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Who We Are

Who We Are

The Care Ministry is a faith-based non-profit organization supporting vulnerable communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, affected by HIV/AIDS and TB. Trained community healthcare workers provide physical care, emotional support, and spiritual strengthening to individuals of all faiths or none. Established in 1994, the organization ensures the well-being of at-risk members in under-resourced communities, empowering them to manage their health. Beneficiaries include those living with HIV, TB, chronic conditions, orphans, vulnerable children, caregivers, the elderly, and pregnant women in Gqeberha and Kariega within the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. CHCWs from these communities deliver essential services and care to those in need.


What we do

What We Do

The Care Ministry identifies caregivers within the local communities and ensures they undergo essential training programs. These programs cover basic listening skills, fundamental HIV/AIDS education, and adherence to HIV/AIDS medication. Upon completion of the training, the caregivers are assigned to their respective local groups and supervised by a registered nurse, with a social worker employed to oversee the overall well-being of the clients. The caregivers operate within their communities, providing support directly in the homes of their clients.

Inside Peak

Vision Img

Vision

Healthy, empowered and caring communities, who experience physical, emotional and spiritual well-being
Mission Img

Mission

Empowering under-resourced communities through trained Community Healthcare Workers for quality support services.
Purpose

Purpose

Cherish and show kindness to those who live next to you
Values

Values

Love, Compassion, Outreach to the most vulnerable, Dignity of all people

Success Stories

Goals

Programs

Psychosocial Support for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC):

The Care Ministry, funded by Misereor, provides a package of care to vulnerable children aged 0 to 18 years through a team of 12 Community Healthcare Workers (CHCW) a Nurse and Social Worker.

Services include:

  • Treatment support for children on ARV/TB or chronic medications
  • Ongoing care and support to identified vulnerable children in order to assist the child and their guardian with a range of issues such as bereavement support, social, educational and health care support.
  • Tracing of child patients for the local health care facility who have not attended appointments for services such as immunisations, TB/ ARV medications.
  • Support to women throughout pregnancy to ensure adherence to health care and uptake of childhood immunisations after birth.
  • Facilitation of weekly activity clubs for children to nurture peer support and emotional resilience.
  • Facilitation of weekly homework clubs to children
HIV/AIDS/TB and Primary Healthcare Community Based Support:

The Care Ministry, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, provide community-based primary health care services through door to door community outreach. A team of 10 CHCWs, under the supervision of a registered Nurse, supports five health care facilities across Sub-District B and C of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. CHCWs offer care and support to people in their own communities providing physical, emotional, social and spiritual support to those in need.

Services include:

  • Treatment support for children on ARV/TB or chronic medications
  • Tracing of clients for the local health care facility who have not attended appointments for services such as TB/ ARV and chronic medications
  • Support to women throughout pregnancy to ensure adherence to health care and uptake of childhood immunisations after birth
  • Primary health care screening services across the communities
Parish Care Groups

Volunteer Care Ministers within Catholic Parishes provide care and support to those in need within their Parish community. Care Ministers are trained in supportive listening skills and commissioned to their Parish community. These volunteer groups are coordinated through the leadership of the Catholic Parish.

Services include:

  • Bereavement support
  • Emotional support
  • Care to the housebound
Homeless Outreach

Monthly outreach to the homeless community in partnership with local Catholic churches.

Services include:

  • TB screening and testing
  • Hygiene services such as hair washing and cleansing opportunities.
  • Wound care
  • Social Service support (including procurement of vital documentation and issues around child welfare)
  • Emotional support
CHCW Stress Relief and Trauma Support:

Care Ministry's CHCW teams face daily stressors from distressing situations and personal safety challenges, necessitating regular gatherings for spiritual, emotional, and physical support. Care Ministry, through funding received from the La Retraite community, offer group debriefings, relaxation workshops, and celebrate each other's work. To address trauma exposure, particularly from crime and gun violence, Care Ministry provides robust support systems, investing in caregivers' well-being with resources for necessary help. Additionally, full-day spiritual retreats and prayer gatherings take place.