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GEORGE NEWS - Options Care Centre, a ministry of Youth for Christ (YFC), had an open day on Friday 25 July, as well as a dedication ceremony for the new premises that was added to the existing offices at 54 Albert Street.
Steve and Nadine Smit cut the ribbon for the official opening. Steve oversaw all the renovations for the new building and Nadine helped with the furnishings and decor.
The opportunity to buy much-needed additional space for this non-profit organisation arose when the house adjacent to the premises, at 56 Albert Street, was put on the market and they were able to put in an offer. The house has been beautifully renovated and now provides various spaces for group activities, training, counselling and meetings.
Options' director, Laurie Edwall, said they are thankful for all the additional space so that all their activities can be accommodated at a single address. "It has been challenging to schedule all our activities, as meetings had to be held in the counselling rooms and training done at other premises."
Since its launch in 1997, Options has touched the lives of thousands of teenagers, young adults and families facing pregnancy or HIV-related crises.
The organisation was established in response to Edwall becoming aware of a need for counselling among pregnant teens.
VIEW A GALLERY: Options Care Centre dedicates new premises
Jewellery-making is their talent, developed under the guiding hand of Anthea Jones (in pink). Around the table are Sonikazi Kibido, Charlotte Schwartz, Wilmarie Page and Xoliswa Qampi.
In addition, Options offers support groups in which people are taught to generate their own income, as well as youth group activities at Kidstop (another YFC ministry) and preventive programmes at schools.
"The depth of the support we provide has increased. Sometimes people need us more than once, or they need ongoing support in various ways. We even help people get jobs and teen mums to get their grades up. We help the girls thrive step by step," said Edwall.
Cleo Laban (left) and Jacqueline Read, two of the women whose lovely greeting and gift cards earn them a welcome income.
"We would not be able to offer these services without the dedicated staff, the community's generous support and the work that volunteers do, so we want to thank them from our heart."
Options receives international and local funding, and the renovations were made possible thanks to generous gifts from the community.
Anne Pretorius, a counsellor of Options, in the newly added offices.
A spacious training and meeting room.
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