- The Alta du Toit Centre celebrated the reopening of Casa Mia Hostel, acknowledging the contributions of supporters like Stellenbosch Stigting.
- The centre, dedicated to adults with intellectual disabilities, emphasised the ongoing need for support beyond childhood.
- With upgraded facilities and new therapeutic spaces, Casa Mia aims to provide a safe and empowering home for its residents.
Last Wednesday (10 July) Alta Du Toit Centre marked a significant milestone as they celebrated the long-awaited reopening of Casa Mia Hostel/Home, following six years of extensive renovations.
“The event was a warm occasion to acknowledge and thank all those who contributed to the realisation of this transformative project”, shared Alta’s marketing and communications liaison, Jaydin Thomas.
Adults with disabilities
A significant take-away of the night was marked by the expression that the needs of adults suffering from intellectual disabilities often go forgotten once they grow up.
“Society at large has a soft spot for the young marginalised communities. So fragile and vulnerable, most fundraising initiatives concentrate on the youth struggling with disabilities, and rightfully so,” added Thomas.
“But once these individuals grow up, they are mostly forgotten but are still very much alive and dependent on support to fulfil the rest of their lives.”
Also on the bottom of the economic barrel, NGOs and NPOs in general are overlooked during times of economic decline and suffer significantly as times get tough.
ALSO READ: Gala event reveals big plans for Daniel and Friends Fund
Stellenbosch Stigting
Centering the celebration was a sense of gratitude towards Stellenbosch Stigting, whose exceptional stewardship and generous sponsorship played a vital role in bringing this dream to life.
Their support has not only revitalised Casa Mia but has also redefined it as more than just a residence – it is now a home of comfort, safety, and belonging for adults with intellectual disabilities from their first day until their last.
“We extend our deepest thanks to Stellenbosch Stigting for their incredible generosity and dedication,” said Nelis Janse van Rensburg, Chair of the governing board at Alta du Toit Centre.
“Their support has allowed us to create a home at Casa Mia, where residents can thrive in an environment that truly embodies the essence of belonging.”
With upgraded residential facilities, communal areas, therapeutic spaces, and a fully stocked “washhouse” catering for 80 people, Stellenbosch Stigting has gone a step further from just revitalising the home aspect of Casa Mia.
Empowering residents
They have also added to the meaningful occupation aspect of the Alta du Toit Centre. Through this addition the home will empower its occupants to lead self-sustaining lives and participate in work related activities in the washhouse to ease the economic pressures on the Centre as a whole.
“No fine detail was overlooked in the renovation, experts in architecture and senior centre development & maintenance were included to ensure that the home would accommodate residents along their entire journey with Alta,” added Sampie Hamman, Director of Stellenbosch Stigting.
The upliftment of the intellectual disability sector is a close personal interest to Hamman and he seeks to ensure that organisations like Alta du Toit Centre remain a beacon of hope for those with family members with intellectual disabilities.
The reopening of Casa Mia in Lincoln Street, Bellville, marks a new chapter in Alta du Toit Centre’s legacy of compassion and care.
As they continue to uphold their commitment to enhancing the quality of life in all aspects for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Casa Mia stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through community support and collaboration.
