2. Page | 2
CONTENTS
FAMSAVISION, MISSION & PURPOSE
FAMSAKNYSNA MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
OUTGOING DIRECTOR’S REPORT
TREASURER’S REPORT
PROJECT MANAGER’S REPORT
FAMSAMOMENTS AND VOLUNTEERS
COUNSELLING REPORT
TRAINING REPORT
KNYSNA OFFICE CO-ORDINATOR’S
REPORT
PLETTENBERG BAY -
SATELLITE OFFICE REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORTS:
SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER
COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS
FUND DEVELOPMENT AND
MARKETING REPORT
MANAGEMENT REPORT
APPRECIATION
3. Page | 3
FAMSAVISION,MISSION AND PURPOSE
The FAMSA movement aspires to the
following Vision, Mission and Purpose to ensure
family preservation in South Africa.
VISION
The national leader in services that enhance
relationships.
MISSION
To support individuals, families,
organisations, communities and society to build,
restore and sustain functional relationships.
PURPOSE
To actively contribute towards the creation
of healthy, functional and effective families as the
cornerstone of a stable and prosperous society and
nation
OUR COMMITMENT
Accessibility to all people and
Communities
Accountability
Basic human rights
Confidentiality
Non-judgemental attitudes
Respect for others
Quality and excellence of service
4. Page | 4
FAMSA Knysna is governed by the following Management Committee
who are represented by the community we serve
CHAIRPERSON
Mirick M Arries
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Chris Spies
OUTGOING DIRECTOR
Lou van der Merwe
TREASURER
Pat Buchan
SECRETARY
Connie Sompani
INCOMING DIRECTOR
Chris Vermeulen
Vukile Oliphant Femke Hamming Gladman Pantsi Richard Meyer
5. Page | 5
It gives me great pleasure
to present my report as the
Chairperson of the Board of
FAMSA Knysna.
Another year has passed swiftly. While
watching the magnificent sunset with my eight year old
daughter I make her aware of the ageing in my hands
and the grey in my hair. I mentioned how short and
precious life is. Something to treasure and embrace
while themoment last.
The year under review has been a major
change for FAMSA Knysna where we bid farewell to
our beloved director, Lou van der Merwe and
welcome the new director Chris Vermeulen. This
process forms part of the normal change in the circle
of life. New opportunities and challenges dawn in the
ever-changing organism.
I would like the give tribute to Lou as the
outgoing director who dedicated eight years of her life
serving FAMSA and the broader community of
Knysna. Working with her was an honour and a
privilege. Such love and dedication serves to be
admired. She gave well beyond what was required as
her reasonable service. May webuild on thefoundation
she lead and take from the example to serve with pride
and dignity. May she be blessed in whatever she
endeavours.
We wish our new director welcome and trust
that all of us will just be as loyal and supportive to him.
We put our full trust in him to lead us in the years to
come. May it bea fruitful and blessed experience.
A word of thanks also to the other servants
who also contribute in whatever manner in the
functioning of FAMSA. We really appreciate your
serve. We wish the staff members well on their new
careers paths and hope they will find fulfilling
opportunities.
Thanks to the all the people contributing in a positive
manner in the functioning of FAMSA. Without your
contribution wewound beso effectivein our service.
We acknowledge the partnering of the
Department of Social development. The Lotto’s
contribution is invaluable and other financial
institutions helping FAMSA to perform its duties. We
also appreciate the partnership we can form with other
NGO’s to serveour communities.
Thanks to all the persons who trust FAMSA
to help them investing in their families and
relationships. By helping and reaching out to you we
help also ourselves. Healthy families create healthy
communities. We salute you for your courage to reach
out for help to better your circumstances. We can all
do with a helping hand. It just makes our journey on
earth worthwhile.
A special word of thanks to the staff
members at the office. We are well aware of the
unselfish service you render. Thanks for being part of
the Knysna Plett FAMSA team. We wound be able to
function without you. Thanks for the hard work,
dedication and extra effort you put in the smooth
runningof FAMSA.
Lastly, Thanks to the MANCOM members.
It’s a privilege working with you. I am truly grateful for
all your support, advice and hard work throughout the
year. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed. I
trust you will avail your service for many years to come
in duty of thehumanitarian calling.
May theLord bless our work.
Chairperson’s
Report
Mirick M Arries
6. Page | 6
It remains an extremely
difficult task to report fully and
accurately on the activities of
FAMSA Knysna and
Plettenberg Bay for the past
financial Year.
If one looks at goals and targets, we can
gladly and proudlysay that thesehave been met. If one
looks at the support from volunteers, we can humbly
say that we are indeed privileged and grateful for all the
involvement and commitment.
If one looks in general to all the services
rendered which are further in this report, then we need
to acknowledge that this is only the tip of the iceberg in
terms of what has reallybeen done.
To achieve all this, a good strong team is
needed. It is never plain sailingand often thereis much
stress, frustration and despondency involved. It is
therefore with much gratitude that we can say we have
donevery well- under thecircumstances.
Organizations cannot afford to be
complacent – the welfare environment is very
competitive and although we have a good
understanding and partnerships with each other, it is
important that we create an organization that funders,
supporters and volunteers have faith in. It is an
ongoing process and all possibilities need to be
investigated to ensure that we stay relevant and on top
of the situation. This is a challenge as one needs to
function with extremely limited resources, especially in
terms of staff compliment. If we had the financial
ability, we could have employed more staff, moved
into bigger premises and rendered even more services.
FAMSA’s growth in this area has been very much
subject to the growth in support and also limited by
this support. What can be done to encourage further
growth?
This train of thought contributed to my
decision to retire at end of March 2016. New blood
creates a platform for new ideas and initiatives.
Naturally one does not change for the sake of
changing, but where there is a possibility for
improvement one must seize the opportunity. There
are good systems in place and the organization has
good standing in communities, with various
government departments and with other donors and
supporters.
My most sincerest thanks go to the
Management Committee, the staff, volunteers,
colleagues, supporters, donors and friends who stood
by me during the almost 11 years at FAMSA. It was an
enriching experience for which I am very grateful. To
Chris Vermeulen who has taken over as the new
Director, I wish you well and trust that you too will
learn more than you could possibly imagine. You have
so much in your favour – your experience and vast
knowledge.
To the organisation as a whole and all
involved, carry on with the good work. Looking back
you will see how much you have been blessed. Fare
thee well.
DeoGratias
Lou van der Merwe.
Outgoing Director’s
Report
Lou van der Merwe
7. Page | 7
A “for profit” business
manages its income,
expenditure and production
with a view to maximising the
profit for theshareholders.
To generalise the bigger the profit the more
successful a company is. A PBO like FAMSA Knysna
manages its income, expenditure and production to
maximise the benefit received by its beneficiaries.
FAMSA Knysna may show a deficit at the end of the
year and still have been successful in that the benefits
passed on have been maximised. Operating at a deficit
is not sustainable however, in that the cushion built up
in prior years will be used up ultimately in the absence
of years of surplus.
FAMSA Knysna’s income sources comprise
income generated by projects and fundraising,
donations and interest received and subsidies from
Department of Social Services and Bitou and Knysna
Municipalities. Although, as I reported last year,
applications are submitted annually to the National
Lottery, subsidies from this source have been most
erratic, having been granted two years running in 2009
and 2010, skipped 2011, received two years running in
2012 and 2013, skipped 2014, received in 2015 but not
in 2016.
The ratio of self-generated income in the
financial year ended March 2016 from projects (mainly
counselling and training), fund raising and interest
earned to that from donations and subsidies received
was 26: 74. As the receipt of donations and subsidies is
extremely uncertain and income from counselling and
training is limited to what the consumers can afford the
sustainability of FAMSA Knysna’s service to the
community is tenuous to say the least. We were
advised recently by the Department of Social
Development that, although the DSD is highly
satisfied with FAMSA Knysna’s operations, the
allocated budget to the Department for 2017 has been
cut and the NGOs supported by the Department
should expect the sametreatment.
The expenses of FAMSA Knysna are divided
into two basic categories being fixed running costs and
project costs, the ratio being 91.6: 8.4. However
statistics can be misleading. The majority of the non-
administrative staff costs is invested in the projects and
services offered to the community, the reason for the
existence of FAMSAKnysna.
In 2016 FAMSA Knysna ended the year with
a deficit of R285102. As stated earlier this does not
indicate by any means that the business FAMSA
Knysna was unsuccessful. To the contrary the reports
given by the various departments all show that greater
numbers have been reached in our community,
individuals and families, and have been served
successfully bythis organization.
FAMSA Knysna has reason to thank
numerous people and entities involved in the operation
of the organization. This will be done at various times
during this meeting. As Treasurer I thank sincerely all
those who contributed in any way financially to make
the business FAMSA Knysna a success. This includes
donors, some of whom give faithfully month after
month, Belvidere Home Owners’ Association,
fundraisers, Bitou and Knysna Municipalities and the
Department of Social Development. Without your
contribution FAMSAKnysnawould ceaseto exist.
Treasurer’s Report
Pat Buchan
8. Page | 8
Another year full of
stories, some exciting, some sad
and some forming part of an
interesting storyline for the
organization.
As Project Manager, I try and keep my finger
on the pulse of the happenings of the organization and
work veryclose to theDirector.
My role is to assist the project coordinators to
maximize their impact through their interventions in
the community. We continue to have a staff member,
Community Workers, working in a designated area of
Knysna area as this method has worked and has
resulted in achieving our targets for the projects which
we received fundingfor:
Annaline Mabula – Sedgefield, Rheenendal
and Karatara area; Busisiwe Mqulwana – Knysna area
(White Location, Nekkies, Concordia, Diepwalle);
Ronnie Madiloyi – Plettenberg Bay area – Craggs,
Wittedrift, Kwanokuthula.
Other areas in our Knysna area will be
rendered a service on request. I have been representing
the Hornlee area for requests for assistance from the
community. We are members of the Hornlee
Integrated Forum (HIF) and recently facilitated the
HIF to identify avision and explore values and goals.
We have had 2 Social Work Interns from
UNISA – Zuko Bhesi (SAPS employee) and Busisiwe
Mqulwana (FAMSAKnysnastaff member).
We assisted with counselling opportunities,
supervision, training and feedback reports to Training
Institution.
A Grade 11 Learner spent a day at FAMSA
to learn more about our organization. She
accompanied our Community Worker to the
Rheenendal community, observed Counsellor
Orientation and was a “mock” client for a new
Counsellor.
International Volunteer Programme
Travellers Worldwide (TWW) has placed 3 volunteers
with us:
Menanté du Plessis – Psychology (Australia –
born in South Africa)
Catherine Ziliensky – Psychology (UK)
NataliaPerelygina– Psychology(Russia)
We value their time spent here as they assist
wherever they are required. We learn more about other
countries, cultures and how Psychology happens in the
rest of the world. A number of Volunteers have
booked for 2016/17.
Professional Membership
Member of Garden Route Practitioners
Interest Group and Eden Professional Group –
Continual Professional Development accredited
activities.
Counselling Assessments
3 people were assessed to become part of the
FAMSA Counselling team: Menanté du Plessis, Heidi
Kidd and Wayne van Heerden. They remain active
members of the team, except for Menanté who
unfortunately for us, returned to Australia to further
her studies.
2015/2016Highlights
We received an invitation to draw up a Sexual
Offences Protocol plan for Knysna, based on the one
used in George. This was called by the NPA (National
Prosecuting Authority) chaired by Gerda Marx, Case
Manager for Sexual Offences and Crime.
DSD Monitoring and Evaluation course in
CT: 5 days of very valuable input by the Child and
Families Unit of UWC (University of the Western
Cape).
Met with Knysna Correctional Services
management to relaunch the “Anger In – Anger Out
Programme in prison.
Project Manager’s
Report
Karin du Plessis
9. Page | 9
I was invited to be a model for the CPF
(Community Policing Forum) Fashion Against Crime
Fashion Show.
DSD Training on White Paper and Norms
and Standards in George: In order to achieve the
strategies envisaged for families according to the
“White Paper on Families in SA”. Families in all forms
being the basic unit of society which makes it logical
for us to focus our activities on this – which FAMSA
did anywaybefore the WhitePaper.
ZAZI ladies workshop: Assisted through the
month and on the day with this Women’s event
planned and presented by Busi and Annaline - a very
interactive day plus Motivational speaker (Ella from
Emzini tours). Thanks to Fruit and Veg and Rotary
Annes for assisting with refreshments.
November 2015 Counsellor Breakfast at 34
Degrees South: 14 counsellors got together to share
one another’s stories outside of FAMSA time.
16 Days of Activism against Violence and
Abuse - walk in town on 4 December 2015 Joined
SAPS and CPF from SAPS office to Knysna Mall –
handing out pamphlets of our service.
Mindfulness Based Stress Relief (MBSR) - 8
week course by Anneke Barnard. Very interesting and
relevant. Thank you for the opportunity.
Knysna Blocks Rape: Denise Crain (CPF
Projects) called role-players together to work out a
programme to reduce Sexual Offence crimes in our
area as there is asteep increase.
Knysna Literary Festival: Lauren Norval
kindly donated 2 tickets to “Emma Sadlier: ‘Don’t film
yourself having sex” .Eye-opener to the dangers of
social.
The opportunity to provide training support
to KAWS and TSiBA Education Karatara.
Throughout the period I have worked with
an amazing team of volunteers who contribute so
much in time, effort, knowledge and skills. Without
you – FAMSA will not be the same!! You are special
treasures.
Counselling
Throughout the period assisted with
counselling, trauma support and walk-in clients as well
as support and trainingto Counsellors.
Final Comments
The most challenging part of the year was
when Lou announced that she would officially retire at
the end of March 2016, on my birthday in October
2015. The organization went through all the stages of
grief but remained focused on achieving the goals set
as per our Agreement with Funders. We achieved
beyond our minimum requirements and finished the
race with Lou on a high note.
Thank you Lou for being a great Mentor and
exampleto me.
We were able to send Lou into her next
season of her life in true FAMSA fashion – celebrating
all that she has achieved during her period as Director
without too many tears – we tried! We were so
fortunate to have the incoming Director, Chris
Vermeulen, join FAMSA before Lou left, which
assisted in handing over of all roles and responsibilities.
Finally, to the whole STAFF TEAM –
through all the good and the bad – we have achieved
way beyond measure in every aspect. So thank you for
ALL you do.
148%
105%
111%
137%
% of 2015/2016 Target Achieved
Families
WOW
MEN
Parenting
12. Page | 12
FAMSA’s primary function is
counseling. The majority of
cases involve relationship
problems, emotional
difficulties, family conflict,
abuse,domesticviolence,
anger, depression, communication and conflict. Pre-
marital, marital, divorce, trauma and grief counseling as
well as family therapy and personal development are
provided.
Individuals, couples, families and groups are
helped. Male and female, ranging in age between
teenagerstotheelderlybenefitfromthisservice.
FAMSA is contacted through walking into the
office, via the telephone or via referrals from other
organizations and medical institutions. The problem is
identified and a counseling session with a suitable
counselor is arranged.Theclient’s preferences for amale
or female counselor, as well as their choice of three
languages, namely Afrikaans, English or Xhosa, are
taken into consideration. The primary objective is to
make the client feel safe and comfortable in order to
enable them to easily communicate their problems and
feelings.
FAMSA Knysna covers the Garden Route
area between Sedgefield and The Crags with counselors
based in Sedgefield, Rheenendal, at the Knysna office,
thePlettenbergBayofficeandTheCrags.
FAMSA Knysna employs 5 permanent staff
who does counseling together with being involved in
other community projects. FAMSA-Knysna also relies
heavily upon the volunteer counselors who are
professional social workers, psychologists and volunteer
lay counselors who have completed the Family
Foundation training (FFT) with FAMSA. Volunteers
form Travelers World Wide also worked and did
training.Everyone’sinputishighlyappreciated.
It is essential to have emotionally healthy
counselors. Therefore, all counselors receive individual
supervision sessions with a supervisor on a regular basis,
in which they can seek advice if necessarily. Additionally,
compulsory Group Supervision sessions are held every
second month in both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
FAMSA also give Trauma training together with other
professionalsinthecommunity.
Presentations and training are provided by
FAMSA’s own professional counselors as well as
speakers from different organizations. Counselors can
discuss and learn more about interesting aspects of
counseling further educate themselves and built
relationships. Workshops and FFT training on relevant
counseling topics are also provided. Professionally
registered counselors receive CPD points. Lay
Counselor Points (LCP) are awarded to the volunteer
counselorswhenattendingtheabovetraining.
There has been an increase in people seeking
help from FAMSA and we regularly see results and
gratefulness in our clients. This year 604 new clients and
1287 counseling sessions were recorded. We listen and
help people gain confidence in themselves again, heal
relationships,save marriages, prevent suicide, stop abuse,
haltdomesticviolence,savepeoplefromaviolentdeath.
FAMSA plays an important and valuable role
in the community and gives a precious service to the
people.
Counselling Report
Sonnette le Roux
13. Page | 13
We have another busy
year of training behind us.
Natalie Simshauser, our
volunteer Training Co-
ordinator, sadly left FAMSA
and South Africa at the beginning of 2016 to return to
Australia with her husband after having a break from
farming in Australia. She was with FAMSA Knysna
from 2012. She started with us through being invited
by someone who was attending our Family
Foundation Training. Slowly from then on, she
became more and more involved. She has left some
wonderful memories and programmes.
Our Training consists of:
Family Foundation Training (FFT) –
equipping community members to become
FAMSA counsellors.
Counselling and Trauma Training – on-
going training for existing FAMSA counsellors,
staff and registered professionals.
WOW- Women of Worth – equipping
women with skills to be resilient, resourceful
and responsiveto thesituations theyface.
MEN - promoting responsible masculinities
(qualities traditionally associated with men).
Parenting - designed to facilitate parent-child
interactions and to equip parents with the
necessaryskills to carryout their parentingrole
Training on request by clients as per their
training requirements, e.g. Life Skills, Stress
Management, Anger management.
Family Foundation Training (FFT)
Our FFT programme was very unpredictable
as the initial Personal Growth and counselling blocks
were cancelled due to not enough people registered.
We continued with the one day workshops and
eventually had a group large enough to start the
Personal Growth and counselling course in July 2015,
alternating workshops between Plettenberg bay and
Knysna.
It was a challenge to get enough bookings for
workshops despite wide advertising. Thanks to Kylie
(Plettenberg Bay Admin) - beautiful ads were created
and placed in local newspapers – most at no charge, for
which we are grateful. Knysna FM was a great support
and allowed airtimefor interviews live on air.
We are so proud of the quality of the training
as we use experts in their respective field to present the
training. We charge a small fee and reduced rates for
NGO’s and existing FAMSA volunteers are
encouraged to re-do various workshops to continue
updating at no charge. We are very grateful to Femke
Hamming, who not only presents many of the
workshops, but has been updating our manuals with
latest research and looks great.
Other Trainers whom we are very pleased to
have on board: Paddy Sheridan (counselling and
relationships), Michelle Schlodder (Psychological
Disorders), Kitty Frey-Hopkins (Stress), Teresa
Angless (Intimate Partner Violence) and Helen
Schaffer (Addictions). We thank St Thomas Methodist
Training Report
Karin du Plessis
14. Page | 14
Church and The Rock Church in Knysna for the use
of their venues for training.
The 2016 group mostly came from Knysna
so the training takes place in Knysna. 10 have indicated
interest to become volunteers– 4 for Plett and 6 for
Knysna. Application was made to SACSSP (Social
Work Council) for FFT - still awaiting feedback for
accreditation for this activity – hoping that this would
attract professionals to benefit from this training and
gain Continued Professional Development Points
(CPD).
Counselling and Trauma Training
The training focused more on practical skills
for counsellors this year and has been very beneficial. It
is highlighting strengths and growth areas. We have
received accreditation for the 2016 programme from
Health Professions Council. We are still waiting for
SACSSP. The Council is in transition and needs to
establish a Committee for CPD applications. These
sessions ensure well-equipped FAMSA counsellors.
We are grateful to all those who assisted with
presentations: Paddy Sheridan, Femke Hamming,
Merle Friedman, Sue Rendell, Jane Luck, Anneke
Barnard, Elspeth McAdam, Cally Farrell and Teresa
Angless.
Other Training included:
Sports Team, Hotel Group requested training
on Intimate Partner Violence, Food Industry on
Conflict Management, Tertiary College on Life skills
and Personal growth. Local Government created an
opportunity for us to present Parenting in one of their
Wards. Often this is an income generating opportunity,
especially when it is from businesses in the private
sector.
With WOW, Parenting and MEN training
we have implemented a Monitoring and Evaluation
plan using the Logical Model. This assists in planning
training with specific achievable, measurable goals
where impact and outcome can be measured. This can
be a tedious process and simple measurements tools
need to be created and implemented and assessed
which can be time consuming but well worth
presenting to both funders and potential funders the
real impact of the work that is being done in
communities. Thanks to Department Social
Development for creating an opportunity for FAMSA
to attend a week long workshop presented by
University of the Western Cape on Monitoring and
Evaluation Plans.
Below is the amount of people that attended
our various trainings per quarter:
Quarter Attendees
Apr-Jun 2015 284
Jul-Sep 2015 209
Oct-Dec 2015 275
Jan-Mar 2016 275
A huge word of thanks to all who make our
training successful: Staff, volunteers and professionals
from the community and the local Media who assisted
with adverts and articles.
15. Page | 15
I cannot believe another
year has come and gone by
already.
As the administrator / office co-ordinator at
FAMSA KnysnaI am responsible for thefollowing;
ManagingOffice duties which includes;
Answering the telephone, emails,
Managing the general office supplies and
staff duties.
Clients and Counsellor Liaison which
includes;
Matching the client with appropriate
counsellor or referring walk in - individuals to
appropriateorganizations and stake holders.
Following up with past clients on behalf of
their counsellors- regarding the possibility of
settingfurther appointments
Liaising with clients, counsellors and
supervisors regarding- Appointments, Group
Supervision, and Family Foundation
Training.
Financial Administration which includes;
Filing and paying of all accounts for the
FAMSA Knysna and Plett Offices
Payingof Accounts/ Salaries
Setting up Projected Budget, Income
schedule,
The most important part of my work routine is
dealing with the person who comes through the door
be it for supervision, an appointment or just some
much needed advice,
Teamwork is essential as no one person can
completely perform on their own. We are all together
in the organisation for the benefit of each other and for
those less fortunateto offer support, love and care.
It is such a delight to work for an organization that
does so much to help build and restore relationships in
a positive way.
It truly is a blessing to be part of such an
amazingorganization.
Office Coordinator’s
Report
Berna-Lee Ewerts
16. Page | 16
How these past six years
have flown. Being part of the
FAMSA team continues to be
an exciting and fulfilling
journey.
Our counsellors listen to, support and
empower clients in crisis. Our work becomes truly
rewarding and meaningful when our clients gain fresh
insights, learn new skills and find direction in their lives.
We do make adifference!
We have lost the use of a counselling room
and it has now become necessary to find larger
premises. We are seeing more new clients plus and
increase in clients returning for follow-up sessions. It is
encouraging to see people making use of the
counsellingservices we provide.
Were we able to show people what we do at
FAMSA fundraising would not be such a challenge.
Client confidentially is paramount and thus we cannot
show photographs or tell the stories that would show
the value of our services.
FAMSA had two street collections during
2015 and hosted a fundraiser Tea in May. Donations
were received from several caring sources that included
Rotary, The Garden Route Motor Club, The Monday
Hackers, Bitou Municipality and we were beneficiaries
of theFabulous Fifties Show.
Training of staff was done at Hunter’s Hotels,
Robberg Fine Foods and Sabrina Love Foundation.
Topics covered were Effective Communication in the
workplace, Parenting and Intimate Partner Violence.
This kind of training provides another source of
incomefor our organisation.
Development of counsellors through
supervision remains a high priority. Speakers at these
sessions shared topics such as ‘Ethical & Professional
Boundaries, Advanced Couples Counselling and
Empowering- NOT “fixing” clients.’ All our lay
counsellors receive regular individual supervision from
qualified Psychologists and Social Workers.
We are fortunate to have two Xhosa
speaking counsellors on board.
Thank you to the Knysna Office, Kylie (our
super-efficient administrator), our counsellors,
supervisors and supporters. Your commitment to our
Plett Office enables us to change lives.
Plettenberg Bay’s
Report
Melani van der Westhuizen
17. Page | 17
As one of the
community workers at
FAMSA Knysna my service
areas of focus are, Karatara,
Rheenendal and Sedgefield.
The community services
include community
assessments, training and
counselling to all. My year in the above communities
had been filled with absolute fun, challenges and great
achievements. Allowme to share this with you.
Women of Worth (WOW) Training:
Personal Growth workshops had been
conducted with groups of women in the community
of Karatara. During the session members were quite
tense and held back. When I confronted them on their
reluctance they said they were concerned about a few
incidences that occurred in the community which may
affect their safety and well-being in the community.
Although I could not give them that solution to their
concerns. They appreciated the platform that was
offered in being themselves and sharing. A platform
that seem not always availablewhich theytruly valued.
MEN’sTraining:
Several workshops focusing on Life Skills
Training had been conducted in Sedgefield,
Rheenendal and Karatara. One specific workshop
called, Journey to Self-Discovery, the men had the
opportunity to learn what a mentor is and how they
can become mentors within their communities. It was
a great moment and a fantastic morning shared with
SAPS, the Department of Social Development,
KnysnaMunicipality and the locals of the community.
Although a powerful workshop we did
however faced the following challenges such as people
not attending trainings resulting in the stakeholders to
walk door to door just to invite these men off the
street. Another was to arrange training venues but
come the day of training, these venues will no longer
be available for use. Planning of Sunday afternoon
training seemed exciting as I wanted to accommodate
those working during the week. But the day of arriving
at thevenue there was no onepresent.
Catherine Ziliensky (Travellers World Wide
volunteer from the UK)) attended one of these
workshops with me in Karatara. Her professional
observations on this group gaveme valuable input.
Johannes Maquena, a young man from
Rheenendal, assisted in recruiting a group of young
men. He also co-facilitated the Life Skills workshop
and helped with the technology side. As we had not
anticipated a big group, he bought and paid for extra
refreshments out of his pocket. A TRUE community
person and MENTOR.
Parenting Training:
Parenting training workshops were
conducted in Karatara and Rheenendal. In
Rheenendal, the challenge was bigger to get members
to attend. Antoinette van Meyeren (FAMSA volunteer)
assisted with parenting training in Rheenendal. It is
such a blessing to have her on board. Also a big
THANK You to Sandalina Afrika who is always
willingto assist me within the communityof Karatara.
CORE (FAMSANational Database):
Our data system has an extremely important
function within the organisation. Its primary purpose is
Community
Development Reports
ANNALINE
MABULA
Social Auxiliary
Worker
18. Page | 18
to have all client data at the click of a button. This is
however not the only function. Our database is there
to assist us in keepingtrack of all client information and
the progress of our work during the year. Our funders
and potential funders need this information for finance
purposes to keep our doors open to the public.
Training and Development:
The FAMSA Family Foundation Course I
attended covered training on Intimate Relationships;
Marriage and Divorce. This was facilitated by Paddy
Sheridan and Melani van der Westhuizen. It was an
excellent seminar equipping all our counsellors working
with couples. The FAMSA Group Development
Training every second month is to keep all active
counsellors updated in dealing with clients to ensure
that counsellors are ableto render an efficient serviceto
clients. Having speakers from different backgrounds,
all experts in their various fields of training and
experience, some coming from abroad is indeed an
advantagefor FAMSAstaff and volunteers.
Other Activities:
I had the privilege to assist with emotional
support at High Schools, Concordia High and Knysna
Secondary in Hornlee. Working with a team of five
enthusiastic and verypassionateabout their duties I can
only say a heartfelt THANK YOU to the following
people who freely gave of their time. THANK YOU
to Wayne van Heerden; Ann van Zyl; Ghila Daniels;
Heidi Kidd and Bonnie van Eeden. FAMSA’s
assistance was greatly valued by both psychologists of
the Education Department and the School Social
Worker. The principals and staff at both schools
accepted us with open arms and treasured our
assistanceto their students.
Community work is not just about rendering
counselling services and conducting training within the
various communities. It is about staying abreast of
updated information within the psychology and social
work fields. It is about personal and professional
development. It is about networking with stakeholders
and creating opportunities for the organisation and the
client. As workers we have thus to ensure our
compliance by attending meetings with stakeholders,
monthly trainings, monthly supervisions and current
journal reading to be that service of quality to the
communities.
Attending community functions is another
opportunity in getting to know your community and
them you as the worker. I attended a Youth Talent &
Tribute Show organised by community youth
Johannes Maquena. He asked me to educate the
community on FAMSA’s role and my role within the
community of Rheenendal. This was a great awareness
creation opportunity for the organisation. It was such a
privilege honour being part of an extraordinary event. I
also attended the Masithandane Mosaic unveiling in
Sedgefield. What a beautiful experience, all in the name
of networking.
Awareness creation is an ongoing saga. We as
the workers along with volunteers do this twice a year
when wedo our street collections.
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I have had the privilege in presenting
FAMSA to an organisation called TSiBA College in
Karatara. Through a few meetings we established a
working relationship. In our services to the college, we
are now their student support through counselling and
Life Skills Training to 80 students. Along with that we
were also asked to assist with staff development.
This in itself had been a great honour. In
ending I would like to share the following quote by
Tony Dorsett, “To succeed, you need to find something to hold
on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you”. The
inspiration for me throughout the last financial year
was just to go and try and reach that one person who
wants to make that difference out there. Through this
perseveranceI havefound afew.
I cannot believe that
another year went so quick, but
any way it was an amazing
learning year, full of growth and
discovery of new ways of
approach as we are working
with people. It is amazing when
I reflect on myself to see that the work that I am doing
(community work and counselling) has made me grow
personally and professional.
Women Of Worth
The project has grown so much, looking
back at the begging of how the project was initiated,
the mission and vision that aims at empowering
disadvantaged women to become more resilient
despitetheir everydaylifechallenges.
ZAZI (“Know Yourself”) which seem very
powerful also, during the presentation of this
workshop one could feel and see the reconstruction of
new selves within these women. Follow up sessions
done after each and every workshop is evidence that
communities really appreciate self - awareness and
encouragement which makes them grow and become
so confident about them.
Working with these women have been so
rewarding because some of them even took initiative
of their lives by starting small businesses to generate
income, despite the fact that a person has to work with
these women on a level of trying to change their mind
set but I am really pleased to see that at the end of the
day this project has made a difference even if is few
persons who I trust that they can positively influence
others in their communities
Parenting
Parenting (especially both side of the story)
where we have been encouraging better
communication between child and parent has been
quite an eye opener for parents based on evidence like
feedback in terms of evaluations and follow up
sessions. The parenting programmes that have been
done in these community: White Location, Concordia,
Damsebos, Bongani, Khayalethu, Oupad, Hlalani,
Nekkies and Diepwalle has been doing very well up to
a point that some of these parents ended up requesting
counselling because they felt that their up bring is still
BUSI
MQULWANA
Community
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haunting them so we are referring these parents for
intensive counselling at FAMSA offices. Follow ups
which are done after each and every parenting
programme are helping to identify the gap.
Men’sProjects:
Through partnership with other stakeholders
like Mankind, MEN's is reaching more men in
different areas/diversity; however it is still a challenge
to get men into our programmes as they are not
associating themselves with these programmes but
there are always new ways of approaching the
community that hopefully will work.
I have learnt a lot in this past year as it was my
second year at FAMSA, I cannot forget to mention
that building relationship with other stakeholders is
very helpful for instance CEDA has been very helpful
through the year as they were assisting a lot to give
WOW, (Women Of Worth) ladies necessary business
skills to empower them so that they can reach their
goals and dreams of becoming entrepreneur. Love Life
who at all times is willing to accommodate us with
trainingvenuewhen we need it.
The aim of the
program is to provide
emotional support to people
who have experienced a crisis.
Our main aim was help those
who has experienced crisis
regain their dignity and
confidence and equip them with the skills to be able to
move on with their lives after the event. We wanted to
place focus on moving forward with the victims’ life
journey and not hold onto emotions and negative
experiences as associated with their situations or
trauma. Equipping people with effective coping skills
remained, as always, apriority.
Court Support
Our office at the Knysna Courts allow us to
provide hands on help and support to those who have
experienced or are experiencing a range of challenges
within their lives. Court support volunteers have done
an incredible job at remaining available and present to
help with whatever they are faced with that day.
Helping with referrals has been a priority this year,
ensuring that people ended up at the exact places able
to help them effectively and efficiently. A huge thank
you has to go out to the court support volunteers for
offering their time and emotional support to those in
need. We are challenged by the shortage of volunteers,
but are working hard to gain more volunteers in this
field.
Trauma Support
The main aim of the trauma support team
here at FAMSA is to provide a hands-on approach to
post trauma situations. We help those who have
difficulty dealing with a recent traumatic experience
and equip them with practical and relevant skills and
knowledge to most effectively deal with their emotions.
A special thank you must go to the Trauma
Committee, a group of dedicated individuals who
arrange schedules, trauma response teams, and support
to anyone who needs it. Without this committee the
project wouldn’t function nearly as effectively as it
does.
Bitou Municipality
Together with the Bitou Municipality, more
areas were able to be reached this year. Our partnership
with them has allowed for extensive staff training and
the improvement of knowledge and skill within the
RONNIE
MADILOYI
Community
Developer
21. Page | 21
community and the FAMSA office. The municipality
allowed us to work together with different stakeholders
and departments.
Parenting Projects
The purpose of the FAMSA parenting
projects is to empower parents and teach skills which
not only improve their relationships with their children,
but build a solid family base. With a large focus on
teaching communication techniques and creating
understanding between parents and their children, the
training sessions were very well received throughout
the communities.
Women of WorthProjects
The purposes of the WOW projects are to
empower women of all ages, and allow them develop a
sense of self-worth, self-acceptance, and self-esteem.
Using a variety of techniques and activities we aim to
teach them about their rights and create an
understanding in them that they can be independent
and strong individuals.
Men’sProjects
The Men’s project is a very powerful project
and entered a very exciting stage this year. With focus
again on the empowerment of men to do the right
thing even when faced with obstacles and challenges,
the program focusses on integrity. Discussing
everything from childhood, family, and personal
challenges the program provides a platform for men to
express themselves without fear of judgement or
reaction. It helps men manage everyday emotions like
anger and frustration in healthy and positive ways.
Feedback from the programme has been very positive
with the majority of men in attendance saying they are
learning about respect, self-acceptance and integrity.
SAPS Partnership
As always, this year FAMSA has maintained a
close relationship with the South African Police
Services. In attendance of all monthly crime and
community reports and in close relationship with the
court and trauma support team, this partnership has
proved beneficial for all.
Correctional Service Programme
We operate a rehabilitation programme with
the sentenced inmates at the Knysna Correctional
Centre which is entitled “Anger In and Anger Out“. It is
a two-week programme consisting of 10 life skills’
workshops, designed to help the inmates to
understand their own anger issues within the
prison system and also focusing on their
reintegration back into society
MEN IN THE COMMUNITY
We are covering greater Knysna municipality
and Bitou Municipality for our services. We also
have workshops in various communities where
the focus is on the uplifting, educating and
empowering of Men on their rights and different
challenges they encounter on a day-to-day basis. We
have also partnered with the Mankind Project
workingtogether supporting theMEN’s Programme.
22. Page | 22
Fund Developing
and Marketing form the
cornerstone for all the services
that FAMSArenders.
Public Relations and Marketing
We all realize that “out of sight isoutofmind” and
we need to continuously remind our market of our
very valuable products or services. We are fortunate in
that the local media – printed and radio – allow us to
advertiseon a regular basis.
Social Media platforms are also used widely
with much of our services, programmes, events and
information getting out there through emails,
webpages, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
We also acknowledge the age-old, very
effective advertising done word-by-mouth. Clients and
beneficiaries, especially in more informal communities,
spread the word which is of great valuein many cases.
When the opportunity arises we are also part
of various exhibitions such as the Knysna Rotary
Awareness Day held in May 2015.
Building good relationships with all relevant
role-players are essential for an organisation to survive
and to deliver an effective service. We thank our many
“friends” who acknowledge the good work that is
beingdone.
Fund Development
Arguably the most stressful and challenging
functions of anyorganisation that does not have afixed
income. There are literally no guarantees when
embarking on a fundraising project or applying for
funding. What is budgeted for is very seldom the same
as what is received which therefore makes it an
occupation which is subject many variables.
The largest portion of FAMSA’s funding
comes from Applications done to the Department of
Social Development, the Lottery, Community Chest
and Municipalities. The Department of Social Development
has become our largest and most consistent funder.
They fund us for services rendered in line with their
requirements.
Fund Development &
Marketing
Chris Vermeulen
23. Page | 23
The Knysna Municipality has also once again
given us a grant to assist with funding the Support
Services programme, such as Trauma, Court and
Information Support. Bitou Municipality also assisted
our Plettenberg Bay office with grant towards their
general costs.
FAMSA was also fortunate to be the
Beneficiary of several events during the past year:
The Knysna Motor Show, held in May
2015, made FAMSA Plettenberg Bay a beneficiary of
their event.
A wonderful and innovative event was the
Bikers for Mandela Dayin July 2015 supported by
First for Woman Insurance and Zelda Le
Grange.
FAMSA Knysna was overjoyed to be the
named beneficiary of the Tabasco Golf Classic held
during the Oyster Festival. Momentum also made a
major donation at thesameevent.
Another exiting event was theSimola Golf
Day – “50 Shades of Green” held in December 2015
whereFAMSA also benefitted. Long daybut fun. Sold
tickets and then sat at Hole 13 with Busi and
encouraged the ladies to tryout “Caramel Vodka”–
delicious! The ladies weregreat!!
Fortunately there are also kind-hearted folk
who give us Donations on a regular basis. This is truly
the only “fixed” income we have and we would want
to encourage more support. FAMSA also benefited
from Sotheby’s, funds raised through the Music
Festival.
Not all donations are monetary and we
acknowledge those who donated items with a special
mention of Knysna Rotary Club, KnysnaRotary Anns,
Personal Trust International and Remax Coastal for
their support on various levels.
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One of the most challenging aspects of fund
development is Payment for Services. Although we
do not provide a ‘free service’ we acknowledge that not
all clients can pay for counselling services and therefore
even a small contribution would be welcome. Several
Training programmes and workshops are presented
during the year which largely generates enough income
to cover costs.
Although the above is most welcome it is not
enough to cover expenditure. Several Fundraising
Projects were also undertaken during the year. These
includethefollowing:
Street Collections done in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna,
midyear and in December.
Our June 2015 Street Collection went VERY WELL!!
We had a wonderful team spirit – Thanks to Estelle,
Berna-lee and our counters. Thanks to Debonair's for
the pizzasponsored
December 2015 - Knysna Street Collection - Went
well despitefewer points.
The Songbirds Sing for FAMSA was again held
at Tottie’s Restaurant in Rheenendal in March 2016
and was a huge success. A most enjoyable evening was
had byall.
FashionAgainst Crime was also a very successful initiative
held in September 2015.
Despite the general gravity of any financial
matters we remain positive and grateful for all the
support.
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Meetings
In compliance with
FAMSA’s Constitution several
meetings are held and attended
throughout the year.
The Annual General Meeting was held on 29
September, 2015 and was verywellattended.
Besides the formal business that needs to be
addressed the AGM also is the perfect opportunity to
showcase the workings of the organisation and to give the
necessary recognition to staff, volunteersand supporters.
MANCOM (Management Committee) Meetings are held
quarterly with reports from the Treasurer and the Director
presented for perusal, acceptance and information. These
meetings truly ensure that the organisation is on track and
complying with requirements.
Everyyear aspecial venue is soughtfor the
Strategic Planning Meetingand this yearwas no exception
with the meetings being held at the luxurious Villa Castollini.
Staff Meetings are normally held weekly on
Monday morning where feedback is given from the previous
week, planning for the next week and any important or
interesting information shared.
The Project Manager regularly has Project
Meetings with the relevant staff and volunteers to discuss
strategies, planning, achievements and challenges.
Joint Project Meetings are held quarterly with all
the staff and relevant volunteers and forms a platform for all
to be aware of what is happening in the organisation.
Relevant information is also shared or training done.
FAMSA National Meetings take place in
accordance with the constitution of the FAMSA Movement
and held in February and September of each year. Directors
Management Report
Chris Vermeulen
26. Page | 26
from all the FAMSA Offices nationwide attend the Directors
Meeting and nominated ones also attended the Board of
Management Meeting.
FAMSA Provincial Forum Meetings also take
place twice a year – normally in May and November. The
Directors of the six organisations in the Western Cape meet
to discuss provincial issues as well as feedback and points
from the National Meetings.
On a local level delegated staff regularly attends
official meetings with various departments and
stakeholders, which include Forum/Sub-forum meetings
with other NGOs and with the Dept. of Social
Development, the Community Policing Forums and others.
Human Resources
It is well-known fact that one of the best
investments that can be made is inyour staff. FAMSA strives
to create an environment where staff are exposed to as many
learning opportunities as possible. This includes attending
relevant FAMSA workshops, supervision for professional
and personal well-being and attending external workshops
and training.
Some of the FAMSA staff members are currently
studying through UNISA with the support of the
organisation.
Also, with the assistance of kind donors such as
Rotary Club Knysna, other businesses and volunteers, the
creation of a pleasant working environment is a priority.
Working for a NPO (Non-Profit Organisation) is
very different to that of the public and private sector. There
are very high expectations for efficiency, productivity,
commitment and loyalty without the matching remuneration.
It is not simply a job – but a calling. There are many
challenges that we face on a daily basis, but with the support
and teamwork of the staff, volunteers and MANCOM these
challenges become building blocks for FAMSA to better and
furtheritself.
Volunteers
Volunteers form an integral part in all welfare
organisations. In accordance with the FAMSA Constitution
and Policies theyfulfil vital roles at all levels.
The Management Committee (MANCOM) is
responsible for the Governance of the organisation and need
to ensure that the working of the organisation is in line with
the rules and regulations.
Most of our Counsellors and Supervisors are
volunteers. Some have done FAMSA’s Family Foundation
Training (FFT) for counsellors, while others are professionals
who offer of their time and expertise. Our clients are indeed
fortunate to have access to the high standards of counselling
provided. Volunteers also assist staff with the various projects
which helps them to achieve targets and also lightens the
load.
Then there are all the many, many volunteers that
assist with fundraising, especially Street Collections, without
whom the doors would not be open. The volunteers that
perhaps receive the least recognition are the ones who so
kindlyassist with administration, maintenance, catering,etc.
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Each and every contribution or form of support made to FAMSA Knysna
and PlettenbergBay is of immeasurablevalue.
We have been fortunate to receive some significant donations during the last
year which have assisted in filling gaps. At the same time we equally appreciate the
donations of a fewcents someone puts in thetins with the Street Collections.
Others give us a greater gift – that of themselves and their time. Again of
such great value. The donations of items for projects or the office assists with reducing
expenditure.
We have been very blessed with all the support we receive and therefore we
simply and sincerely want to thank everyonefor every contribution they have made.
Although we also realise the importance of giving recognition to all our
supporters, therisk of omittingsomeone has compelled us to rather thank “everyone”.
The support and assistance we have received from you has enabled us to
make a positive impact in the lives of so many members of all communities in the area.
Your concern and caring is epitomized in thefollowingsaying by Nelson Mandela:
"A fundamental concern forothersinourindividual andcommunitylives
wouldgoa long way inmakingthe worldthebetterplacewe sopassionately
dreamtof."
Appreciation
