Today we bring you another heartfelt story from the city that is still bathing in the winning spirit of the Springboks. Cape Town was bulging at the seams and the gees was palpable as our streets were alive with people either anticipating or celebrating – the HUGE win!
Yet under the veneer of the green and gold lies another story that needs telling and today it’s over to our Head of Partnerships, Jane Falck-Koeller to do so. Having initially joined our team in July for Mandela Day, Jane quickly became deeply committed to our work tackling food security and uplifting our communities.
Here is Jane’s story:
“As I reach my four-month mark with Ladles of Love, I am both humbled and inspired by the journey so far. It feels surreal at times, like a dream I have to remind myself is real, it’s a profound privilege to be part of this organisation.
Today, I would like to shine a spotlight on one of our four programmes, Dignity Kitchen, which does more than just provide nutritious meals. It restores hope and offers a second chance to those in need. Our Cape Town based Dignity Kitchen serves hundreds of hot, healthy meals to destitute and displaced adults, and often children, four times a week and in Johannesburg once weekly.
It’s frightening how close we all are to such vulnerabilities. A lost job, a financial setback, or personal tragedy could be all it takes. The stories emerging from Dignity Kitchen are a testament to this harsh reality.
It was at Dignity Kitchen, on a freezing cold weekday evening when I was volunteering for food service, with the icy wind cutting right to the bone, that I met the sweetest young couple Florentina and Theophilus, two resilient individuals huddled in a blanket, whose unspeakable childhood hardships, including gang violence, family violence and limited access to nutritious food, led them to the streets and into the grips of severe substance abuse, despite Theophilus holding an IT qualification.
Their pride, determination, and unwavering dedication to ensuring their young baby daughter has a better life were clearly evident as we talked. Theophilus wants to be the present dad he never had. He bursts with pride when he talks about his little girl, but tears of frustration stream as he talks of his daily struggle to build a better life. The couple faces daily targeting by gangs, and Florentina’s little sister has fallen prey to addiction. They are doing their best, but the gangs are always nearby to pull her back in.
Theopholis often travels to the CBD to find work and can’t afford the transport back during the week, leaving Florentina and the young girl at her parent’s home where the abuse continues. Florentina tells me it is often more peaceful on the streets than at home, but she tries to always do what is best for her child.
As I listen to their struggle to stay clean, I too could relate having lost three family members to addiction and mental illness. I was then the one with tears streaming and Florentina gently hugged me and said, “It will be okay”. Believe me when I say this couple is in a daily fight for their lives.
Kind, selfless and unquestionably determined for a better life is how I would describe this couple. In fact, every person that attends the Dignity Kitchen has a story of struggle, loss and sheer determination for a better life. Let’s extend a helping hand.”
“There but for the Grace of God go I”.
Jane’s powerful story brings home the reality of so many people in our country. As we head towards World Homeless Day on the 10th October, we are in the thick of planning our ‘Dine with Dignity’ seated meals service. This year, once again we are offering you the opportunity to treat a person to a special meal and hygiene hamper, served gifted with love and respect. Simply click on the banner below and buy a voucher to sponsor as many guests as you choose.
In the spirit of ubuntu, we are stronger together,
Danny and the team at Ladles of love ❤️
