GQEBERHA - If every responsible adult can believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed accompanied by love and encouragement, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.

A living reminder of nurturing young homeless and abandoned children, giving them a chance to a good life, is Mama Gladys from the Door of Hope Children’s Home in Sydenham.

Mama Gladys is a true CHAMPION, a lady who never gives up on the young and homeless, a woman who understands the power of connection and who will do everything in her power to ensure that these disadvantaged children soar to become the best they can possibly be.

Mama Gladys has opened her home in Sydenham to 33 young children and teenagers. The children that reside at her shelter are from an infant age to college students. Children that were living on the streets or are orphans are taken in by her as she strives to turn them into good educated young adults.

As tough economic times force households into recession and difficult financial situations, the Door of Hope was no different in feeling the financial pinch. With so many mouths to feed, Mama Gladys reached out to the community for assistance. On Thursday, 25 August 2022, the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha and members from the Nelson Mamdela Bay District Commissioner’s office surprised the elderly caregiver by taking groceries and vegetables to her. Local businesses also played their part. Pizzas as well as 30 loaves of bread were generously donated.

Although Mama Gladys was not present to receive the food, the other senior women at the shelter were emotional by the surprise visit of the SAPS. The little ones gratefully tucked into their pizzas.

Still continuing with the spirit of giving and caring, on Wednesday, 24 August 2022, SAPS Humewood Women’s Network and Men for Change visited the Cheshire Home for the physically disabled adults in need of assistance. The team of caring members shared a cuppa and a muffin with the residents. The muffins were baked by the members. The members spent time with the residents and used the opportunity to talk to them on safety issues. The manager was very appreciative of the kind gesture expressed by the SAPS.

Social Crime Prevention activities such as the above shows that our members are proud to be part of a police service that cares, a police service that is compassionate and a police service that understand its communities.

Source: South African Police Service