY form of visit and /or donation would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and interest in Whitlock’s Care Centre.
