Vita Nova

Organisation Background:

Vita Nova Centre was established in 1977 thanks to the efforts of the Eastern Transvaal Cerebral Palsy Association (ETCPA), who recognized the needs of children and adults suffering from severe cerebral palsy. Funds were raised with much assistance from the East Rand Round Tables, local businesses, parents and the general public resulting in our present facilities. Strong ties continue with the Gauteng Cerebral Palsy Association (formerly ETCPA), who continue to be the Centre’s main sponsor.

Vita Nova Centre originally catered exclusively for children and adults whose cerebral palsy excluded them from a ‘normal’ education or even a place in a ‘special school’. During 1999 the Constitution of the Centre was amended and as a result a wider range of disabilities and conditions can be catered for, with particular emphasis on the needs of the previously disadvantaged local community. The only limiting factors being the availability of funds, suitability and extent of the Centre’s facilities. We have 105 Mentally Disabled, Cerebral Palsy and HIV/Aids children that we care for with 75 full time staff members, 1 qualified sister and 2 auxiliary nurses. The residents are aged between 3 & 69 years of age and at the moment 67 of them do not have either parents or any family members.

“Vita Nova” means “New Life” and this is what is offered to all who live at the Centre and those who attend on a daily basis. At Vita Nova Centre the emphasis is on developing whatever skills the individual person has, with special emphasis on those skills needed for the enjoyment of a happy meaningful life. Social skills are encouraged which enable those at the Centre to form a happy well-integrated group.

60 of the 108 residents are abandoned and many of the younger children come from disadvantaged areas in Gauteng. Vita Nova Centre has to provide them with nappies, clothing, toiletries and bedding.

Our “Sparrow” and “Squirrel” hostels care for children from 3 years to 16 years of age and provide the necessary care 24 hours per day. A wide range of activities are undertaken with emphasis on speech, mobility, toilet training, hygiene and behavior.

Our “Bunny” hostel caters for the needs of profoundly cerebral palsied residents from the age of 16 upwards. Stimulation is provided for these residents and every effort is made to ensure that they reach their maximum potential.

We have a men’s and ladies ‘senior hostel (Recently upgraded thanks to the Atlas Copco Transformation Trust), that cater for the needs of the more able bodied residents over the age of 18 years, where full residential accommodation is provided. Most residents share a bedroom with a friend, each hostel has full ablution facilities as well as a T.V lounge for the use of the residents and a laundry.

A House Mother / Father are accommodated in a flat attached to each hostel to ensure a high degree of supervision. Here again every effort is made to ensure that each person reaches his or her full potential.

STIMULATION CENTRE:

Due to residents health they need regular physiotherapy and regular muscle stimulation. The Centre has its own qualified therapist and space was created in one of the old buildings to accommodate the therapist.

SUPERVISION:

All residents are under constant supervision by dedicated staff.

Vita Nova Centre is an approved Public Benefit Organisation and registered in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. Any donation made to the Vita Nova Centre can be deducted from your Taxable Income. Vita Nova Centre relies heavily upon the support of the Private Sector and we hope that our request meets with a favourable response.

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t “catch” cerebral palsy from another person and you don’t develop it later in life. You’re either born with cerebral palsy or it is a result of brain damage caused by an accident later in life. Severe illness, such as meningitis, or even a head injury can cause cerebral palsy.