Little Eden Annual Report 2014 by Sheila McCallum

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 1

How you can help

Little Eden MY VILLAGE CARD ¢

Giving is not just about donating funds straight from your own pocket or giving goods in kind to an organisation in need. You can also help support the children of LITTLE EDEN without spending a cent extra – simply by applying for a MyVillage Card naming us as the beneficiary, and swiping it every time you shop at Woolworths, Engen, Wimpy, Spur, ToysRUs and other participating retailers. The MyVillage Card is not a debit or credit card; it simply tracks transactions made at the till and allocates a proportion of the sale to the nominated charity. More than R1.5 million is disbursed to various schools and charitable organisations through the system every month Visit www.littleeden.org.za and click on the tab WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? Download and complete the form and start swiping your card as soon as you receive it. You can also apply online at https://www.myschool.co.za/supporter/apply/ You will find a full list of participating stores on the website. Not only can you enjoy your shopping experience but you can also be proud to know you’re making a difference while doing so – happy shopping!

MAKRO C ARD

Everyone loves sho pping at M now there akro and is another reason fo to enjoy y r you our trip to this partic establishm ular ent: Makro is commit to providin ted g rebates to LITTLE on a regu EDEN lar basis. ¢ Whe n shoppin g at Makro register (l and you ink) your card to LIT the Socie TLE EDE ty will rec N eive a reb Makro ba ate from sed on a p ercentage that is rec of sales orded. ¢ Plea se consid er registe ring LITTLE E DEN as y our preferr beneficiary ed of choice when you Makro ca get your rd or, if yo u have an card, by a existing sking them to registe LITTLE E r DEN on y our card n you haven ow if ’t done so already. ¢

R10 SMS

phone r month by cell Donate R10 pe have the time? ’t olved but don nv t i ge o t t via an ¢ W donation ing a once-off Apart from mak y not commit wh , ite bs re we EFT or our secu thly gift of R10? to a small mon r your 50c to opt-in fo EN to 31239 @ ¢ Sms ED 0. ribution of R1 MONTHLY cont Stop EDEN to opt-out sms sh wi Should you c. to 31239 @ 50 nveniently nation will be co do ly th ¢ The mon each month. cell phone bill added to your n go of kindness ca ingly small act r ou ¢ A seem of es proving the liv a long way in im children.

A uthority for

LITTLE EDEN Society

to deduct

funds

AUTHORITY FOR LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY TO my DEDUCT directly from account. FUNDS DIRECTLY FROM MY ACCOUNT. Telephone:011 011 609 7246 - P PO Edenvale 1610 1610 Telephone: 609 7246 O Box Box 121, 121, Edenvale

Office use only: donor code:

Donor Details

Full Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms) ………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….. Postal Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Physical Address …………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………… Tel (H) (

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Cell …………………………………………………. E-mail Address ……………………………………………………………… Authority is hereby granted to LITTLE EDEN Society to make a withdrawal from my account as detailed below

I/We acknowledge that the party hereby authorised to effect the drawing(s) against my/our account may not cede or assign any of its rights to any third party without my/our prior written consent and that I/we may not delegate any of my/our obligations in terms of this contract/authority to any third party without prior written consent of the authorised party. Thank you for your co-operation.

An amount of R___________ once off, or for the next __________ months, or on the first day of_____________ 20..... and each month thereafter, until cancelled by me.

1. Debit Order : Type of account

By Debit Order Current

Savings

Transmission

Bank Name ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Branch Name ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Account No. ………………………………………………………………………… Branch Code ………………….……………. Name of Account Holder ………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………. Date ………………………………… 2. Credit Card

Signature

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By deduction from my credit card account

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Name of Account Holder: ____________________________________ Card No. Expiry Date

ccv number

Date ………………………………… NB

PLEASE FAX

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(last 3 digits on back of card)

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TO LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY

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( 011 ) 452 4560 WHEN COMPLETED

Contents 05

Relationship of LITTLE EDEN Entities

Foreword

Material Issues

Chairman’s Report

Chief Executive Officer’s Report Executive Officer’s Report

Treasurer’s Report Treasurer’s Report

Organisational Profile

Services and Beneficiaries

Achievements

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Monitoring and Evaluation

24 24

Management and Corporate Governance

Care and Stimulation Programme

Case Studies

Letters

Economic

Top Six Donors

Funding of Operational Costs

Environment

Human Resources

Volunteers

Risk Management

GRI Index Table

Assurance Statement

Sponsors’ Adverts Sponsors’ Adverts

Acknowledgements

Contact Details

Bank Details

LITTLE EDEN Society Organogram

Pule with his cuddly friend

Mark

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 5

ENTITY

LITTLE EDEN Foundation – a legal entity by nature of a signed Constitution by its members. Established in RSA.

LITTLE EDEN Society for the Care of Persons with Mental Handicap – a legal entity by nature of a signed Constitution by its members. Established in RSA.

Board of Management(1)

Board of Governors(1)

Administrative services are offered through LITTLE EDEN Society

FUNCTION

Foundation Board(1)

Management Team

COMPRISES

Supercare Outsourced Services of certain personnel

To safeguard, manage and maintain the immovable and investment assets previously of LES

COMMON OBJECTIVE

Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams Onlus – a legal entity by nature of a signed Constitution by its members. Established in EU (Italy).

Executive Committee

LITTLE EDEN employees

To promote the interests of LITTLE EDEN Society by raising public awareness, promoting volunteer programmes and fundraising

To carry out 24-hour residential care and stimulation for the 300 residents

With differing responsibilities, to ensure the appropriate care of the residents of LITTLE EDEN Society

REGISTERED STATUS

NPO

Yes (100-006NPO)

Yes (001-827 NPO)

PBO

Yes (930 034 635)

Yes (930/0000/03)

Section 18A status

Yes

Part funded by Government

Yes

Non-remunerated position(s) (1)

Boards are independent of each other

P.IVA – C.F. 03805930165

Remunerated position(s)

Foreword

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY FOR THE CARE OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL HANDICAP IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION (001-827 NPO), IS LICENSED TO OPERATE UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND IS AN APPROVED PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 30 OF THE INCOME TAX ACT (PBO 930/0000/03), ESTABLISHED IN 1967 BY THE LATE DOMITILLA AND DANNY HYAMS. OUR SECTION 18A STATUS ALLOWS FOR DONATIONS MADE TO THE SOCIETY TO BE DEDUCTIBLE IN TERMS OF SECTION 18A OF THE INCOME TAX ACT, DEPENDENT UPON THE amount of the taxpayer’s TAX LIABILITY.

This report covers the most material issues related to LITTLE EDEN Society outlined below. There were no limitations or changes in terms of scope or boundary and the report covers all the operations of Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home (DDHH), Edenvale and Elvira Rota Village (ERV), Bapsfontein, as well as the second-hand shop operation. This report does not report on the operations of LITTLE EDEN Foundation or Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams Onlus as they are independent entities (see page 5). This is the third year that LITTLE EDEN is using the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines (GRI G4 NGO sector supplement) with the aim of continuously improving on previous reports with the express purpose of being an instrument through which LITTLE EDEN is able to demonstrate to all stakeholders its commitment to public accountability, transparency, recording efficiency and sustainable fundraising. The last Annual Report was released in July 2013. The GRI compliance table may be referenced at the back of the Report to clarify queries or to locate specific information. This report was compiled in accordance with the recommendations of the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines (GRI G4 NGO sector supplement): core level.)

MATERIAL ISSUES EXPLAINED A materiality meeting was held with management and other members of the staff. The material issues from the previous year were considered and scrutinised. There was much debate and discussion and by the end of the meeting all were in agreement of the ranking. Financial stability and Living & believing the Values remained of paramount importance, as without these, LITTLE EDEN would not continue to survive. Relationships – High impact ([potential] stakeholders who have a significant impact) was introduced as a new category because there was a realisation that the actions of a few people/ organisations can greatly impact on how LITTLE EDEN operates. Disaster recovery (Operational continuity) Planning was another material issue that was introduced because of the identification of the lack of relevant formal procedures and the importance of having such systems in place. Fundraising, Relationships – Donor, Competent personnel, Management & Board demographics and Long-term planning – vision for the future have dropped down the rankings because of the introduction of the new issues. These remain static as they are important, but we have the systems in place to deal with issues that may arise. Government subsidies; public accountability DoH (medical supplies, etc.) receives higher priority due to the potential impact that a break in this relationship may have and the financial implications. Succession planning and Communication of the brand effectively changed places as it was felt that the systems in place for communication were effective and succession needs to be thought of more critically as most of management is nearing retirement age. Public perception of LITTLE EDEN dropped slightly down the rankings because of the identified systems that are in place, but is still a threat to our sustainability. IT dependency went from third on the list to third last. The drastic change in the ranking was linked to the IT upgrade and migration that has reached completion. The system is fully operational with redundancy. Safety and Security and Continuity of utilities are once again at the bottom of the list because the systems that are in place are adequate, but these issues remain potential threats to the operations if there are breakdowns.

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Material issues

DIVINE PROVIDE N I NC ST E U ARE OF RESI TR C R D E EN OP TS R P 01 Financial stability 02 Living and believing the Values 03 Relationships – high impact ([potential] stakeholders who have a significant impact) 04 Disaster recovery (Operational continuity) planning 05 Fundraising 06 Government subsidies; public accountability DoH (medical supplies etc.) 07 Relationships – Donors 08 Competent personnel 09 Management and Board demographics 10 Succession planning 11 Long-term planning – vision for the future 12 Communication of the brand 13 Public perception of LITTLE EDEN 14 IT dependency 15 Safety and security (residents and staff) 16 Continuity of utilities (water and electricity)

Rowan in music therapy with Marie-Victoire

“LITTLE EDEN has instituted a number of volunteer programmes which are structured around the needs of the residents, and has entered into agreement with a number of both local and European based volunteer organisations such as Fidesco and the Oblate Youth Service (Ireland). The Fidesco volunteers commit to spending up to two years, offering their services in various specialised humanitarian fields – at present we have three long-term volunteers from Fidesco and I wish to express and acknowledge the Society’s appreciation for the excellent dedicated work that they are doing and to having embraced the spirit of LITTLE EDEN so enthusiastically.” Clémence with Xolane at his First Holy Communion

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Chairman's Report It gives me abundant contentment in presenting LITTLE EDEN Society’s 46th annual report for the year ending 31st March 2014. The last year has been both a challenging, and simultaneously, a noteworthy and successful year, with a significant number of encouraging progressive and decisive strides taken forward. The financial performance of LITTLE EDEN will be provided in detail in the Treasurer’s Report, however, I wish to stress that one of the foremost and core challenges facing the Society and all other NPOs, is financial sustainability. As with other entities, LITTLE EDEN Society is continually confronted with increasing costs – this is manifested in the monthly cost per resident which has increased by 38% from the period 2011 to 2014. Over this same time span, South Africa has been in the throes of an economic recession which has impacted negatively and resulted in greatly reduced financial support from national donors both individual and corporate. Further it has also been noted that there is a tendency from certain donor corporates to move towards the redirecting of their social spend to other national priorities such as education, health (HIV/AIDS), job creation etc. where there are significantly more public relations spin-offs. This has at times been exacerbated by the fact that the Department of Health Gauteng Provincial Government is not always timeous with the subsidy payment. As this represents approximately 34% of the average monthly income – a delay in payment of one month puts the Society into a very serious cash flow situation. Lotto has become an entity on which it can no longer be budgeted as a reliable income source, with payments dropping from R3.5 million to R700 000 with no guarantee of further payments in the future. These inconsistencies and others, such as lack of provision of medicines, equipment and medical personnel, bureaucratic ineffectiveness together with maladministration are all concerns which impact on the sustainability of the Society and are regularly addressed. One of the goals, which had been set previously, was to target continual donor growth with a long-term goal of ensuring complete financial sustainability. This is, under the current challenges, proving to be a hurdle and an impediment which needs to be tackled a lot more resolutely and unyieldingly in order to achieve the set goals. At this point I would like to acknowledge and thank the Society’s stakeholder partners namely the Department of Health Gauteng Provincial Government; all the donors both local and overseas; the community with their financial and pro bono contributions and for all donations in-kind.

The current financial performance would not have been accomplished without the very positive input and hard work from the Fundraising, Marketing and Communication department, together with the positive and confident leadership of the LITTLE EDEN management team – the Society is greatly indebted to each of you for all your efforts and it is indeed through all these efforts that we can be mindful and continue to take forward the Society’s Values of Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care in the same manner as our late founders Danny and Domitilla Hyams would have wanted us to do. Subsequent to various discussions between the Board and Management and following a workshop which was held in October 2013 with Human Resources Practitioners, Connold & Associates, a new LITTLE EDEN Organogram was put forward with certain structural changes being recommended and agreed upon. This implementation is underway and is a necessary facilitation of putting a working and executable succession plan in place with regards to the top management structure. The sole capital expenditure project this current financial year was the addition of two day rooms for the Butterfly and Bumblebee Wings of Louis’ Lodge at Elvira Rota Village. This was to meet the changing needs of the residents and to accommodate the need for additional space for the increased number of wheelchairs. This project was sponsored in full by the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa and the Society is most grateful to the Embassy of Japan for this wonderful financial assistance. The Board wishes to again applaud the Project Manager, Mr Luigi Slaviero, for handling and overseeing this project so commendably. LITTLE EDEN has instituted a number of volunteer programmes which are structured around the needs of the residents, and has entered into agreement with a number of both local and European based volunteer organisations such as Fidesco and the Oblate Youth Service (Ireland). The Fidesco volunteers commit to spending up to two years, offering their services in various specialised humanitarian fields – at present we have three long-term volunteers from Fidesco and I wish to express and acknowledge the Society’s appreciation for the excellent dedicated work that they are doing and to having embraced the spirit of LITTLE EDEN so enthusiastically. A further agreement was concluded some years ago with the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ of Bethany Sisters’ Generalate for the provision of four religious nuns who have specialised in the care of people with intellectual disability to become a permanent presence at

LITTLE EDEN. The nuns have proved to be well-adapted, The residents experienced numerous highlights during the year and attended events which are fully described in the notwithstanding the huge cultural differences, and have Stakeholder Engagement section. Thank you to all in been accepted positively by both the residents and staff. organising and helping in these events and making our Their vocation both physical and pastoral towards residents feel so loved and special. LITTLE EDEN is proving to be exceptionally invaluable and precious. During the second half of 2013, meetings were The CEO, Lucy Slaviero, and her full management team held first with His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Abraham – have shown an unchallenging commitment and together Mar Julios and then with Mother General and it was with the resolute and steadfast leadership and diligence, decided that the time was ripe for a meeting to be set up have ensured that LITTLE EDEN is run with transparent, in India, with His Excellency, Mother General and her sound governance and at the same time ascertaining that Councillors not only to further strengthen the ties which the LITTLE EDEN Mission and ethos of its core Values of exist, but also to investigate the possibility of another two Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care are always upheld. nuns joining LITTLE EDEN. The trip to India took place in I wish to acknowledge a particular word of thanks to: the December 2013 and was undertaken by the CEO, health professionals – doctors, nursing staff Mrs Lucy Slaviero; Manager: and therapists; caregivers; house mothers; Administration Mrs Xelda Rohrbeck Society Ambassadors; and especially all the I have no doubt that and Mr Luigi Slaviero in his own capacity representing the Board. LITTLE EDEN stands as volunteers and unsung individuals who have shown such exemplary and extraordinary The Society expresses its one of the foremost and patience, enthusiastic commitment and wholehearted appreciation to you superior care centres for devotion to the residents of LITTLE EDEN. all, for foregoing your personal time people with intellectual and efforts in spreading the word of Very special acknowledgement must also disability in South Africa. be made of the numerous donors and LITTLE EDEN. benefactors both local and international, During January and February of this be it financial or in-kind – these include all individuals, year, LITTLE EDEN hosted four Italian students from the community members and corporates, including the University of Bergamo who conducted an intensive Department of Health – your help has amplified the research project to further their post graduate studies in resources needed to make the lives of these Angels in this order to document the work being done at LITTLE EDEN Garden of Eden a lot more pleasant – a warm-hearted big and comparing these care-based models of LITTLE EDEN thank you goes out to you all. with those in place in the European Union. This also I strongly believe that if we continue to instil and cherish resulted in a further positive interaction with the University the same beliefs that Domitilla and Danny embedded, of South Africa which should bear some encouraging LITTLE EDEN will continue to develop and prosper for outcomes. The findings of this thorough study will be many years to come. I pray that God will continue to guide presented to the University of Bergamo at a public and bless us and enable us to continue our work of caring presentation which is planned for May 2014. for all these little Angels in our family. I have no doubt that LITTLE EDEN stands as one of the Finally I wish to thank my colleagues on the Board of foremost and superior care centres for people with Governors for their continued support and input during the intellectual disability in South Africa. Here the care is year and look forward to their unrelenting spirit and backing individualised in what each resident can do and focuses on for the forthcoming year. the individual’s fulfilment, happiness and serenity in a safe, loving and pleasing environment with on-going stimulation and care programmes such as physiotherapy, speech, nursing care, hydro-therapy, reflexology, occupational therapy, music therapy, horse riding, farming activities etc. together with an extensive spiritual care component which MAURIZIO GALIMBERTI plays a very important role for each individual.

Chairman

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 11

“I wish to acknowledge a particular word of thanks to: the health professionals – doctors, nursing staff and therapists; caregivers; house mothers; Society Ambassadors; and especially all the volunteers and unsung individuals who have shown such exemplary and extraordinary patience, enthusiastic commitment and devotion to the residents of LITTLE EDEN.”

Sandy, Gareth and Dorothy

Adventurous Owami

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Within the staff at LITTLE EDEN there are many family members. Siblings, mother and daughter, aunt and niece and cousins, have found their calling in life and show dedication to the children of LITTLE EDEN and these include the third generation of Danny and Domitilla. Having employees who have taken on and embrace the Ethos and Values of the founders: Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care adds to the sustainability of the Society.â&#x20AC;?

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Chief Executive Officer's report How fitting that last year the Tribute to Danny concluded with: ‘Danny lived his life according to a set of principles firmly rooted in his faith. Together with his beloved Domitilla they offered their prayers daily, giving their lives to God: with the passing of these two exceptional people, closed a very important chapter in the life of LITTLE EDEN. Now we can only move forward, honouring their goal, guidance and advice and try to live up to the extraordinary example they set.’ The United Nations announced 2014 as the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. It is not a coincidence that the theme of our Annual Report this year is family. For many decades the United Nations has worked to change attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities. Its aim to change society viewing persons with disabilities as ‘objects’ of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards a society viewing persons with disabilities as ‘subjects’ with rights, has reached high acclaim. The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has also declared this the year of the Family. Cardinal Christopher Schönborn of Vienna noted it is clear that … “desires, hopes and expectations coincide more than you’d expect with what the Bible and the church affirm in matters of matrimony and family life.” Most people, he said, want “a successful relationship and a healthy family.” Within the staff at LITTLE EDEN there are many family members. Siblings, mother and daughter, aunt and niece and cousins, have found their calling in life and show dedication to the children of LITTLE EDEN and these include the third generation of Danny and Domitilla. Having employees who have taken on and embrace the Ethos and Values of the founders: Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care adds to the sustainability of the Society. The exact steps of sustainability are in motion including having the succession plan in place. This is important as LITTLE EDEN relies on staff to carry out its mission, provide services and meet the organisation’s goals. Each child and adult with intellectual disability is a person of God who deserves to be treated with dignity and is an ‘angel’, as Domitilla called them. There are family members who are residents at LITTLE EDEN: three brothers Pule, Tshepo and Gontshe; uncle and nephew Mlungisi and Snethemba; half-brothers Joy and Respect. And then we also have Kath Horn in the accounts office with her daughter Samantha resident at

DDHH; and Alison Angus also in the accounts office with her brother-in-law Bobby resident at ERV. (Bobby’s brother Alex is on the Board of Governors). Massimo, our Chairman’s brother, was a resident at ERV for many years. LITTLE EDEN Society supports and endorses international and local initiatives aimed at increasing transparency, responsible corporate governance and meaningful report-back to stakeholders and society in general and we believe that NPOs must be proactive with such initiatives. LITTLE EDEN strives to be the benchmark for other like NPOs in South Africa and during the course of the year signed onto the Independent Code for Governance for Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa. The Society continues to face significant challenges and risks specifically with regard to funding. Not only must we be sustainable but we have to actively encourage our donors to realise the importance of our being sustainable. We understand sustainability to mean a focus on environmental, economic and social values, as well as the responsible use of resources and the environment; this also includes our responsibility to our employees and our social commitment. The day-to-day operations are carried out in such a way so as to maximise our high standard of care service to our target beneficiaries in the most cost-effective and sustainable manner. “For nonprofits, financial sustainability and programmatic sustainability cannot be separated. It’s not enough to have a high-impact programme if there’s no effective strategy for sustaining the organisation financially. And neither is it enough to be financially stable: we build our organisations for impact, not for financial stability.” (NonProfit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka and Steve Zimmerman, 2010) We ensure that the Society more than meets the minimum basic required standard of operation as set out in the Service Level Agreement with the Department of Health Gauteng Provincial Government that grants the licence to operate but does not guarantee the payment of subsidies. The Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams ONLUS (ONLUS), the independent NPO in Italy, made ground-breaking achievements when they sponsored a professor and three students from the Bergamo University to LITTLE EDEN on a research trip in January this year. They networked with various local Universities forging connections in LITTLE EDEN’s name. This in turn lays the foundation

base for the future supporters and specialised staffing and research needs. One of the aims of the ONLUS is to make known to the wider European audience the activities and functions of LITTLE EDEN with a view to encouraging a greater volunteer involvement and interaction with places of higher learning where the transfer of knowledge and shared learning takes place. Contacts with academia, whilst not bearing much financial reward, will rather give credibility and exposure to the organisation.

travelling hours on end to the different locations. In the course of travelling around the various convents and meetings with the respective Mother Provincials, personal tokens of appreciation from LITTLE EDEN were handed over. The LITTLE EDEN delegation was introduced to the two additional Bethany sisters who are scheduled to join the SIC community at LITTLE EDEN viz: Sr Roopa SIC and Sr Seena SIC. Both sisters are currently in the process of obtaining their travel documents and visas. They are expected in the RSA during the first quarter of 2014.

In the short-term, the report back by the research team Despite the uncertainties of the year ahead, we have only will take place at the University of Bergamo with a one vision: forward. With the loyal South African delegation present. At assistance of you all: Board, management, the same time the ONLUS has staff, and parents, LITTLE EDEN will invited His Eminence Wilfrid “Every authentic continue to excel and strive to become Cardinal Napier OFM and The Right experience of truth and the national role model for NGOs in Reverend Bishop Graham Rose to South Africa. Thank you to our chairman, goodness seeks by its address both the University of Mr Maurizio Galimberti, and the Board of Bergamo and that of Como on their very nature to grow Governors for the support and guidance, the experiences of the past twenty within us, and any person management team and all the staff in the years of democracy in South Africa. who has experienced a two Care Centres, the shop and in the office The Sisters of the Imitation of Christ for all you do for our children. May God profound liberation (SIC) have been working on a becomes more sensitive bless you all abundantly. fulltime basis at LITTLE EDEN since to the needs of others.” With due acknowledgement to the thanks January 2010. This was the extended by the Chairman I wish to add my culmination of discussions between thanks and acknowledge with deep gratitude the LITTLE EDEN CEO and His our donor community for the financial and other support Excellency Most Rev. Dr Abraham – Mar Julios, the current received; the volunteers: local, long-term from Fidesco and Bishop of Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India under whose international; and to each and every one who contributes in jurisdiction falls the Bethany Sisters’ Generalate. time, money or kind, thank you so much. We could not Arising from two subsequent visits to LITTLE EDEN by His function without your input. Excellency and Rev Mother General, Sr Benjamin SIC, it I conclude with some words that, to me, are a reflection of was made evident by His Excellency that a visit by Danny and Domitilla’s lives. Pope Francis said “Goodness LITTLE EDEN representatives to the SIC community in always tends to spread. Every authentic experience of truth India was appropriate (and in retrospect, possibly overdue) and goodness seeks by its very nature to grow within us, in order to strengthen the ties which exist between the two and any person who has experienced a profound liberation parties. In particular it was deemed necessary to meet with becomes more sensitive to the needs of others.” Mother General and her Councillors and the individual communities and their Mother Provincials. Mother General was an exceptional host. Time was spent with Sr Benjamin at the Bethany SIC Generalate in Kottoyam. Notwithstanding her position as world head of her Order and the constant demands on her time Mother General accompanied the LITTLE EDEN delegation throughout the 12 day stay from airport reception, often

LUCY SLAVIERO Chief Executive Officer

Fun Day

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 15

Treasurer's repor The gross revenue for LITTLE EDEN Society for 2014 was R28 406 803 (2013: R28 184 318). This is an increase of less than 1% from the previous year. Total operating and fundraising costs for 2014 was R30 496 335 (2013: R29 713 762). This is an increase of 2.6% from the previous year. This can mainly be attributed to the increase in personnel costs in 2014. The proportionately larger increase in costs compared to that of gross revenue resulted in a total comprehensive deficit for 2014 of -R1 303 617 (2013: total comprehensive surplus of R62 598). The Society is reliant on subsidies from the Gauteng Department of Health Provincial Government, donations from major donors, its own fundraising efforts and on the generosity of the general public. The financial position at the end of 2014 reflects total current assets of R3 790 876 (2013: R4 918 464) which equates to about one and a half month’s running expenses for the two Homes. The financial position of LITTLE EDEN Society is on a sound footing.

DOUG BOAKE Treasurer

Spring Day

ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE Introduction

What defines a family? To some, family means being related by blood. To others, it symbolises closeness, comfort, security and being loved unconditionally. Some people grow up in a somewhat less traditional family setup, much like our 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disability. However, they are living proof that not being related by blood, does not make one less part of a family. In fact, sometimes a friend or a care giver can be just as close as or even closer than, an actual family member. LITTLE EDEN was started more than 47 years ago, because of family. The late Domitilla Rota Hyams, Founder of the Society, had a friend with a child with intellectual disability and she saw first-hand the challenges it presented to the mother as well as the entire family unit. The idea formed that she must start a Home for children with special needs in order to relieve their parents of some of the pressures. For the majority of our residents LITTLE EDEN is the only Home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the residents and staff the only family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they will ever know. Some residents have been with us for more than 40 years and will remain in our loving care until they pass away. LITTLE EDEN provides 24-hour care to 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities. Some are HIV-positive and live with Aids. As in any family, part of the work of the Society is also caring for the terminally ill and dying. Although the majority of our residents enjoyed good health during the period under review, the staff and residents mourned the loss of those 17 residents who passed away as they were part of the family and their absence is deeply felt. However, the work must continue and the empty beds were soon filled with new residents who also benefit from our family sharing in the love and nurturing care. We are licensed by the Department of Health Gauteng Provincial Government to only care for children older than three years. However, in special cases they may grant permission to admit younger children. Our oldest resident is 64 and our youngest is four, but the average mental age is that of a one-year-old or younger.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 17

The residents are grouped according to their abilities and age and each wing has its own play area so the group functions as a family unit. Of our 300 residents with intellectual disability, 203 also have physical disabilities and 96 have dual diagnosis – that is they have mental illness with their intellectual disabilities and LITTLE EDEN provides for their specialist needs. The care that LITTLE EDEN provides is a daily labour of love – the kitchen and laundry operate 365 days a year; all residents are encouraged through the medical, care and stimulation programme to develop to their full potential; love and care ensure that each resident feels safe, secure and content. Our aim is to develop children and adults with intellectual disabilities to their full potential; to recognise that each such person, however disabled, is a whole, complete person created by God with a body, a mind, a spirit and a soul and therefore entitled to dignity; to educate the community that each such person is worthy of respect; to ensure that our work of serving our family will continue to be sustainable and always based on our solid core Values of Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care. When they go to bed at night feeling warm, comfortable, fed and content, we know that we have done our job to the best of our ability.

Life at the Village is quite different. At Elvira Rota Village, Bapsfontein, some of the 120 residents are mobile and more physically capable and are therefore able to take part in daily living activities with a limited level of independence. Their comprehensive Care and Stimulation Programme is formed around their abilities so that they are voluntarily able to assist with laundry, kitchen or farm duties, contract work (such as the filling of soap containers) and processing farm produce. They derive great pleasure from and are extremely proud of their contributions! The Holy Family Chapel is used daily by staff and residents. The long-term volunteer Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC) from India have indeed played a significant part in this spiritual development together with His Grace, The Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus George Daniel, Reverend Father Franz Grüber, Reverend Father Diedericks Selemela and, for two months of the year, Reverend Father Richard Kugbeh-Kasin. Here, in the fresh air and beautiful open spaces, the residents are fortunate to experience rehabilitated wetlands, sensory garden, labyrinth, bird watching, waterfall and large size chimes, which all add to the therapies and leisure activities that enhance the quality of life of our special people.

Birthdays are always special occasions at LITTLE EDEN. During this period we celebrated with three residents at DDHH on 11 June 2013 for their 21st birthdays. On 20 June 2013 at ERV, we celebrated with seven residents who had their 21st birthdays and one who had his 50th. LITTLE EDEN may not be defined as a conventional type of Home or family, but the warmth, love and joy we share here, certainly qualifies it as a loving, caring place where children with special needs are accepted and nurtured for who they are and for what they can achieve. LITTLE EDEN is a rainbow family with residents, staff and care givers from all walks of life, who all make a difference to the lives of others on a daily basis. Experiencing LITTLE EDEN cannot leave one untouched. It is an oasis for many young lives who have no-one else to turn to, no-one else to love them or to provide their basic needs, and for those who do have a loving family, we are their second family.

STEP INSIDE OUR HOMES

We have two beautiful, fully operational Homes. At Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home, Edenvale most of the 180 residents require a level of frail care and benefit from the comprehensive Care and Stimulation Programme. The medical staff, therapists, group leaders, assistants, house mothers and care givers work together to ensure that each special angel is given the opportunity to develop to his or her full potential. There is great joy and celebration when a child smiles for the first time or makes a sound in response to words! Spiritual care is an integral part of the development of residents, staff and visitors. Daily recitation of prayer and the Rosary as well as monthly Adoration and Holy Mass takes place at Our Lady of the Angels chapel, situated at the entrance to the Home. We encourage staff and the community to participate in these times of worship.

Fun & Games – Shandukani & Fikile

SERVICES AND BENEFICIARIES

The main beneficiaries of LITTLE EDEN are the residents, who all have profound intellectual disability, many also with physical disabilities. Of our 300 residents, 238 were previously abandoned or come from indigent families who cannot afford to contribute to their care. The average physical age of our residents is 25 years, but the average mental age is that of a one-year-old and below. We look after the poorest of the poor. Often, parents of a child with intellectual disability cannot find or retain employment as they have to stay at home to look after and care for their disabled child. When the child is placed at LITTLE EDEN, the parents are free to find employment or go back to their jobs knowing that their child is receiving the best possible care and intervention. Furthermore, the child’s siblings have a better chance of an education, employment and a brighter future altogether. The social impact of an organisation such as LITTLE EDEN goes much deeper than simply the care of the residents. Donations of clothing and other items that we cannot make use of for the children and in the Homes are sold through the second-hand shop, which assists towards the fundraising target. We remain committed to assisting other non-profit organisations that are starting out and are seeking guidance and advice from a benchmark organisation in South Africa. We continue to donate excess supplies, clothes, wheelchairs and blankets to other organisations in need. HOMES STATISTICS Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home

Elvira Rota Village

180

120

Medication

137

Wheelchairs

144

Number of residents Admissions Number of children who have left the care of LE Deaths

Residents’ hospital days

102 (11 residents)

43 (4 residents)

Number of abandoned / indigent children

136

102

Number of residents with dual diagnosis

1 475

252

279

325

Number of times residents have been seen by Psychiatrists

Number of times residents have been seen by other specialists

Number of times residents have been seen by Dentist/Dental technician Number of times residents have been seen by Doctors

NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES BY GENDER

• • • •

ERV Male 67 DDHH Male 107 ERV Female 53 DDHH Female 73

NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES BY RACE

• • • • • • • •

ERV Black 47 ERV White 66 ERV Indian 0 ERV Coloured 7 DDHH Black 129 DDHH White 45 DDHH Indian 2 DDHH Coloured 4

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 19

MEDICAL CARE

ACHIEVEMENTS

Nursing sisters are on duty 24 hours a day Check-ups by volunteer doctors and psychiatrists, and DoH dentists Daily medications for 88 residents @ ERV & 137 residents @ DDHH Daily chest therapy which is critical to many of the residents Emergency interventions as required

INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL CARE ¢

¢ ¢

Specialised seating arrangements and wheelchairs (48@ERV & 144@DDHH), including customised wheelchairs Feeding (1 500 meals and tea-times per day) Clothing and nappy changes (2 500 nappies washed daily, and 3 tons of linen and clothing) Personal hygiene support (bathing, hair care and teeth brushing)

LITTLE EDEN has three years to go to its 50th anniversary. Successful business trip to India resulted in two more Nuns from the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ joining the LITTLE EDEN Family making it a total of 6 Nuns serving at LITTLE EDEN Fidesco, a French based organisation that sends volunteers throughout the world – LITTLE EDEN has maintained good relations with the organisation. Currently three volunteers are serving for the period of two years each. On-going maintenance, upgrading and refurbishment programmes are in place. Extension of Butterfly and Bumble Bee day rooms sponsored by the Embassy of Japan in South Africa. On-going positive media coverage. Adopt an Angel Radio advert aired at various radio stations pro bono. The LITTLE EDEN second-hand shop in Edenvale revamped. Positive feedback received from customers.

DAILY THERAPIES ¢

Physio-, occupational-, hydro-, music, speech, pet therapy, art, metamorphosis and reflexology Participation in concerts and creative activities throughout the year

SET DAILY ROUTINES ¢

As in a family, daily routine makes the residents feel secure with a sense of belonging

FAMILY AND LOVE ¢

To the 300 residents, LITTLE EDEN is their family and source of love, critical to them reaching their full potential They also learn how to socialise and interact with staff and one another

Mandy

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT ¢ ¢

¢ ¢

The spiritual development of our residents is vitally important to their completeness as children of God God has given us these special Angels to learn from them and we are truly blessed to be able to help them reach their full potential Daily prayers are said with the residents as in any family Residents, staff and visitors participate in First Friday and other Holy Masses and services at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home Holy Mass is celebrated weekly at the Holy Family Chapel at Elvira Rota Village for residents, staff and visitors We rely on the daily prayers of supporters, including those of the Harvesters of Jesus, as without their prayers LITTLE EDEN would not survive

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Key to the success of LITTLE EDEN is the relationships we share with diverse groups of stakeholders who contribute to the work that we do. LITTLE EDEN identifies its stakeholders as those persons or institutions that can affect, or are affected by LITTLE EDEN operations. Regular interaction with stakeholders helps to promote the trust between LITTLE EDEN and those impacted by our operations. It also helps to ensure our responsiveness to the risks that define our responsibilities and influence our reputation. Contact with the various stakeholders is ensured through: direct mailing, newsletters, e-communication, social media, press releases and radio interviews, progress and/or monitoring and evaluation reports to our donors, the Annual Report and other various methods. Of the 300 residents at LITTLE EDEN, 238 were previously abandoned or destitute resulting in the Society not having contact with the majority of the next-of-kin: thus LITTLE EDEN receives no financial support from this group. MEANS AND REGULARITY OF ENGAGEMENT

MECHANISMS FOR RESOLVING ISSUES

Beneficiaries

Daily verbal communication and personal interaction

Feedback and communication with nursing staff and supervisors

Board of Governors

Progress reports are submitted Meetings every two months, or ad every two months by management. hoc when required. Regular visits to Meetings every two months, ad the offices by the Chairman hoc newsletters and emails

1,2,3,4,9,10,11,13

Corporate donors

On-going interactions, funding proposals, tours, meetings, etc.

Emails, written correspondence, personal contact

1,3,5,7,9,11,12,13

Customers of the second-hand shop operation

On-going marketing material, personal contact, local newspapers, social media

Meetings by request with Management, email, telephone correspondence

1,5,12,13,15

Government

Ad hoc workshops, business plans Audits, visits, meetings and meetings, emails as required, monthly reports, annual and ad hoc site visits

1,3,6,9,11,12

Individual donors

Monthly direct mail and e-communication, on-going media coverage, personal visits to the Homes, acknowledgment of donations, various annual events

Meetings, social media, website, compliments and complaints records are monitored at Management level

1,3,5,7,12,13

Local community

Regular features in the local media, daily tours, presentations, various annual events

Personal meetings, visits, emails, 1,5,7,12,13 compliments and complaints records. Advice and referrals to prospective parents and the community

Media

Press releases, telephone, email, Allowed the opportunity to respond in 3,5,12,13 social media, radio interviews, etc. writing to the Editor to any issues that may arise from the public from time to at least monthly time

Multi-disciplinary professionals

Daily personal contact, weekly Reports, assessments, verbal feedback on progress of treatment feedback of beneficiaries

1,3,4,8,14,15

Next of kin of beneficiaries

Newsletters every two months, ad Personal and/or telephonic contact. hoc personal contact via telephone Referrals to other NPOs if necessary and social media and in person when required

1,4,12

Staff

Monthly internal newsletters and team meetings every six weeks. General notices as required

Suppliers

Emails, telephonic correspondence Written communication and meetings 1,3 as necessary

Trade associations

Consultation meetings as necessary

Written communication and meetings 8,13,15

Volunteers

On-going, newsletters, notices, personal contact, etc.

Personal contact, feedback from Manager, Group leaders, therapists and care workers

STAKEHOLDER

Employment Equity Committee, Ethos committees, workshops, weekly meetings, ad hoc meetings as necessary, open door policy maintained by management

RELEVENT MATERIAL ISSUES (PAGE 7) All

1,2,4,8,9,10,12, 13,15

2,3,4,12

Independent legal Bi-annual meetings, or as and when Ad hoc meetings, personal telephone 1,2,3,4,5,11,12, entities of LITTLE EDEN required, email, newsletters calls, emails 13,14

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 21

EVENTS FÊTE 2014

held on 1 March at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home had the “Neverland” theme. As usual, the event was well organised and controlled and a great success with splendid community participation. This event again proved to be a good public relations and fundraising exercise for LITTLE EDEN. For the residents, not only was the outing to the fête a major highlight for them which they thoroughly enjoyed, but also the ever-popular dog show and fire engine display as well as the various treats were also enjoyed. Congratulations and gratitude go out to all the organisers and helpers who made this the achievement it turned out to be.

FAMILY FUN DAY AT ERV

held on 15 September 2013 replaced the Happy Feet Fun Walk of previous years. Visitors were welcomed by a dance and musical item performed by the ERV residents prior to an adventurous 5km walk around the farm. Music by Starlight kept visitors entertained while they browsed through the various stalls. It was decided to change the venue of the Fun Walk so that our family of supporters would be able to meet and mingle with our LITTLE EDEN family who live at ERV. In this way the interaction would be meaningful and beneficial to everyone; the expanse of the farm can be well used without incurring expense; and those taking part would have the opportunity to see the developments that have taken place at ERV.

702 WALK THE TALK

held on 28 July 2013 had LITTLE EDEN participating as a group allowing us a marketing opportunity with 47 people successfully acting as ambassadors on the day.

Spur for sponsoring the residents Parties at DDHH and ERV respectively – your dedication and on-going support is truly something to uphold and admire.

Other events through the year included a Barnyard theatre evening; a well-attended Mandela Day; the Annual Mamba Charity Drive and; a Zumbathon The residents enjoyed participating in numerous events and functions with the ever-popular annual year-end Christmas concerts being the climax. This year’s themes were the “rainbow” and “gratitude”. As always the appreciative audiences at both Homes were both touched and humbled by the children’s simple joy and the fun and excitement of being part of it all. Thank you to Emperor’s Palace for once again sponsoring the eats for both Homes. This was followed by Father Christmas. The children all enjoyed a fantastic Christmas Party and brightly wrapped gifts and it was so gratifying to see the cheers of delight when opening these gifts. A big thank you and very special word of appreciation must go out to Emperor’s Palace and

Other special highlights organised for the residents included: the Spring Day, Sports day, Birthday parties, Heritage Day, Valentine’s Day party and the Easter Egg Hunt. Some residents also attended the Grease concert at St. Benedict’s. Our residents really enjoy and go out of their way in celebrating these events LITTLE EDEN celebrated the staff year-end functions at both Homes at which staff receive a token of appreciation from management on behalf of the residents for all the Love and Care and dedication shown throughout the year.

Christmas concert

brations Spring Day Cele

COMMUNICATION OF THE BRAND

The LITTLE EDEN brand has become synonymous with Love and Care, devotion to its beneficiaries and determination in living Our Mission. We believe it is our core Values of Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care that set us apart from other organisations and institutions. LITTLE EDEN aims to educate the public on intellectual disability and through the promotion of our core Values we strive to help all individuals recognise the value of our special people. This is mostly accomplished through the guided visits, off-site presentations, the media, the website, social media networks, etc. Special mention must be made of the local Bedfordview and Edenvale News, which continues its loyal support of the Society by publishing regular articles of our LITTLE EDEN family. National media exposure occurs less frequently, with the exception of matters of national interest. No negative media exposure was received during the period under review. In general, news articles centred on the following themes: ¢

¢ ¢ ¢

Raising awareness for the work carried out by LITTLE EDEN. Raising awareness of fundraising events Public recognition of donations received Community communication: LITTLE EDEN is a wellknown and respected organisation that forms part of the Edenvale and Bedfordview community Additionally, an advert in the Business Times of LITTLE EDEN acknowledging, at the time of his death, Mandela’s visit to LITTLE EDEN in 2002.

We thank Newsclip Media Monitoring for being part of the LITTLE EDEN family for the past ten years and are grateful for their continuing loyal pro bona support.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Core functions are monitored and evaluated on an on-going basis, in order for LITTLE EDEN to achieve its aims, and live up to Our Mission. This contributes to our core functions: ¢ ¢

The residents’ needs are of primary concern. The Board of Governors oversees the strategic direction of the Society according to its constitutional guidelines. The Board meets once every two months to evaluate the preceding period of operation and to recommend and advise on future direction. The management team meets weekly to ensure that operational matters are addressed timeously and adequately. To maintain a good working relationship with the Department of Health. The application of prudent financial policies. Finances are carefully monitored by measuring performance to budget and this information is submitted every two months to the Finance Committee and the Board of Governors. To fundraise aggressively to source funds for operational requirements in order to meet the monthly shortfall in Department of Health subsidies and to broaden the scope of service provision. To maintain and build adequate infrastructure and facilities which are required to ensure a holistic approach in the care of the residents. To source and retain qualified and competent staff members within the organisation. To provide on-going staff training and ensure placement according to expertise. To uphold the Values and ethos in caring for the residents and staff. To sustain effective and efficient communication with stakeholders.

Radio Heads, The Radio Specialist – part of the African Media Entertainment (AME) Company, again supported LITTLE EDEN by means of writing and recording a radio advertisement to promote the Society’s Adopt an Angel Child Sponsorship initiative.

LITTLE EDEN programmes and activities are monitored through the use of statistical data, as well as progress reports submitted monthly to the management team and every two months to the Board of Governors.

LITTLE EDEN is cautious when receiving advertising space and sponsored printing, to ensure that it is clear to the public that the ad was sponsored and that LITTLE EDEN incurred no cost. Failure to do so may result in the public’s perception that LITTLE EDEN is a wealthy organisation that does not require substantial financial assistance.

The reports evaluate progress against project objectives. Regular site visits are conducted by managers and supervisors who focus specifically on their target area of speciality, for example health and safety, medical aspects, etc. The relevance and efficiency of programmes are monitored in terms of their relation to the needs of the

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 23

beneficiaries. Regular discussions with specific stakeholders and an open door policy results in reviews of programmes as and when required. Annual performance appraisals are carried out for LITTLE EDEN staff. This allows managers to receive feedback from their employees as well as the employee to raise any issues that might have arisen. Goals are set, and in subsequent appraisals progress is monitored and new goals are set or adjusted. This gives direction and growth to both the employee and the manager. This also gives management better insight of the employee towards succession planning. LITTLE EDEN gives organisational management issues, systems and processes, due consideration and ensures that all activities comply with all legislated requirements. For example, the safety and health of residents and staff is a key performance measurement indicator during the annual performance review of managers. Regular meetings are held with the Fundraiser and Marketing & Communications Officer. Monitoring and evaluation of projects that are on the go and in the planning stages takes place. These meetings allow for potential opportunities and shortfalls to be identified early on in the project, which in turn leads to greater efficiency. Progress reports to funders and sponsors are submitted as per their requirements on their specific projects. Monthly Safety, Health and Environment inspections are carried out and results submitted by the appointed SHE Representatives to the SHE Officer. All issues are looked at: minor issues are dealt with by the Officer, while serious issues are passed onto the manager concerned. The SHE Officer follows up with the manager until the issue is resolved. An external SHE Audit is carried out quarterly by Scott-Safe pro bono in which LITTLE EDEN regularly scores over 98%. SHE Committee Meetings are held every three months to discuss any issues and incidents. Management are ‘Designated Committee Members’ and so most issues are dealt with immediately: if not it is resolved via their weekly meetings. As reported in last year’s Annual Report a ‘Securities Policy and Procedure’ draft is being finalised which identifies all security measures as well as identifying the correct maintenance protocols in order to formally have in place a register to protect the residents, staff and assets of the Society.

The LITTLE EDEN brand has become synonymous with Love and Care, devotion to its beneficiaries, and determination in living Our Mission. We believe it is our core Values of Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care that set us apart from other organisations and institutions.

Themba

d Yolan

Elisa with Fikile

MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Little Eden Society Organogram BOARD OF GOVERNORS

CEO

MANAGER FINANCE

MANAGER CARE CENTRES

MANAGER HR

MANAGER ADMINISTRATION

MANAGER FACILITIES

Accounts Technicians

Care Staff (Supercare)

Archivist

Shop Supervisor

ERV Caretaker

Marketing and Communications

Accounts Part-timers

Professional Nursing Staff

Ad Hoc Consultants

Depot Clerk

ERV Kitchen Supervisor

Fundraiser

Professional Therapy Staff

Administration Clerks

Facilities Contractors

Group Leaders and Assistants

Project Administration Co-ordinator Clerks

Farm Contractors

Co-ordinator Medical and Home

SHE & Sustainability Officer

ERV Programme Co-ordinators

Receptionist

Driver (Supercare)

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 25

LITTLE EDEN firmly believes that responsible business conduct is based on fairness and integrity embodied in the Values of Respect, Sanctity of Life and Love & Care. In our marketing and fundraising communications, it is an absolute fundamental that we respect our donors’ right to privacy. We do not make unsubstantiated claims in our marketing materials. In the year under review, there were no recorded complaints about possible breaches of codes and laws related to marketing, advertising, promotion and sponsorship. LITTLE EDEN’s ‘product’ comprises the holistic care of its residents. To perform our work of serving our family we must have dedicated staff that spares no effort in ensuring the provision of the best available care and stimulation services for the monetary value expended. It is the stated objective of the Board of Governors and management that such care must of necessity, be of world-class standard and best-in-class in the local South African environment. We comply with all applicable legislative requirements and share information on resident care programmes and initiatives with other similar NGOs, institutions and other interested parties. LITTLE EDEN, as any other organisation operating in the Republic of South Africa, is bound by various legislative Acts of Parliament. We endeavour to comply with the applicable legislation and make use of external professional inputs to keep on track.

LITTLE EDEN COMMITTEES

In keeping with best practice initiatives, LITTLE EDEN staff are represented on the Employment Equity Committee, which meets every four months; the Ethos Teams, Tirisano and Bambanani, which meet monthly to encourage the living of the LITTLE EDEN Values and to create practical ways that will highlight the Values throughout the year and; the SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) Committee which meets quarterly to discuss any safety concerns that may have arisen in the previous quarter. The Society is aware of the importance of maintaining the racial diversity of its management team and Board of Governors. The risk of non-compliance with BEE could result in a loss of donors. The Board of Governors Members’ Manual clearly lays out the role of the Board and committees, code of conduct of the members, the course of action to be taken should a conflict of interest exist and also profiles each position on the Board. All committees adhere to the guidelines laid out in this manual. Further details are available from the Secretary of the Society. Organisational structural changes are under way with input from HR consultants, Connold & Associates,

making use of the latest PE salary survey, to finalise new job titles; the departments, and management structure. These structural changes will be implemented within the first part of the new financial year.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Male

Female

Black

White

Disabled

Total

LITTLE EDEN strives to ensure that nominations to the Board of Governors represents a mix of expertise, knowledge, experience, representivity and that those nominated are able to commit time and effort to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively; further, they are expected to subscribe to the ethos and Values as embodied in Our Mission. At the Annual General Meeting of the Society, members of the Board of Governors are nominated and elected for a period of two years (but are eligible for re-election). All members should possess a high level of integrity, independent mind-set and expert knowledge that meet the needs of the Society and complement the competencies of the existing members on the Board. LITTLE EDEN is fortunate to have members who show these qualities as well as being closely linked with the Society on a personal level: two members have siblings residing with us; and one is a son-in-law of the late founders. The Board of Governors consists of: Mr Maurizio Galimberti, BSc (Chairman) Mrs Rosetta Ntambose Xaba, CA(SA) (Vice-Chairman) Reverend Douglas Boake, CA(SA) (Treasurer) Mr Alexander Angus, NTD, PMD Reverend Antony Bishop, FCIS Mr Luigi Slaviero, MBL, PrEng Mrs Yvonne Thipe, BA Curr Mr Tladi Ditshego, MA Mrs Gisela Middleton, having been recently widowed, resigned from the Board of Governors after serving 13 years as a member. She was the mother of a now deceased resident.

LITTLE EDEN has invited local council members and Government representatives to sit on the Board, but they have declined as it is a non-remuneration position. Two sub-committees established by the Board of Governors to assist it in its duties are a Finance Committee and a Remuneration Committee.

MANAGEMENT Male

Female

Black

White

Disabled

ERV

DDHH

NOTE: 6 LITTLE EDEN Managers, 6 Supercare Managers

Gisela with Lucy & Veronica

Shop & Depot

Total

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee comprises of at least three persons from the Board of Governors: the Treasurer, the Chairman, and at least one other Board Member, as well as the Manager: Finance and the CEO. The Commitee meets six times per annum. This Committee fulfils the Board’s oversight responsibility relating to the Organisation’s financial statements, financial reporting practices, systems of internal accounting and financial and disclosure controls, internal audit function, the retention and oversight of independent auditors and oversight of the Society’s ethical business conduct.

LITTLE EDEN Foundation members: Right Reverend Bishop T Graham Rose, DD (Chairman) Mr Alfredo Crabbia (Vice-Chairman) Mr Michael Rohrbeck, CA(SA) (Treasurer) Mr Tommaso Altini, BSc MAQS Mr Terence Bowman Mr Rajeev Thomas, BEng Proj Mgt, Cert CPMM

Finance Committee members: Mr M Galimberti Rev D Boake Rev A Bishop Ms L Slaviero (CEO) Mr P Mannix (Manager: Finance).

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

A Remuneration Committee comprising three independent Board members together with the CEO, Manager: Finance and Manager: Human Resources meet at least once annually. This Committee provides guidance and recommendations for the remuneration strategy of the Society and fulfils the oversight mechanism to ensure that remuneration levels are consistent, fair and in accordance with similar NGO related market levels. HR consultants, Connold and Associates, supplied valuable input making use of the PE Corporates Services survey. The Remuneration Committee recommends an overall annual quantum (either percentage or value or both) and also sets the remuneration of the CEO. Remuneration Committee members: Mr M Galimberti Rev D Boake, Rev A Bishop Ms L Slaviero (CEO) Mr P Mannix (Manager: Finance) Ms V Mannix (Manager: Human Resources).

LITTLE EDEN FOUNDATION

The purpose of the LITTLE EDEN Foundation (LEF) is to safeguard, grow and ensure the provision of funds, assets, services and other resources to LITTLE EDEN Society. The Foundation may call upon and makes use of professional external advice (remunerated and/or pro bono) when necessary and to objectively evaluate performance. The LEF is a separate Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930 034 635) operated not for profit and registered under Section 30 of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 and has been granted Section 18A status. The Foundation has its own non-executive Chairman and independent Board members comprising of five nominated members and one co-opted member. Membership is only by invitation for duration of three years renewable for two further periods of three years. No members of this Foundation serve in any other LITTLE EDEN related capacity. The LEF meets at minimum twice per annum. The Chairman, office bearers and members of the LEF are not remunerated for their services.

Above: The Patron of LITTLE EDEN Foundation is Mr Jay (Jayaseelen) Naidoo, well-known philanthropist, social activist and champion for justice.

ASSOCIAZIONE DOMITILLA ROTA HYAMS ONLUS

Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams Onlus is a nongovernmental legal entity registered in Italy, the purpose of which is to act as a central European contact office for European donations, with tax benefits, towards the sustainability of LITTLE EDEN Society. Further benefits include the facilitation of volunteers, the exchange of knowledge related to the care of persons with intellectual disabilities, the involvement of pharmaceutical organisations and the transfer of ethos value systems. The Onlus has its own independent non-executive Founding Board Members and Executive Committee who are not remunerated for their services; nor are there any charges levied for the permanent registered office with the necessary equipment and services. The office is manned on a part-time basis by the Executive Committee members. This year saw the hosting of the first set of researchers. The trip by four representatives of the University of Bergamo, Italy was deemed a success and there are plans for future studies to take place at LITTLE EDEN.

CUSTOMER PRIVACY

This is important to the Society as custodians of stakeholders’ personal details; we have a moral obligation to safeguard their information. The database is encrypted. Any access to this database is logged and can be tracked if necessary. No incidences regarding breaches of customer, resident and staff privacy – to which we respect their right – were recorded in the past year, nor (with reference to this grouping) were there any known losses of data held by the Society. Further we have in place service and satisfaction feedback mechanisms to ensure the rapid response to concerns and complaints.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 27

CARE AND STIMULATION PROGRAMME Objective

to provide excellent sustainable care to our 300 residents, through trained and committed manpower and appropriate care facilities. People, who do not generally get in contact with children and adults with profound intellectual disability, cannot understand the extent and limitations of our residents’ abilities – not being able to learn how to read or write or attend a ‘normal’ school. However, each individual is unique and has within him or her different abilities. It is our privilege as the family of these special youngsters, to help each of our residents to reach their full potential, regardless of how seemingly limited that may be.

The Care and Stimulation Programme is a combination of medical and nursing care and therapies such as physio, occupational, hydro, music, speech and pet therapy, art, metamorphosis and reflexology designed to help the residents feel as much at home as possible and give them confidence to develop to their full potential. Residents with the potential for progressive development are identified and provided with therapy for their specific needs. The craft work that they are encouraged to take part in includes knitting, making greeting cards, beading rosaries, colouring and painting.

SPEECH THERAPY

by Dana Altini, BA (Speech Pathology & Audiology) For me it seems that peace and harmony must come from understanding. As a speech therapist at LITTLE EDEN, there have been many precious moments of understanding between some of the residents and me. Such as when Tshepo decided that it was ok to talk to me and we could work on moving past his stutter to building his conversation skills, or when his brother Pule learned how to greet people appropriately. It is so often easier for both the residents and the person trying to communicate with them to let the conversation slide, but it is extremely rewarding to finally achieve that moment of mutual understanding. Fikile, who is moderately to profoundly deaf in both ears, is learning to respond to sound and has only just realised, at the age of three, that making eye contact and gurgling can get her out of her pram. Rowan too, has discovered that he can reap the rewards of flirtation with his teasing and imitation, and Bo, who has no verbal communication skills at all, has become quite maternal in her direction and organisation of the other children in her wing. There are so many of these little moments, each one tiny in the greater scheme of things, but within the family they are significant!

CASE STUDY – SPEECH THERAPY WITH SHAUN

On 16 July 2014 Shaun turns 17 years old. He has been a treasured member of the family at LITTLE EDEN since the age of two. I have had the remarkable fortune of working with Shaun for the past two years and I’ve enjoyed getting to know this mischievous young man, who has a lovely sense of humour. Although Shaun and I have not been able to improve on his speaking abilities, Shaun is an impressive communicator. His most effective tool is his voice which easily expresses delight, displeasure or simply gets your attention. Shaun uses his head with ease to answer yes/no questions and when he is able, can use his limbs to gesture his needs. Therapy has focussed on attempts at developing communication boards for more complex interactions, but there are still a number of hurdles to overcome. A particular therapy favourite of Shaun’s is the I-Pad. I initially thought that we might be able to generate a communication tool for him, however his poor motor control was too limiting. We do however, play numerous developmental and cognitive games, with physical support, that Shaun loves and excels at. He surprises and delights us when least expected. It is remarkable that Shaun is still making his place in the world and finding new ways to do it, every chance he gets.

Shaun

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 29

CASE STUDY – OWAMI

Since his admission as a baby in 2010, Owami has been the centre of attention. His fame went up a level when he started crawling and achieving other developmental milestones… Today, at four years old, Owami is facing another challenge in his life; he has Sensory Modulation Disorder, a term used to describe a nervous system that “over-responds, underresponds or fluctuates in response to sensory input in a way that is not proportional to that input.” Owami’s sensory system is so hyperactive that sometimes when he gets worked up due to a loud noise or emotion, his body is just unable to settle down again. He may try to use the swing to calm down, which sometimes will only succeed in winding him up even more and he is unable to free himself from this state. This disorder commonly affects adults and children with developmental disorders, autism and ADHD, but will

present in different ways in each person, depending on their sensitivities. Recently, after noticing Owami’s behaviour, physiotherapists Lenore and Nabeela decided to try something called Deep Pressure Therapy – applied by means of deep pressure on his body which has a calming effect on him, and allows his nervous system to settle. Nabeela described the feeling the therapy gives as “like a warm bed in winter or a big fluffy hug”. There are various ways in which pressure can be applied onto a child’s body; with Owami, the therapists use a weighted blanket and manual therapy using their hands. Once he is taken to a quiet place and placed on the ground with a weighted blanket over him, Owami calms down immediately, puts his thumb in his mouth and falls into a deep sleep! When he wakes, he is generally calm and smiling. A meltdown has been prevented! This is a wonderful approach to deal with Owami’s condition because at times, his tantrums may last the entire day, unpleasant for those around him, and especially for himself. Helping him to settle his nervous system is another way to make it possible for him to experience his environment positively, and develop further.

Owami

What’s in a chair? By Nabeela Laher, BSc (Physio)

One of the core Values at LITTLE EDEN is Love & Care and as part of this we strive to improve the quality of life of residents through donor sponsorship of physiotherapy equipment. Good wheelchair seating is a vital part of making this possible as many children experience physical disabilities at such a severe level that they require special wheelchairs in order to function at their best. This may include specialised supports for posture, extra cushions, backrests, headrests and foot support, in a variety of wheelchairs and buggies that have been designed for people with special needs. Having a special, custom-made chair can make the difference between function and dysfunction for a child and provides a useful aid in promoting development, as well as preventing pain, deformities and deterioration of muscles over time. Good seating also promotes good posture, which then helps the arms to be free for function, greater opportunity for eye-contact and communication and will improve other vital functions like breathing, feeding and digestion of food.

Gift

1) Londiwe is a lively and aware little girl with severe stiffness and physical deformity, using her eyes to communicate with those around her. She was re-seated with a new cushion system cut specifically to accommodate her body shape which has improved her alignment. She is now able to keep her head in a good position to look at everything, communicate with those around her, and is even able to lift her arms during songs in the music group! We foresee that this new chair will help to keep her posture from deteriorating further as she grows in her teenage years. 2) Gift, a happy and lively little boy, prepared for his new chair by practising to sit upright on his own every week, learning how to control his head and use his vision in the new position. Now that he is better seated in his new chair he is able to join the instrumental music group because he can participate by using his arms to play the chimes and he ‘sings’ along!

Londiwe

FAMILY MEMBERS AND MUSIC THERAPY Karen de Kock, M.Mus

In January 2014 I celebrated my 10th year at LITTLE EDEN as Music Therapist. It has been an amazing journey full of learning, growth and affirmation. The flame inside of me to connect, strengthen and validate through music and sound, was ignited at a young age...by my ‘Special’ sister, Andrea, who remains my greatest teacher and inspiration. Since she was an infant, she always responded to any music by becoming animated. She started ‘singing’ isolated sounds at three, with me, when I attended Kindergarten at age four. I used to come home and sing the songs that I learnt during the day. She did not SPEAK words, but she started to SING the words of the songs. Songs became our mode of communication and we connected on a level which was deep and healing. As she grew older we moved from our earlier Nursery songs to popular music. Her favourite was ABBA and especially “Thank you for the Music”, she knew every word. Her whole being resonated with the chorus: “Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing, thanks for all the joy they’re bringing.....”. We became a concert item at Family Gatherings and she thrived at everyone’s’ appreciation of her ABILITY.

CASE STUDY – TSHEPO T

Tshepo is a darling little boy who will be turning five on 18 August 2014. Tshepo was admitted in May 2013 through Child Welfare. He was abandoned and is blind. What makes this little boy such a beloved addition to the family is that as soon as you call his name or touch his hand, he beams from ear to ear! He loves being around people and he knows that he is loved and treasured by those who care for him. Because of his admission to LITTLE EDEN, Tshepo not only gets a chance to be part of our family, but he was also noticed by the Soliman family who, after meeting him, made the decision to contribute a monthly pledge towards Tshepo’s needs at LITTLE EDEN, through the Adopt an Angel child sponsorship programme. Tshepo’s life has changed greatly over the past year. He has settled in and become part and parcel of the family and he loves his friends. He receives constant care and attention.

Tshepo

Andrea, the youngest of five daughters, became a resident at LITTLE EDEN in 1973, two years after my father passed away. My mother was extremely relieved and grateful to find a place that would care for her, while she raised her other four daughters of which the eldest was 15 at the time. It was a very hard decision to make and tough on all of us because it felt as if she was leaving the family circle, but we were comforted by the fact that she would be loved and cared for in her ‘home away from home’. Our connection continued to grow in strength and depth as I continued my musical training and it seemed the appropriate and inevitable thing to start my professional career as a Music Therapist in the context of Intellectual Disability at Elvira Rota Village where Andrea lives. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity, support and encouragement from the Hyams family; they have allowed me to experiment with new ideas and have supported me with each new idea I explored. I had the privilege of knowing Domitilla Hyams, who remains an inspiration and who always encouraged closeness between Andrea and me. She started the ‘habit’ of bringing Andrea to sit next to me at the piano, during performances and Mass in 2004, something which Andrea still does, ten years later. Thank you LITTLE EDEN for welcoming, encouraging and nurturing our relationship.

Atef Soliman (child sponsor) – “In regards to Adopt an Angel programme, I think it is such a great chance you guys offer us to do a little change in a child’s life. A child who was not fortunate enough to have a normal life through a bad disease and being alone with no family until you guys become his family taking care of him with medication and caring. It gives me great pleasure to be a very small part in this journey in Tshepo’s life and I would love to take it to the next level in the future where I can participate more. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and looking forward to visit Tshepo more often and get to know him more and more.”

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 31

CASE STUDY – PULE

We previously reported on Pule, who was admitted to LITTLE EDEN by his loving mother, along with his two brothers in September 2009. He was two years old at the time. He was pushed around in a wheelchair as he could not walk, talk or even feed himself. Pule showed a lot of potential but needed a lot of patience and stimulation to encourage him to develop further. A few years went by and through intense physiotherapy, he first started crawling, walking, running and his most recent achievement is speech. He started saying a few words such as “No, cake, sore” etc. Now he is able to speak in full sentences. Recently, the decision was made to move Pule to Elvira Rota Village where he would be able to enjoy the farm environment and has all the space a little boy could want to run around and play. At LITTLE EDEN development and growth are always encouraged. Even though it was hard for the staff at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home who have been caring for him for the past four years, they all agree that his new environment will encourage him to develop even further. Pule has settled in beautifully at the Village and is enjoying everyday life. He turned seven years old in March 2014 however, he still requires full attention and non-stop stimulation to help him reach his full potential.

Pule

ACTIVITIES RESIDENTS DO FOR ONE ANOTHER AS FAMILY: ¢ ¢

The residents, who are able to walk, will push their friends in wheelchairs down to the wetlands or to the dining room. Sometimes it is difficult for staff to understand the residents when they speak due to a speech impediment. However, those who can talk a bit clearer, will often ‘translate’ what their friends are trying to tell staff or visitors. Dorothy, a resident of 36 years, is effectively the mother figure in Green Wing. In the Wing of residents who require the most stimulation, Dorothy quietly and lovingly looks out for each of her charges. Whenever a resident or staff member is sick or in hospital, the residents will, unprovoked, offer a prayer for them to get better.

Dorothy

Julie and Matth ew

Ahmed

Letters ANNIE OGILVIE:

NATS GROBLER:

LITTLE EDEN thank you for taking such good care of my sister, Jeanette Grobler, for so many years. I am truly thankful for all your hard work. Keep it up and stay blessed

DAVE BEATTIE:

ful, caring friends at Dear Lucy and my wonder here looking at the ng sitti am LITTLE EDEN. I ed ndy’s birthday, which I receiv photographic record of Ma let to way l utifu bea a at Wh e. this morning. What a surpris it, at . I just keep staring me share her party with her e p in my throat. I can’t believ lum ge hu happy, and with a ith n w bee as e h sh n’t believe my ‘little girl’ is 43; and I ca of her years. Your continuing ny ma so for EN ED LITTLE to eless; and this birthday gift lifetime gift to Mandy is pric le edib incr an me It has given me, I shall always treasure. needed it. lift at a time when I really uate. But it comes from the ‘Thank you’ seems so inadeq who se tho all and y, you Luc bottom of my heart. Bless se n you are down her way, plea whe in, Aga . lved invo e wer so her s me. I really do mis give Mandy big hugs from very much.

RITA & MARIAN VAN VUUREN:

To all LITTLE EDEN staff members. We thank you out of the depth of our hearts for the love and care you gave Thinus Van Vuuren for so many years . We will always treasure LITTLE EDEN and all the staff members in our hearts and we will always remember you with love…

to of you much for this beautiful pho Dearest Lucy, Thank you SO e to cam nged one bit since he first and our boy! He has not cha to that day so well – driving you in 2003!! I remember were so o and Aunty – and all of us Gog his LITTLE EDEN with rest of the t tha g win kno – ce for him grateful that there was a spa as a sed enriched, stimulated and bles his precious life would be e hav nds frie now, several of his LITTLE EDEN resident! And ter the l resting place. As I encoun rna ete ir the moved on to be in they how w kno l wel I – es rement hom elderly in frail care and reti and the depth of understanding miss their companions – but residents is so awesome to EN ED emotions of the LITTLE people t God gives us extra special contemplate. I just know tha an, hum re mo e om bec y ma t we too, to love in our lives – so tha ding – and richer in our more giving, more understan ers who l for Serame and many oth tefu relationships. I am so gra y are all The e. par com richness beyond have blessed my life with y ma t we tha so hile us for a w God’s children – and lent to anity. loving and caring and hum our in Him like re mo e becom to do at e tinu con t you and your family Thank you Lucy for all tha I k thin I in. aga e and visit LITTLE EDEN – I long to com to LITTLE EDEN were ts visi my – a ann Joh remember always life-changing!

DIRKJE SMITH:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at the farm for the love and care you have given Leslie. It has been a year since his operation and when we look at our son and see how happy and healthy he is we cannot believe this is the boy who went through that ordeal. To every staff member, the medical staff, the wonderful kitchen staff who always made sure and went through a lot trouble to make sure that he got the right food, the care givers and every single person caring for Leslie, we would like to say a huge thank you. You will never know how much we appreciate you and what you mean to us….Even after a couple of hours at home, he points to the car and says “home”. Arriving back at the farm he was so happy to see everybody that he hardly says goodbye to us. That is an indication of how happy he is there. Leslie is healthier and happier than he has ever been and all the praise goes to God but without the angels he put at LITTLE EDEN to care for our child, this road we have travelled with him would have been impossible. Thank you for a safe heaven.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 33

ECONOMIC Second-hand and other goods that LITTLE EDEN receives but are not suitable for use in our Homes are sold in our Shop. The decision was taken at the beginning of 2013 to close the Primrose Shop and expand the Edenvale Shop. From the figures, this was the correct decision. Not only was there a 36% decrease in costs, but the revenue increased by 24%. This gave Net profit of R1 532 758. The increased productivity of the Shop helps cover the shortfall of funds to cover running costs. Special thanks to our donors and customers for your continued support, keeping the Shop productive and viable. The position of the Shop Supervisor, established last year, has contributed to the positive results in the running of the Operation. A number of minor renovations took place to ensure our Shop remains appealing to customers. Valuable and antique items are also now available on auction through the bid-or-buy website. TOP DONOR SIX S FOR T HE YEAR: 1. Anony mous (R 808 632 ) 2. Lotto (R750 00 3. Anglo 0) America n Cha (R660 00 irman’s Fund 0) 4. Anony mous (R 4 00 000) 5. Mome ntum Fu nd (R250 000) 6. Haas CNC South Afr Services ica (R240 00 cc 0)

COMPARATIVE BREAKDOWN OF INCOME PER CATEGORY 2012

2013

AMOUNT (R)

Government Funding

50.39

12 544 884

50.66

Corporates

11.39

2 834 574

Individuals

17.43

Trust and Foundations Second-hand Shop Operations

2014

AMOUNT (R)

17 884 121

48.56

15 606 479

16.72

5 901 480

15.06

4 840 570

4 340 112

12.68

4 474 973

13.72

4 408 678

6.51

1 620 397

10.32

3 642 847

10.89

3 500 278

9.30

2 316 171

5.27

1 860 644

7.16

2 301 587 • ERV Black 47 Educational Institutions 0.28 68 860 0.34 119 149 0.23 72White 848 66 • ERV • ERV Indian Other 4.70 1 169 509 4.01 1 415 950 4.38 1 408 876 0 • ERV Coloured 7 Total 100.00 24 894 507 100.00 35 299 164 100.00 139 316 • 32DDHH Black 129 NOTE: Figures vary to Treasurer’s Report because this table shows all money received for the financial period • DDHH White 45 including receipts for the previous financial year. • DDHH Indian 2 • DDHH Coloured 4 Corporate funding has decreased by 18% as compared to 2013. This is concerning, and the Fundraising department is looking into this. The funding from Government reflects the receipt of the funds from both the Department of Health (subsidy) and the Department of Social Services and Population Development (disability pension). Periodically the Department of Health subsidy is paid late; which affects the short term cash flow. An amount was received in 2013 for 3 months claims in 2012. When the seven Income categories are reviewed in more detail, it is worth noting that income received from Collections from the Public increased by 21%, Farm Produce increased by 28% while income from Direct Mail decreased by 49%. The decrease in Direct Mail income is being addressed. The overall expenses increased by less than 3%. There were some significant changes in the individual categories: Direct Farm Costs increased by 48%. While a relatively small amount of money, these costs are linked directly to hail damage which resulted in the beans needing to be replanted. Personnel costs remain the most significant cost component; and this increased by 6% over the previous year.

PAWS visit

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 35

GROSS EXPENSES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rent 0.20% Purchase of movable assets 0.27% Direct farm costs 0.69% Second-hand shops 2.31% Direct fundraising costs 2.43% Direct mail costs 2.52% Other administrative expenses 2.79% Professional and security services 2.87% Municipal services 3.39% Other home expenses 3.69% Maintenance 3.83% Food 5.70% Personnel – administrative 15.18% Care services 54.13%

GROSS INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Bequests 0.00% Dividend, investment earnings and adjustments 0.03% Extraordinary income 0.13% Interest received 0.28% Farm produce 1.93% National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund 2.50% Donations in kind 4.86% Direct mail income 7.44% Second-hand shops 7.55% Fees 11.59% Collections from the public 29.56% Department of Health 34.19%

The fundraising approach for the year was focussed on: donor acquisition; retention of current donors; re-activating lapsed donors. This approach is accomplished by: relationship strategies; meeting mandatory compliance either legislative or donor demand; face-to-face presentations; regular communication and; proposal and grant applications. There are various measures that are used to determine the success of the fundraising strategy. Two of these are: total active donors, and the number of donors who have given consecutively for the past three years. The number of active financial donors, 2925, has decreased by 20%. While this is of concern, the number of donors donating consecutively for three years, 1438, has increased by 87%. Currently donor acquisition is not keeping pace with drop-off. Current strategies are being reviewed.

CHALLENGES

Key difficulties continue to be securing new funders as well as converting current annual funders to multi-year funders. The broader priorities on skills development, job creation and enterprise development continues to dominate the funding pie. The Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams Onlus, established in Italy is not yet in a position to make significant financial contributions to the Society. It is hoped that this will now change as the Onlus is now able to provide tax certificates to donors in certain European countries.

ENVIRONMENT The potential disruption of water and electricity services is a material issue as without them, LITTLE EDEN would not be able to carry out its job effectively, if at all. The costs associated with these aspects are also material because they directly affect cash flow. LITTLE EDEN has taken steps to reduce usage and wastage in these areas. Light bulbs are replaced with energy savers, exterior lights are set with timers, heaters in all the Wings are also on timers and adjusted as per feedback from staff, shower heads have been fitted with flow restrictors, water leaks are fixed as soon as they appear, staff are encouraged to use natural air instead of air conditioners, and opening of windows and doors is routine. There are regular inspections with regards to staff following the routine and feedback given to the site manager if what is found is not satisfactory. This year LITTLE EDEN increased its e-waste and metal recycling, but unfortunately the plastics, paper and glass recycling has stopped due to the fact that recycling companies do not offer the service free of charge. LITTLE EDEN does approach new companies offering to team up with them in the recycling service, however with no success. In-house, we collect glass, paper and plastic and take it to the local solid waste dump, which offers recycling.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 37

ELECTRICITY USAGE (KWh) KWH Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home Elvira Rota Village Shop Operation

2011

2012

2013

2014

659 420

624 720

597 990

520 200

72 680

104 040

93 400

91 480

8 416

9 360

9 574

9 415

SJH

13 070

Total GJ

740 516

738 120

700 964

634 165

2 666

2 657

2 523

2 283

The electricity usage for DDHH has decreased again during the period under review. The main contributing factor being the commissioning of the gas stove that was installed early last year. It is expected that this year electricity usage will remain static as no large energy savings are scheduled for the upcoming year as the next step in energy savings comes at a cost that is not feasible at this stage. Electricity for ERV seems to have stabilised over the last two years. Usage is expected to remain static.

1KWh=0.0036Gj

NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY (FUEL) USAGE 2011

2012

2013

2014

Litres

Petrol

6 995.02

239.23

3 046.70

104.20

2 503.90

85.63

4 353.08

148.88

Diesel

7 923.53

305.85 12 703.84

458.04 15 130.76

584.05

LPG

2 447.06

61.91

Total

4 705.88

606.99

490.37 11 866.36 119.06 713.63

1 882.35

47.62 591.29

4 235.29

107.15 840.08

34.2MJ/l of petrol; 38.6MJ/l of diesel; 25.3MJ/l of LPG

The non-renewable energy (fuel) used by LITTLE EDEN has increased significantly. Major contributing factors to this includes the use of the gas stove at DDHH, increased trips between the two Homes and the Fidesco volunteers making use of a vehicle.

WATER CONSUMPTION WATER (M3) DDHH

Shop

SJH

Total

2011

14 483

–

14 520

2012

14 029

–

14 066

2013

14 605

–

14 642

2014

14 004

466

14 507

Our greening project

Water usage at the Second-hand Shop is not metered and as such an average figure of 6.192 Kl per person is used to estimate annual usage. Water usage at DDHH has decreased slightly, but over a four year period this seems to be within a stabilised range. ERV still uses 100% ground water that is recycled through the wetland system into potable water.

HUMAN RESOURCES Objective

To ensure commitment from and dedication of our staff through: acknowledging the individual; providing the staff with development opportunities; recognising their contribution; motivating the staff; adhering to occupational health and safety regulations; and creating an atmosphere where they have a sense of belonging to the LITTLE EDEN family. This is material as LITTLE EDEN is committed to providing its residents with the highest level of care by employing the most suitable and diverse workforce possible. We value individuals with exceptional professional and administrative skills who believe in our Values, act with a social and moral conscience and exhibit empathy with our residents. Employees’ right of freedom of association is recognised and respected by LITTLE EDEN. We provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status in recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, assignment of work, performance evaluation and all other aspects of employment. We hold regular team meetings and discussions with individuals to ensure that the staff work well in a collaborative environment; to assist in spreading information on the progress of residents so as to allow the staff to better their interaction with the residents; hence the residents too, benefit from this work ethic. Caring for the residents of LITTLE EDEN is taxing work, for this reason we acknowledge with deep gratitude all personnel for their dedicated and hard work. With a workforce of 262 which comprises 45 LITTLE EDEN staff, 208 Supercare subcontracted labour and 9 Contractors/part timers, LITTLE EDEN is fortunate to have a personnel to resident ratio of 0.87:1 ensuring the best possible care for the residents at all times.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 39

GENDER, RACE AND LOCATION BREAKDOWN FOR ALL PERMANENT STAFF 250

200

150

100

Gender

Race

n Female 224 n Male 29

Location n DDHH 140 n ERV 106 n Depot and shop 7

n Black 212 n White 37 n Indian 4

NOTE: This graph excludes the nine LITTLE EDEN contractors. Staff numbers dropped by one over the period because restructuring of the Shop operation took place.

LITTLE EDEN EMPLOYEES

Claus gift from Santa Paul receives a

1/4/2013 – 31/3/2014 Male

Female

Black

White

ERV

DDHH

Shop Operation

Total

NOTE: Black total includes 4 Indian NOTE: 41 x permanent staff; 4 temp staff (students)

EMPLOYEE TURNOVER 1/4/2013 – 31/3/2014 Male

Female

Under 35 yrs

35 – 55 yrs

Over 55 yrs

ERV

DDHH

Shop Operation

Total

NOTE: Reason for turnover: 1x temp, 3x resigned, 2xretired, 1x contract expired

Staff turnover of 15.6% is in line with previous years. LITTLE EDEN ensures that staff have exit interviews and use that information to improve on operating procedures.

Residents waiting patiently for Santa Claus

SISTERS OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

We congratulate those members of LITTLE EDEN staff who were presented with Long Service Awards and thank them for being part of the LITTLE EDEN family: 1 for 35 years; 1 for 10 years; 3 for 5 years.

The Sisters have integrated smoothly into the LITTLE EDEN family and the services they provide are invaluable. The invitation to LITTLE EDEN from the Mother General to visit India and the relevant Provincials was accepted by Lucy Slaviero (CEO) and Xelda Rohrbeck (Manager: Administration) and was a great success. From that visit LITTLE EDEN was promised a further two nuns who are to arrive mid-2014. These extra nuns will allow the Sisters to operate at both Homes, thereby increasing their impact.

SUPERCARE EMPLOYEES 1/4/2013 – 31/3/2014 Male

Female

Black

White

ERV

DDHH

Shop Operation

Total

187

201

104

208

NOTE: Employment Contract: Permanent

EMPLOYEE TURNOVER 1/4/2013 – 31/3/2014 Male

Female

Under 35 yrs

35 – 55 yrs

Over 55 yrs

ERV

DDHH

Shop Operation

Total

NOTE: Reason for turnover: Deceased = 2, Dismissed = 9, Resigned = 8, Absconded = 13, Removed from contract = 9

A staff turnover of almost 20% is a decrease of more than 5% from last year. The relatively high number is attributed to unethical behaviour from the Shop staff once again. This trend identified in staff behaviour has caused management and the Board to restructure the staff complement at the Shop. The results of these changes will be monitored closely during the upcoming year.

LONG SERVICE

We congratulate those members of Supercare staff who were presented with Long Service Awards and thank them for being part of the LITTLE EDEN family: 3 for 15 years; 18 for 5 years.

VOLUNTEERS Male

Female

Black

White

Disabled

ERV

DDHH

Shop Operation

Total

Volunteers contribute a total of 2135.5 hours for the year. NOTE: Above excludes volunteer Doctors, professionals and community service.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 41

VOLUNTEERS

All local and professional volunteers assist on a part time basis, apart from volunteers coming from abroad who assist on a full time basis for the duration of their stay. Two Italian and one Irish volunteer assisted during this reporting period and stayed at LITTLE EDEN between one to four months as well as one local volunteer who stayed at LITTLE EDEN for one week. Students from the University of Bergamo in Italy spent one month (January to February 2014) at LITTLE EDEN doing a research project on the care and processes in place at LITTLE EDEN and how these compare to Italy. The relationship with the university was promoted through the Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams Onlus in Italy. These volunteers aside from those involved in the research project support the regular operational procedures.

FIDESCO

LITTLE EDEN is fortunate to have three full time volunteers from Fidesco who have each committed two years to assist LITTLE EDEN. Fidesco was formed in 1981 by the Emmanuel Community (an association of the faithful, recognised by the Holy See) and is a federation of associations which sends volunteers to assist organisations throughout the world. Robertus Dicky Kurniawan, from Indonesia, arrived in South Africa on 21 May 2013 to offer his assistance and expertise within the LITTLE EDEN Shop Operation. Clémence Marlé a professional nurse and Hélène Petremant physiotherapist, from France, arrived in South Africa on 9 September 2013 to offer assistance at Elvira Rota Village. Their commitment to the residents, their contribution to the work of LITTLE EDEN and living of the LITTLE EDEN values of Respect, Sanctity for Life and Love & Care have been a great asset to LITTLE EDEN – they have indeed become members of our family!

Clémence

Dicky

Hélène

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY COMMITTEE

The committee which has been in place since 2008 continues to meet at least three times a year and ensures staff are aware of current and new legislation. The training needs of staff are identified and where applicable funding is requested from the Health and Welfare SETA.

SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT REPRESENTATIVES

Not only is health and safety a legal requirement, but the wellbeing of the residents and staff is of utmost importance to LITTLE EDEN. The 5.3% of the workforce represented on the SHE committee, excludes the nominated management members and meets every three months to discuss any matters that have arisen. Scott-Safe audits LITTLE EDEN every three months pro bono, in which a score of 98% and higher is achieved. No major incidents were reported for the period under review.

TRAINING

This year a number of training initiatives took place where all staff (LITTLE EDEN and Supercare) were invited. These training initiatives included: Life skills Training; Seating Workshop; HIV/Aids awareness as well as various in-house seating/feeding/lifting training sessions. A number of further training programmes took place on an individual staff basis directly related to the job position the employee fills, such as GIBS training courses (Programme for Management Development and Social Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme); Excel Level II training; as well as various workshops and seminars. Planning for training for the new financial year is under way including, but not limited to, Employment Equity Training and seating workshops.

CARING FOR THE CARERS:

The caring for the carers programme continues on a weekly basis at both DDHH and ERV where all staff are invited to participate in half an hour of â&#x20AC;&#x153;time-outâ&#x20AC;? to recharge. Many of the in-house training initiatives mentioned above form part of the caring for the carers programme.

Xolane supports South Africa

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 43

RISK MANAGEMENT During the year it was discovered that a group of the Shop staff were engaged in activities contrary to the interests of LITTLE EDEN. These staff members resigned after appropriate investigations were finalised. Unfortunately this was not the first incidence as two sets of staff were asked to leave for similar reasons in the previous year. To mitigate this risk, CCTV cameras were installed as well as changing the structure of the staff. Since the incidence of shoplifting has continued, it has prompted yet another change. The results of this further change will be monitored during the upcoming year.

RISK IDENTIFIED

REMEDIAL ACTION

Non-payment of Dept. of Health monthly subsidy

Establish and nurture good working relations with Dept personnel. Retain a reserve equal to 6 months’ DoH subsidy. Retain the relationship with the Senior Council who offered to assist with a class action. Form a pressure group of like-minded NPO’s.

Senior level succession plan

Develop a long-term recruitment plan and identify suitable internal candidates with a career path; review existing structure; formalise the succession planning in a document.

Lack of depth of Management structure

Review existing structures.

Internal controls

Arrange for an external review of internal protocols.

Damage to Organisational integrity

Organisational awareness of this threat, communicate immediately to CEO

Organisational Sustainability

Further development of the ONLUS and LITTLE EDEN Foundation relationship and function. Keep developing key relationships/contacts. Develop a cost effective mind-set. LITTLE EDEN is adequately resourced (including manpower).

Overall safety, health and security of personnel , residents and assets

Regular inspections and feedback sessions, open communication with stakeholders.

Degradation of value system

Continuous re-enforcement of value system.

Statutory compliance

Manage deadlines, make use of external professional consultants.

Love & Care Fountain

First Holy Communion

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 45

Christmas concert

custom content index - ‘in accordance’ core

This table provides an overview of the Standard Disclosures. GRI’s Standard Disclosures are comprised of one or more disclosure requirements. In order to report ‘in accordance’, an organisation must answer each of the disclosure requirements for all the required Standard Disclosures.

GENERAL STANDARD DISCLOSURES General Standard Disclosures

Page Number

STRATEGY AND ANALYSIS G4-1

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE G4-3

Front Cover

G4-4

G4-5

G4-6

G4-7

G4-8

G4-9

33-38

G4-10

G4-11

Nil

G4-12

We deal with various contractors and suppliers as and when required.

G4-13

G4-14

G4-15

G4-16

LITTLE EDEN is apart of the South African Federation for Mental Health.

IDENTIFIED MATERIAL ASPECTS AND BOUNDARIES G4-17

G4-18

G4-19

G4-20

G4-21

G4-22

Not Applicable

G4-23

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT G4-24

G4-25

G4-26

G4-27

REPORT PROFILE G4-28

G4-29

G4-30

Front Cover

G4-31

Back Cover

G4-32

G4-33

Inside Back Cover

GOVERNANCE G4-34

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY G4-56

External Assurance

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 47

SPECIFIC STANDARD DISCLOSURES

DMA and Indicators

Page Number (or Link)

Identified Omission(s)

Information related to Standard Disclosures required by the ‘in accordance’ options may already be included in other reports prepared by the organization. In these circumstances, the organization may elect to add a specific reference to where the relevant information can be found.

In exceptional cases, if it is not possible to disclose certain required information, identify the information that has been omitted.

Reason(s) for Omission(s)

Explanation for Omission(s)

In exceptional cases, if it is not possible to disclose certain required information, provide the reason for omission.

In exceptional cases, if it is not possible to disclose certain required information, explain the reasons why the information has been omitted.

CATEGORY: ECONOMIC MATERIAL ASPECT: ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE G4-DMA

G4-EC1

G4-EC4

CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIAL ASPECT: ENERGY G4-DMA

G4-EN3

36, No renewable fuel is used. Conversion factors were found at: http://astro. berkeley.edu/~wright/fuel_ energy.html

MATERIAL ASPECT: WATER G4-DMA

G4-EN8

G4-EN10

CATEGORY: SOCIAL SUB-CATEGORY: LABOR PRACTICES AND DECENT WORK MATERIAL ASPECT: EMPLOYMENT G4-DMA

G4-LA1

ASPECT: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY G4-DMA

G4-LA5

ASPECT: TRAINING AND EDUCATION G4-DMA

G4-LA10

ASPECT: DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY G4-DMA

G4-LA12

24-38

SUB-CATEGORY: PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY ASPECT: CUSTOMER PRIVACY G4-DMA

G4-PR8

External Assurance Indicate if the Standard Disclosure has been externally assured. If yes, include the page reference for the External Assurance Statement in the report.

TO THE BOARD AND STAKEHOLDERS OF LITTLE EDEN: Integrated Reporting and Assurance Services (IRAS) was commissioned on a pro bono basis by LITTLE EDEN to provide Independent Third Party Assurance (ITPA) over the sustainability content within their 2014 Annual Report (‘the Report’), covering the period 01 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. The assurance team consisted of Michael H Rea, our Lead Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner, with 15 years’ experience in environmental and social performance measurement, including sustainability reporting and assurance. AccountAbility AA1000S (revised, 2008) To the best of our ability and significant experience in sustainability report assurance, this engagement has been managed in accordance with AccountAbility’s AA1000AS (2008) assurance standard, where the format of the engagement was structured to meet the AA1000AS Type I (Moderate) requirements. Independence IRAS has not been responsible for the preparation of any part of the Report, nor has IRAS undertaken any commissions for LITTLE EDEN that would conflict with our independence. Responsibility for producing this report was the responsibility of LITTLE EDEN. Thus IRAS is, and remains, an independent assurer over the content and processes pertaining to this Report. However, it should be noted that IRAS has performed similar assurance engagements for LITTLE EDEN for the past two reports: Years ending 31 March 2012 and 2013. Assurance Objectives The objectives of the assurance process were to provide LITTLE EDEN’S stakeholders an independent moderate level assurance opinion on whether: ¢

The environmental, social and governance (ESG, or ‘sustainability’) content within the Report meets reasonable expectations for transparency and accountability, in the context of LITTLE EDEN’S NGO status, adheres to the AA1000AS (2008) principles of Inclusivity, Materiality and Responsiveness; and, The sustainability content within the Report meets the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Guidelines reporting requirements: Core level.

Assurance Approach and Limitations The process used in arriving at this assurance statement is based on AccountAbility’s AA1000AS (2008) guidance, the GRI’s G4 Application Level requirements, as well as other best practices in sustainability reporting assurance. Our approach to assurance over the past three years included the following: Reviews of sustainability measurement and reporting procedures at LITTLE EDEN’S offices to determine the context and content of sustainability management by the organisation; ¢ Reviews of LITTLE EDEN’S information collation and reporting procedures to define the content of the Report by looking at the materiality of issues included in the Report, stakeholder engagement responses to issues identified, determination of sustainability context and coverage of material issues, ultimately leading to adherence to the AA1000AS principles of Inclusivity, Materiality and Responsiveness; ¢ Reviews of drafts of the Report for any significant errors, anomalies and/or insupportable assertions; and, ¢ Reviews of drafts of the Report to confirm that the requisite number of indicators are covered in the Report in order to meet the GRI’s G4 Core Application Level requirements. The process was limited to the content and assertions made within the Report for the period under review, and did not extend to a comprehensive analysis of the accuracy, reliability, completeness and/or consistency of the data presented by LITTLE EDEN. Rather, sustainability data presented within the Report was subjected to reasonability tests during proof editing. ¢

Findings Based on our reviews of the Report, as well as the processes employed to collect and collate information reported herein, it is our assertion that: ¢

In the context of their status as a non-profit organisation, LITTLE EDEN reasonably adheres to the Accountability AA1000APS principles of Inclusivity, Materiality and Responsiveness. The Report adequately meets the GRI G4’s requirements for the ‘Core’ Application Level. However, it was found that the reporting of performance against a few indicators continues to require data quality improvements and/or further detail in disclosure. Improvements can be made with respect to the collection, collation and reporting of data for key sustainability performance indicators.

LITTLE EDEN SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 | 49

Conclusions and Recommendations Based on the information reviewed via desk research and management interviews, IRAS is confident that this report provides a balanced account of LITTLE EDEN’S performance for the period under review. The information presented is based on systematic processes and we are satisfied that the reported sustainability information reasonably represents LITTLE EDEN’S ability to report on its performance, while meeting the AA1000AS (2008) principles of Inclusivity, Materiality and Responsiveness. Moreover, this Report appears to meet the GRI G4’s requirements for Core Application Level. However, the following recommendations have been identified: ¢

LITTLE EDEN should continue to improve the extent to which explanations are offered relative to how the company manages key sustainability elements. At bare minimum, LITTLE EDEN should clearly explain what is measured, how often, and via what measurement techniques.

For more information about the assurance process employed to assess LITTLE EDEN’S 2014 Annual Report, email michael@ iras.co.za.

Michael H Rea, Partner Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services 02 October 2014 Johannesburg

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