Envision
Our Systems
Our true work is to establish people, not projects. Therefore, we clearly envision what this looks like for our people and the methodologies we use.
There is a natural tension between:
- creating a system that helps and supports vulnerable people, &
- creating a system that makes the people dependent on it.
Our work is found within this tension.
Envision
Our Systems
Our true work is to establish people, not projects. Therefore, we clearly envision what this looks like for our people and the methodologies we use.
There is a natural tension between:
- creating a system that helps and supports vulnerable people, and
- creating a system that makes the people dependent on it.
Our work is found within this tension.
ENVISION
Our Systems
Our true work is to establish people, not projects. Therefore, we clearly envision what this looks like for our people and the methodologies we use.
There is a natural tension between:
- creating a system that helps and supports vulnerable people, and
- creating a system that makes the people dependent on it.
Our work is found within this tension.
Systems of Dependency
We don’t do Handouts
Systems of dependency prevents people from embracing a better tomorrow. Our biggest challenge is to break systems of dependency, while at the same time, providing the support structures that pull people out of poverty without them becoming reliant on these new systems.
One thing is clear: we do not do handouts. Handouts reinforce the lie that our people have been told: you are unable to look after yourself. Everything we do as PEN is aligned to establish an “I can” outlook. This is a slow and challenging process, but proven to be the best in instilling long lasting change and true impact. However, this can only be achieved within a holistically integrated and supportive environment that allows them to develop and grow.
Ecosystems of Care
From “I can’t” to “I can”
We create an atmosphere and environment for change that allows for optimal growth within every individual. Through our holistic approach, we’ve identified five facets that need to be present and in harmony to ensure a healthy ecosystem for lasting change. If any one of these is missing, irrespective of which one, then the chances of success dramatically decreases.
1. Physical Well-Being
Physical well-being is critical to enable people to reach their God-given potential. Adequate nutrition is fundamental to healthy development, but the socio-economic context of most of our beneficiaries means that sufficient, nutritious food is simply not accessible.
2. Emotional Well-Being
Many of the people we serve come from very difficult family and economic circumstances. These most often result in significant challenges to function well in family, school and work situations. PEN’s team of psychologists, social workers and counselors draw alongside vulnerable community members to enhance their emotional well-being and social adjustment through social and psychotherapeutic services.
1. Physical Well-Being
Physical well-being is critical to enable people to reach their God-given potential. Adequate nutrition is fundamental to healthy development, but the socio-economic context of most of our beneficiaries means that sufficient, nutritious food is simply not accessible.
2. Emotional Well-Being
Many of the people we serve come from very difficult family and economic circumstances. These most often result in significant challenges to function well in family, school and work situations. PEN’s team of psychologists, social workers and counselors draw alongside vulnerable community members to enhance their emotional well-being and social adjustment through social and psychotherapeutic services.
3. Spiritual Well-Being
If someone cannot connect their life to a greater sense of purpose or meaning, it is close to impossible to find the motivation and energy required to take the daily steps necessary. As PEN we help our people to reconnect their lives to purpose and meaning by creating times of reflection and looking at the big picture. We all know how easy it is to get lost in the tiny details of daily life and how that leaves you feeling lost and confused.
4. Community Well-Being
For a person to truly flourish, they must be connected and have a sense of belonging and mutual accountability. As PEN, we help people become active citizens who live as healthy integrated members of interdependent communities.
3. Spiritual Well-Being
If someone cannot connect their life to a greater sense of purpose or meaning, it is close to impossible to find the motivation and energy required to take the daily steps necessary. As PEN we help our people to reconnect their lives to purpose and meaning by creating times of reflection and looking at the big picture. We all know how easy it is to get lost in the tiny details of daily life and how that leaves you feeling lost and confused.
4. Community Well-Being
For a person to truly flourish, they must be connected and have a sense of belonging and mutual accountability. As PEN, we help people become active citizens who live as healthy integrated members of interdependent communities.
5. Vocational Well-Being
The unemployment rate in our country continues to be an ever-present struggle. As PEN we focus on both educational development and entrepreneurial training to help address job readiness and self-sufficiency that eventually leads to financial stability of the people we serve.
Through our Ecosystem of Care, we highlight a path towards interdependence and provide the support that makes it possible for a person to prove to themselves “I CAN!”. Our clear aim is to no longer change things for people; we are uplifting people to change circumstances for themselves, instilling change that will last beyond our interventions.
5. Vocational Well-Being
The unemployment rate in our country continues to be an ever-present struggle. As PEN we focus on both educational development and entrepreneurial training to help address job readiness and self-sufficiency that eventually leads to financial stability of the people we serve.
Through our Ecosystem of Care, we highlight a path towards interdependence and provide the support that makes it possible for a person to prove to themselves “I CAN!”. Our clear aim is to no longer change things for people; we are uplifting people to change circumstances for themselves, instilling change that will last beyond our interventions.
Distribution
For the community, by the community
Charity, unfortunately, creates a system of dependency.
Our Distribution Center is the backbone that supports our initiatives and programs. It brings together many of our challenges by connecting current needs to available resources, while ensuring that these are received not as handouts but as deliberate incentives that help the person along their journey.
Our Distribution Center is a centralized hub so that we maximize our efficiency for the collection and distribution of clothing and food, furniture and toys, sanitary and health products, educational resources and everything in between. By making these necessities accessible through our PENdula system, charity turns investment into the growth of our people, instead of handouts and systems of dependency.
With your investments, we aim to uplift our communities, creating a South Africa where everybody belongs.
