Vistarus Golf day

Vistarus will be hosting it's annual Golf day at the Port Elizabeth Golf Club on 30 July 2008. This is an annual event where money is raised specifically for the needs of our school going children. We believe that our children is the future and that they need to have everything that is required to make school attendance a pleasure.

Wedded bliss

This has been the month for marriages. On 6 July Joey and Deon was married during the Sunday evening celebration service.

And on Saturday 19 July, Jolene and Bernard got married. We wish to thank all the benefactors for the dresses, wedding cake, flowers and all that was done to make their marriages something that they will always remember.

The lovely "eats"

They were surrounded by friends and family and we believe that they will have a solid support system.

Our website is live at www.vistarus.co.za

This blog will be the place that keeps you up to date with the goings on at the Centre. This will also be the place that we can communicate, your questions can be answered and you can get to know the various people and programs that are part of this Centre. So there now...do not be shy to leave a comment or ask a question.

How did it all start?

In 1998 we followed our dream to bring restoration, dignity and hope to a large group of suffering families as well as homeless women, children and men. Originally the building was used as a Railway Hostel, in the period 1996 - 1997 the building was taken over by gangsters, a shebeen operated from the office. Strong-arm tactics were used to ‘collect’ rent. At this time, the department of health threatened to close the building down due to poor health and living conditions. The police were planning to establish a satellite station at the entrance due to the high crime rate in this concentrated area. The 1997 period has been well documented in the press, the landlord at that time experienced power and water cuts as a result of his not paying for these services, families who were living under these appalling circumstances were powerless to respond. My husband Kobus, and I were moved by the news reports of the dire circumstances of that communities suffering. In a great leap of faith we decided to actively engage the problem and our vision was born: The upliftment of the occupants in body, soul and spirit, with specific reference to bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching of life skills and creating job opportunities. By eliminating child abuse, prostitution, unemployment, drugs and alcohol abuse, the community’s lifestyles would be improved. Our vision was to create a place of safety where every person could experience equal opportunities in all aspects of life. After countless battles and obstacles the vision still lies ahead, but there are now many landmarks along the road, that celebrate the successes enjoyed along the road to empowerment and restoration, some of the are: TV Lounge for the occupants of Vistarus, Library, Doctor’s surgery, Dentist, Crèche, Clothing bank, Soup Kitchen, Coffee bar, Lecture room, Counselling, Prayer room, Laundry, Free breakfast for children, Place of safety, There are various job creation opportunities being launched. Currently over 400 people are being accommodated. Approximately 40 homeless families are being housed and fed.