At The Living Link we are continuously looking to grow and enhance the business of helping people with intellectual impairments. There are a number of projects that we are looking to grow and also start from scratch. By getting involved in these, possibilities and opportunity will become a reality for many intellectually impaired adults that previously have not had the benefits of operating in the mainstream of our society.
Many of our potential students are from disadvantaged backgrounds with single, unemployed or no parents at all. Many are referred by NGO's who are also unable to pay fees. This means that a lot of people living with intellectual impairments are unable to access basic opportunities for a better quality of life.
The Living Link provides life skills training to adults with intellectual disabilities with the view of placing them into open labour market employment in line with Employment Equity requirements and assisting them to eventually live independently within the community.
Traditionally they have been placed into sheltered residential facilities excluding them from opportunities within the greater social community and creating a financial drain on the economy. With funding for this project we will be in a position to offer our program to previously disadvantaged youngsters with intellectual impairments, who would normally not be able to afford such a program.
Sponsor a student, break the barriers to inclusion, and make a difference!
The Future: We are planning to double our intake in 2012/2013
This is the cornerstone of the organisation. This is where the journey of self-discovery begins and striving towards the final destination of independence. It is extremely important that this specific sector of our organisation be kept modern and up-to-date. In order for the students to truly be integrated into society as fully functioning members they will need to understand and be versed in all aspects of modern living.
The current training centre has the capability to host 13 students at a time. There is a kitchen which is used during the Life Style Management course for approximately 5 weeks. During the summer and winter months the temperatures vary from sweltering to freezing and can often cause some discomfort to the students. During the summer months the less fortunate students often have to walk to their buses and taxis in the rain without the necessary protective clothing from the elements. The training centre is used during the mornings only - so the possibility exists for the facilities to be utilised and extended for use to the broader community as well.
Budget: (estimated costs) |
|
|---|---|
| IT Hardware & Software | R 200 000.00 |
| Roof insulation | R 20 000.00 |
| Air conditioners | R 20 000.00 |
| General Groceries & kitchen equipment | R 10 000.00 |
| Raincoats | R 5 000.00 |
| Lounge area carpeting | R 18 000.00 |
| Comfortable chairs (15) | R 7 500.00 |
| Stationery | R 5 000.00 |
The "Nomads" hall has recently been upgraded by the Gauteng Nomads. The hall now provides a perfect opportunity for The Living Link to utilise this space as a training venue for the extended Adult Integration Programme. With the extra space, opportunity exists to train and upskill two sets of (12) learners per student intake in January and June. The hall allows The Living Link opportunity to explore further training courses that will assist the intellectually impaired adults with skills such as computer skills. These skills will make the young adults more marketable when it comes time to find permanent employment. These courses could also be offered to the broader community residential.
The Village property houses 13 units which in turn provide safe and secure living spaces for students who have graduated from the training programme. Often graduates secure only entry level positions and earn relatively low incomes. The village is one option which is affordable. Village residents must be fully employed and have the financial resources to pay for rent, electricity, transport and food. Rentals are kept as low as possible and thus maintenance and upgrade costs fall upon the Living Link. The village is situated on large grounds and requires ongoing upkeep.
Budget: (estimated costs) |
|
|---|---|
| Industrial Lawn Mower & Brush Cutter | R 18 000.00 |
| Electric Fence | R 100 000.00 |
| Venter Trailer | R 15 000.00 |
| Paint | R 100 000.00 |
| Bath Paint | R 10 000.00 |
| Roof insulation for 14 cottages | R 80 000.00 |
Like most non-profit organisations, The Living Link is dependent on external funding and in order to achieve sustainability the organisation obtains its income from two broad streams. Firstly members are charged for services offered and secondly the organisation receives support in the form of sponsorships. The fee structure is designed to ensure the organisation only breaks-even as it is not our aim to generate any form of profit. By making a general donation to The Living Link you will assist the organisation with general overhead costs and assist us to expand our current training program, improving the services offered, creating a more comprehensive product and increasing capacity.
This new development project is an attempt at creating a sustainable form of revenue to support the students. We are hoping to grow the vegetable kale on the premises. As well as providing for essential funding and revenue we hope that this endeavour will at some point in the near future become a valuable entity with in The Living Link organisation, providing direct contact for the students with what may be a chosen employment path.
R50 000.00
The Living
ABSA Bank
Cheque Account
Branch: Rosebank
Branch code: 630805
Account number: 4051219436
If you make a donation please include a relevant reference and forward us the following information so that we are able to thank you and provide you
with an 18A tax receipt: