Cresset House | About us

Cresset House was first started in 1961 on a large property in Carlswald, Kyalami, as a school for children with intellectual disabilities. This original property was sold in 1971, and a new property bought in Glen Austin, Midrand.

During the 80's came an increased demand for facilities offering care to adults with intellectual disabilities, and so Cresset House changed the focus of its facility from children to adults. Some of our villagers have been at Cresset House for as long as 45 years, having initially joined our community when they were still children!

VISION

To facilitate the highest possible degree of fulfilment achievable on a financially sustainable basis for every resident with an intellectual disability, both on an individual basis and as members of the community.

MISSION

Provide care based on the extended family concept in such a way that psychological, health, safety, material and spiritual needs are provided for in a loving and caring atmosphere.
Ensure a stable, hygienic and stimulating environment.
Provide meaningful work resulting in a sense of dignity and self-worth.

VALUES

Honesty and integrity.
Accountability.
Community service.
Spiritual values based on Christianity.
Managing the land organically (adhering to a 'Green Code').
Commitment to operational and environmental sustainability.
Embracing cultural diversity.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTS

We strongly believe in developing our villagers' sense of community, and we therefore involve them in different kinds of community participation and projects:

We encourage and value close working relationships with other NGO's in the community, sharing our expertise, training, resources and staff with them.
A portion of our land is made available to unemployed people from the local community for their own farming use. We provide water, seedlings, compost, guidance and assistance. The crops grown by such people are for their own use, or for them to sell for their own profit.
Unemployed women from the community are trained in organic farming by our qualified Agronomist. He has developed a three-month Organic Farming Training Course which comprises the practical element, lectures and an exam. On successful completion of the course and the exam, the women are awarded a certificate, and the opportunity to generate income and feed themselves and their families.
Our next project goal is to begin a Satellite Workshop in Kaalfontein for adults with intellectual disabilities in the surrounding township area. Supportive and meaningful interaction between communities is crucial in order for marginalised groups to be able to sustain themselves - those with intellectual disabilities are sadly, very often ignored otherwise, and even hidden by their families from the broader community.