The Caitlin Douman Foundation is based in Eldorado Park. The foundation was founded by Marcelle Daniels and Charis Pretorius. The duo has being making a huge difference in both young and old people who are living with special needs within the Johannesburg South area.
The founders of the foundation have managed to acquire a home which will be used for different activities which included therapy. However the organisation needs financial assistance in order to renovate the place.
Speaking to the Eldorado Times, Daniels explained about the exodus of the foundation, “The Caitlin Douman Foundation is named after my late daughter, Caitlin Douman, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and died at the age of 18. This particular journey is very personal for me and it has an extremely clear understanding of the challenges the families with children living with disability are faced with on a daily basis,”
During an interview between the publication and Daniels, which was aimed at understanding the role of the organisation, this is what she had to say;
ET: Please tell us about the Caitlin Douman Foundation?
MD: The Caitlin Douman Foundation was founded by Charis Pretorius and Marcelle Daniels. A conversation that is not heard often because it’s difficult talking about how the needs and rights of people living with disabilities are grossly neglected. We had identified that the need was greater than the some of us and that something needed to be done to address and rectify this dire situation. The Caitlin Douman Foundation is that solution provider and we will ensure that this organisation serves the people living with disabilities without fear or favour.
ET: What is the main purpose of the foundation?
MD: The main purpose is to provide children living with disabilities access to fundamental services at no cost. For far too long people living with disabilities have viewed with a negative connotation and we endeavour to bring about the realisation that different is not bad, but is as important and the none-disabled. Their voices need to be heard!
ET: What was the reason behind finding a home?
MD: This is not a home but a Holistic Therapy Centre for Children living with Disabilities. It will allow them to receive the necessary therapy that will improve on their quality of life.
ET: What service will the home(centre) be rendering to special needs children and adults?
MD: Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Play Therapy, Massage Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Parental Empowerment and Support and Advocacy for people living with Disabilities
ET: How does the foundation aim to help individuals with disabilities through the home(centre)?
MD: The aim is to create Disability Awareness, Education, Support and Training for the community but most importantly INCLUSIVITY.
ET: Will there be qualified facilitators/caregivers at the home 24hours a day?
MD: No, this is a therapy centre which will be operational Monday to Friday 8 to 4.
ET: Will the home help people in Eldorado Park only or other parts of Johannesburg as well?
MD: Region D and Region G will be serviced through the Centre which is Eldorado Park , Klipspruit West, Freedom Park, Slovo Park, Lenasia, Ennerdale, Orange Farm, Lawley and Soweto
ET: What renovation are needed to be completed at the home?
MD: The centre requires a boundary wall, gutters and roof paint. The yard needs to be levelled and paved or tarred, disability Ramps
Disability Aids need to be installed in the bathroom
Paint is needed for the interior as well.
ET: Will all different special needs be welcomed at the home?
MD: Yes we will have children and adults with Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Autism, Apraxia of Speech, ADD, ADHD, Trisomy 13, Osteogenesis Imperfecta and including all other disabilities that are not mentioned above.
Donations can be made to FNB Business Account, 62840169074, ref: building and cell number: 0659092481
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| Charis Pretorius & Marcelle Daniels founders of Caitlin Douman Foundation |
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